Cosme-Phytami™ Cornflower

Cornflower is native to the near east and grows wild in all temperate regions, often in cornfields. The flowers are gathered just after they open. The name Centaurea comes from the Greek Centaureion an herb used by the Centaur Chiron who, according to the legend, discovered its properties by treating his foot, which had been injured by an arrow, with the milk from this plant. The name cyanus, comes the Greek, cyanos meaning dark blue. The medicinal virtues of the Cornflower were mentioned for the first time in the 12th century. A decoction of the cornflower was prescribed in the event of eye and eye-lid irritations and to treat conjunctivitis, and more generally, for skin and mucous membrane inflammations. In the past, cornflowers were used to treat coughs and for their tonic and aperitive properties. It was also used to regulate menstrual disorders, to stimulate liver activity and to increase the body's resistance to infection. The flowers, but especially the leaves, were traditionally used to treat rheumatic and joint pain. Finally, the seeds were used as a mild laxative for children.