Cornflower 

Cornflower is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Compositae family and it used in medicinal preparations. It has a ramified stem covered with leaves and usually bears blue, pink, or white flowers. Only the blue colored flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Cornflowers grow 12-30 inches in height and spread up to 12 inches in width. Cornflower is an astringent herb that helps in reducing inflammation and it has strong diuretic properties that help in treating a number of health problems. Therapeutically, it can be used both internally as well as externally without the risk of any major side effects.  

Nutritional Information and Properties  


The flowers of this herb are rich in mineral salts and contain a bitter ingredient known as pectin. It is rich in calcium that is essential for the development and maintenance of bones. Cornflower also contains components like anthocyanins and flavonoids, which contribute greatly to its medicinal value. Being rich in potassium salts and tannin, cornflower has powerful astringent, antiseptic, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in treating a number of health concerns. These minerals also help regulate ph levels in the blood. Cornflower is also rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and other organic compounds that help detoxify the body.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses


  • Cornflower contains biotin that helps in strengthening the nails, prevents and treats nail infections, and treats hair problems like dandruff. Cornflower is used in many hair care and skin care products because of its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is even used in shampoos and hair rinses to treat scalp eczema.
  • Cornflower is used for easing eye irritation and treating problems like sore eyes, conjunctivitis, and even skin irritation around the eye because of its effective anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Cornflower tea is used as an eye wash to relieve swelling and pain.
  • The bitterness of cornflower makes it an effective natural remedy against a variety of digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and other gastrointestinal complaints. It also acts as an appetite stimulant and is therefore used for treating cases of anorexia as well.
  • The flowers of this plant are used as an expectorant, diuretic, and stimulant for gall bladder and liver function. It also supports and regulates the functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, people suffering from kidney, liver, or spleen problems can take prescribed doses of this herb for relief from symptoms of these disorders.
  • Cornflower is very commonly applied topically to wounds, cuts, and other ulcerations. You can either use the juice from its leaves or make a poultice and apply it to the wounds for quick relief from pain and inflammation.
  • Cornflower is also used as an astringent oral rinse for treating mouth ulcers.
  • Women suffering from endometriosis can take cornflower preparations to ease menstrual cramps and other related symptoms.
  • Cornflower has a calming effect on the nervous system and it therefore beneficial to those suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, and other nervous system disorders.

Other Uses


  • The flowers of this plant are used for decorative purposes in bouquets, hair ornaments, and corsages.
  • The blue dye made from the flowers of cornflower is used in artwork as well as in alcohol beverages like vodka to add color and spice.