Safflower Flower Petals (Carthamus Tinctorius)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Safflower Flower Petals (Carthamus Tinctorius) HERB COMMON NAME :  Safflower HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Carthamus Tinctorius OTHER NAMES :   False Saffron, Dyer’s Saffron, Bastard Saffron, Mexican Saffron, American Saffron, Beni, Fake Saffron, Azafran, Carthamine FAMILY :  Asteraceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Mars Day: Friday Direction: West Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Chakra: 2nd Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Tarot Card: Ace of Wands Spirit Animal: Scorpion, Serpent, Giraffe Sabbat or Holiday:  the Great Rite ; Lupercalia (February 15) ; Beltane / Walpurgis / May Day (April 30 – May 1) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Apollo, Aphrodite, Eros, Himeros, Pothos, Heracles/Hercules, Hermes   Parts Used:  Flower Petals, Seeds Description:  Safflower is in the daisy family native to the Middle East and is grown in the U.S. Europe, Mexico and India. It is believed to have been domesticated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East more than 4,000 years ago. It produces vibrant yellow to reddish-orange flowers and the seeds yield an edible oil commonly used for cooking. The dried safflower flowers are often used as a saffron substitute. Making safflower herbal tea is an enjoyable way to take advantage of its benefits. While safflower is similar to saffron, the flavor is more mild. It is also used in herbal tea blends. A healthy unsaturated cooking oil is made from safflower. Safflower has a variety of health benefits and is rich in calcium, magnesium, folate, phosphorous and fatty acids. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of the herb are due to a variety of flavonoid glycosides, including kaempferol, quercetin and at least seven serotonin derivatives. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), safflower petals are considered a blood regulator. In Chinese herbal medicine, safflower is also recommended to encourage menstruation and to help menstrual cramps. In Afghanistan, safflower petals are made into a tea for preventing miscarriage and infertility. In India, safflower is considered an aphrodisiac. Safflower powder can also be used to make a paste or infused oil for salves and balms to help with inflammation. In various cultures, saffron petals have been processed into makeup. The ancient Egyptians grew safflower and used its dye to color fabric, to anoint mummies before wrapping, and to color the ritual ointments used on statues of the gods. The flowers were woven into wreaths for mummies. In Japan, the petals were prized for dying silk. In Europe, safflower’s coloring properties have mostly been used for foods like cheese and sausage. The petals are also nice for coloring rice, pickles, sauces, and breads. They add no taste of their own. Historical Uses:  inflammation, circulation, miscarriage, infertility, aphrodisiac, menstrual problems, menstrual cramps, PMS, sexual desire Mystical Attributes:  Safflower is the poor man’s saffron, but contains equal strength without the steep price. In India, gay men smudge themselves with the smoke of dried safflower petals before going out for the evening. Dried safflower flowers and snake root are also steeped together in safflower oil, with the oil then rubbed on the back of the knees, thighs, and buttocks to attract a male lover. In folklore, safflower is thought to be useful for attracting love, luck, and happiness. It can be placed in a mojo bag or charm to attract a partner. Also in India, the female relatives of a would-be bride and groom dye the bride’s sheets and their own with safflower petals. A brilliant resulting color indicates a marriage that will be successful. Safflower is useful in magic spells and rituals for lust and sexual desire. It can be used to anoint candles and altar tools, as well as added to ritual baths. Safflower is a good selection for a plant to offer ritual protection of your property and to provide coloring for ritual (or non-ritual) purposes, be it for foods (the Hope dyed their ceremonial wafer bread yellow with safflower petals), textiles, or even skin. Mystical Intentions:  smudge, attraction, marriage, home protection, love, luck, happiness, finding a gay male lover, attracting a lover, sexual desire, lust, calling wind, dating, enchantment, fertility Other Uses:  Safflower oil is used as a substitute for diesel fuel. Taste & Smell:  Safflower has a mild and pleasant taste, but lacks the honey-like undertones of saffron. It is nearly odorless. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Safflower is in the daisy family native to the Middle East and is grown in the U.S. Europe, Mexico and India. It is believed to have been domesticated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East more than 4,000 years ago. Safflower is an herbaceous, highly branched, thistle-like annual plant of the Asteraceae family. It can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet. Safflower’s globular flower heads bloom with red, orange, or yellow flowers. From one to five flower heads grow on a branch, with each flower head usually containing 15 to 20 seeds. Safflower plants have a deep taproot which enables it to thrive in its native arid environments having only seasonal rain. It is native to a climate with a long dry season and a limited rainy season in full sun. It is adapted to poor, dry soils. Sow seeds in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 10-24 days at cool room temperatures around 65°F (18°C). Start indoors under lights 4-6 weeks before your last frost, or sow outside in in deep fertile soil in spring after the last frost, covering the seed lightly. Grow safflower plants 6-9″ (15-23cm) apart in full sun unless your summers get very hot, as in the south, in which case give shade in the afternoon. Transplant into individual pots when large enough to handle, plant into the garden in late spring or early summer. The flowers are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried. Gather petals every 2-3 days just after dusk or before sunrise and let them dry. It is easy to air dry the opened flowers. Store dried safflower and powdered safflower in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should not be stored for longer than 12 months. Constituents: Lignans Carthamone Polysaccharide     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. 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