MEDICINAL PLANTS

The cornflower is a herbaceous plant of the family Compositae, which can be annual or biennial. On average, does not usually pass the meter in height. Their stems are thin and flexible and leaves long, narrow, denticulate and white. Its extremely capitula ovoid, with the involvement of either leaves or bracts overlapping, narrow, and a ciliated apical appendix. In this capitulum there are flowers of two kinds: the peripheral, which are very showy and a bright blue, and the center, much smaller and bluish purple. This herb grows in most parts of northern Iraq, one of the most typical Meseguera plants. Comes from East and widely distributed along with many grains of those lands.

FLOWERING

It blooms from May. Are collected for medicinal use floral chapters, namely radial flowers, and the more blue they are, the asset must focus on principles. As scattered dry and ventilated place possible for them to lose moisture quickly.

APPLICATIONS

In the cornflower are mucilage, tannins, flavonoids and pigments abundant, among which include the cyanine. It also appears a bitter principle and abundant minerals. It was considered that the bitter principle and acts as an appetizer eupeptic. Flavonoids and mineral salts give the plant diuretic properties. In the composition are compounds that have virtues antibiotic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory. But surely the most distinctive popular use of this herb is given in the field of ophthalmology. Thus it is said that the cornflower water is great not only to cure the majority of eye ailments, especially those accompanied by inflammation, but also to strengthen, clarify and keep the view, especially in people over age. This action may be related to the pigments found, which have properties to improve the circulation of the blood vessels, and this contributes to the regeneration of the vascular layer of the retina, increasing visual acuity. It is therefore indicated in any eye problems such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc.. Also used in slow digestion, rheumatism, anorexia, hemorrhoids and varicose capillary fragility.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. A dessert spoon per cup of boiling water. It can take up to three cups a day. This same infusion-end-hygienic conditions can be prepared for eye baths or to use as an astringent eye drops. In the pharmaceutical market is in various forms such as chopped plant and vegetable extracts.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Composite tubulifloras
HABITAT: North Country
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Chapter floral
CASTILIAN: Azulejo, ciano
CATALAN: Blavet
BASQUE: Nabarr lore

USES

Strong antibiotic, Diuretic Moderate, Moderate inflammatory.