Cornflower - (Centaurea cyanus)
The cornflower is an herbal plant; living for 1 – 2 years, with ramified shank, covered with leafs. The leafs are elongated, deeply carved, alternate. Due to the brushes covering it the plans has a silky, blue look.
Chemical composition:
The flowers contain poliene, centaurine, tannine, mucuses, cianina, potassium salt, magnesium, etc.
Cosmetic action:
The active principles from the flowers have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, especially in ophthalmology. The flowers are used for the treatment of tired eyes, dark rings and wrinkled eyelids.
Method of use:
The cornflowers also have several other properties, and are widely recommended for internal use. For example they are used in case of: diarrhea, renal and bladder affections due to the anti diarrheic and diuretic qualities.
For these disorders a mild infusion is used, infusion from one teaspoon of flowers for one cup of boiling water, drunk in three steps, best ½ hour before meals.
The flowers have a diuretic action, and externally they can be used for local baths, especially for different eye treatments.
Locally, the cornflowers hydrate and eliminate toxic substances or degrading substances. They also effectively attenuate dark rings. The hydration fights the small wrinkles formed next to the eye. The cornflowers are used as a concentrate infusion. One, one and ½ spoon of flowers for one cup of water, boiled and covered for 5 minutes and body temperature compresses are used for 20 to 30 minutes. The compresses should be applied for at least two weeks. In case of a sleepless night we can use the infusion for eye baths.
The cornflowers have a diuretic and astringent action; the diuretic action is more effective if associated with birch leafs, cranberry leafs and cherry tails.
The flowers are used as an infusion from one teaspoon of flowers for 100 milliliters of boiled water.
Compresses may be applied on the eyes for 10 – 15 minutes, every evening, for three months. In case you dislike the cornflower infusion try potato juice, but make sure that the juice is fresh.