The cornflower(Centaurea cyanus) is the most widespread species of the cornflower genus. In the past, it was treated mainly as a weed growing in cereals. However, it is worth appreciatingthe healing properties of cornflower , used in medicine and cosmetics.Cornflower cornflower was also used in flowerbeds, as an ornamental plant and as a flower for bouquets. We suggest what it looks likegrowing cornflower in the gardenand what else you can do with it!
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Fig. pixabay.com
Cornflower - healing properties
The raw material used in medicine islingual flowers cornflower bluewith an intense sapphire color. They are harvested at the beginning of flowering. They contain anthocyanin glycosides, including cyanine, pelargonine and flavonoids, bitter compounds and significant amounts of manganese s alts.
Cornflower extractshave diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have choleretic and antibacterial properties. Thanks to this, they are great fortreating inflammation of the kidneys , kidney stones and swelling caused by water and s alt retention in the body.
If we have problems with inflammation of the edges of the eyelids or conjunctiva, our eyes are sensitive to intense sunlight or we work in front of the computer for a long time,cornflower infusionsused in the form of dips and wraps.
Prepare the infusion bypouring 50g cornflowerflowers, with half a liter of boiling water and leaving it for 30 minutes. After this time, soak a gauze pad in the infusion and make compresses.
Cornflower - application
1. Cornflower as a honey plant
Cornflower, in addition to its use in medicine, is the source of the so-called honey bee honey from which bees makedelicious cornflower honey . It is saturated with lysozyme, a substance that supports the immune system.
2. Cornflower in the kitchen
The use of cornflower cornflower can also be found in the kitchen , because its petals, both dried and fresh, are suitable for decorating dishes. In the past, cornflower flowers were used to produce a blue dye.
3. Cornflower in cosmetics
Cornflower, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is often aingredient in creams for oily skin .
Cornflower cornflower - variety with white flowers
Fig. Neelix, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
4. Cornflower as an ornamental plant
The cornflower is a valued ornamental plant. Especially popular among gardeners arecornflowervarieties with large white or pink flowers, used in floristry.
The cornflower blooms blue from July to September . There are also varieties with other colors of flowers, such as:
- blooming pink cornflower 'Rosa Ball',
- white-blooming varieties 'Schneemann' and 'Weisser Ball',
- blooming red cornflower 'Red Boy',
- dark-blooming maroon cornflower 'Black Ball' (unfortunately the color of the flower heads is not completely black, as suggested by the name of this variety).
Thevarieties of cornflower with full flowers , which have baskets with enlarged central flowers, are especially appreciated.Plants reach a height of 65-120 cm. There are also remarkably dwarf varieties, such as the cornflowers 'Polka Dot', which are only about 30 cm tall, and are available in various colors.
The cut cornflower flowers stay in the vase for 4-8 days, fading gradually.
Good to know!
In addition to cornflower, which is an annual plant, perennial cornflowers are also grown in gardens, such as cornflower (Centaurea bella), large-headed cornflower (Centaurea macrocephal a), and mountain cornflower (Centaurea montana).
Cornflower - cultivation
We start the cultivation of cornflowerby sowing seeds directly into the ground in April, or in March to the inspectorate, accelerating its development. The first emergence appears after about 2 weeks. We interrupt the emergence too dense.
The cornflower likes soil rich in nutrients, well-drained and fertile.In cornflower cultivation, it is important toto provide it with a sunny position, regularly irrigate and fertilize it with fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus, e.g. with popular fertilizers for flowering plants.
As a herbal raw materialcornflower flowers are collected at the beginning of flowering , then dried in a shady, airy place, and then tightly packed. It is important to do this as efficiently as possible, because the raw material quickly loses its color, and along with it, its valuable healing properties.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
