Alias: Zang Honghua (藏红花), Fan Honghua (番红花), Ci Honghua (刺红花). Historical Origin: Honghua, also known as Red Flower, grows in Lianghan and the Western Regions. According to the Bo Wu Zhi (博物志), Zhang Qian obtained seeds from the Western Regions. Source of Medicinal Material: The upper part of the flower column and stigma of the … Read more
A Brief Story of Safflower According to the “Night Talks by the Boat Window” by Gu Wenjian from the Song Dynasty, there was a woman surnamed Xu in Xinchang who fell critically ill after childbirth. Her family invited the famous doctor Lu Riyang to treat her. When he arrived at the patient’s home, her breath … Read more
Honghua (Safflower) Honghua, the name of a traditional Chinese medicine, refers to the dried flowers of the plant Carthamus tinctorius, belonging to the Asteraceae family. The flowers are harvested in summer when they change from yellow to red, and are then dried in the shade or under sunlight. It is widely cultivated across the country. … Read more
1. Alias Safflower, Red Flower, Thistle Flower. 2. Plant Morphology Annual herb. Height 40–100 cm. Stem erect, branched at the top, with fine shallow grooves on the surface. Hairless. Leaves alternate; nearly without petioles, slightly clasping the stem; leaf blades are long oval or ovate-lanceolate. Capitulum inflorescence terminal, 2–3 cm in diameter, arranged in an … Read more
Herb Name: Safflower (Honghua) Alias: Red Blue Flower, Thistle Safflower, Grass SafflowerHarvesting and Processing: Flowers bloom in late May, with peak flowering from late May to mid to late June, harvested in batches. Choose sunny days, and harvest between 6-8 AM when the tubular flowers are fully opened and golden yellow; if harvested too late, … Read more
Safflower (Hong Hua) is known for its ability to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, and has anti-cancer properties. It is also used to promote menstruation, alleviate food stagnation, and relieve pain. Alias:Du Hong Hua, Huai Hong, Chuan Hong Hua, Cao Hong Hua, Ci Hong Hua, Hong Lan Hua Taste and Properties:Pungent and bitter, slightly … Read more
Honghua (Safflower) Honghua, also known as Cao Honghua (草红花). Honghua has a unique fragrance and a slightly bitter taste. The best quality is characterized by long petals, bright red color, and soft texture. Honghua is mainly produced in Henan, Zhejiang, and Sichuan provinces. The efficacy and functions of Honghua are primarily manifested in promoting blood … Read more
Safflower (Honghua) has been cherished since ancient times as a rare and valuable medicine. It offers numerous benefits for the body. It can effectively unblock the meridians, promote blood circulation, dispel stasis, and relieve pain. It is indicated for conditions such as blood stasis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to stasis, chest pain, masses, … Read more
Safflower (Honghua) is the dried flower of the plant from the Asteraceae family. It is harvested in summer when the flowers change from yellow to red, taking care not to damage the base ovary. The flowers are cleaned of impurities and dried in the shade or with gentle heat; the best quality is soft and … Read more
This Issue’s Science Popularization Expert The Magical Effects of Safflower: Unveiling the ‘Beauty Treasure’ of Traditional Chinese Medicine Responsible Person for This Issue | Xia Huizhu Safflower, also known as Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius), has been revered since ancient times as a ‘beauty treasure’ in the field of TCM. It holds a significant position in TCM … Read more