Cornflower

Scientific Names: Centaurea cyanus L. Synonym: Setachna cyanus (L.) Dulac. English Name: Cornflower Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Bachelor’s Button, Blue Bottle Family: Asteraceae

GENERAL DATA

Plant Parts: Flowers and leaves
Cultivation Mode: Wild collection/ Cultivated
In Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical, tea, cosmetics, extract, oil
In Food: Pottages

🌸 Industries That Use Cornflower Petals (Centaurea cyanus L.)

Cornflower petals, also known as Bachelor’s Button, are the bright blue flowers of Centaurea cyanus L., a member of the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and widely cultivated for ornamental and herbal use, these petals are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

1. Pharmaceutical & Herbal Medicine Industry

Cornflower petals are used in natural and traditional medicine for mild inflammatory conditions and eye health.

Key Applications:

• Mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial remedy

• Used in herbal compresses for eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and tired eyes

• Occasionally used for mild digestive or respiratory discomfort

✅ Often used as infused water, decoctions, or eye lotions

2. Cosmetic & Skincare Industry

Highly prized in natural beauty and skincare, particularly for sensitive and mature skin.

Uses:

• Soothing facial toners, especially for puffy or tired eyes

• Anti-redness and calming lotions

• Floral water (hydrosol) for delicate skin

• Ingredient in bath blends or skincare masks

✅ Favored in micellar waters, makeup removers, and under-eye gels

3. Tea & Beverage Industry

Cornflower petals are widely used for aesthetic and functional purposes in teas and infusions.

Common Roles:

• Added to herbal teas and black or green tea blends for color

• Enhances visual appeal in floral blends

• May contribute to mild relaxation and antioxidant properties

✅ Found in popular blends like Earl Grey with cornflower

4. Perfumery & Aromatherapy Industry

Used in botanical fragrance products for its delicate and subtle floral notes.

Applications:

• Aromatic sachets and natural potpourri

• Added to botanical incense

• Used as a decorative and aromatic element in bath salts and soaps

✅ Often included for its visual elegance and mild scent

5. Natural Dye & Textile Industry

The vibrant blue petals can be used for plant-based textile dyeing and handmade paper crafting.

Applications:

• Craft dyes and natural paper decorations

• Added to handmade soaps, candles, or crafts for color

✅ Considered a gentle, non-toxic natural dye

6. Gourmet & Culinary Industry

Used as a decorative edible flower in premium culinary applications.

Uses Include:

• Garnish for salads, pastries, and desserts

• Blended into flower sugars, syrups, or artisan liqueurs

• Adds visual charm without strong taste

✅ Certified edible and safe for use in food decoration

7. Organic & Natural Product Market

A staple in organic apothecaries, tea shops, and handmade beauty brands.

Forms Available:

• Whole dried petals (bulk or packaged)

• Floral water (hydrosol)

• Herbal sachets and craft kits

✅ Widely available in eco-conscious wellness stores

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌟 Key Features:

• Brilliant blue pigment with mild floral aroma

• Known for anti-inflammatory and astringent properties

• Gentle enough for eye care and sensitive skin

• Edible and cosmetic-grade flower

• Valued across herbal, cosmetic, and culinary markets

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Persian Name: گل گندم- ترنشاه/ Gole Gandom- Taranshah
German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Kornblume, Kornblume getrocknet
French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Bleuet, Bleuet pétales

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About Centaurea Cyanus

Centaurea cyanus is a one-year plant whose height reaches seventy centimeters.

The stems of this plant are relatively thin and hairy and their cross section is circular.

The leaves of the Centaurea cyanus plant are narrow, elongated, pointed and slightly hairy and grow without petioles. The lower leaves of this plant are slightly longer and wider.

At the end of each flowering stem, grows a drop-shaped, small, green bulge. Each bulge consists of a many triangular-shaped and relatively elongated leaflets that are densely placed next to each other. On the side of each leaf there are several very small blades. At the tip of each spike are many very small purple flowers. Around these flowers, there are a number of larger, trumpet-shaped, blue, narrow and elongated flowers that grow in the form of the radii of a circle.

After fully ripening and drying, these bulges split open and turn pale brown. Many elongated, almost oval, grayish-white, sometimes brown seeds can be seen inside each bulge.

The corner of each seed has a well-defined notch.

 

Cornflower Temperament

Third degree of hot and dry.

 

Cornflower Chemical Constituents

Chichorigenin, Cyanidin, Cyanidol, Cyanoside, Centaurin.

 

Cornflower Health Benefits Cornflower is fattening, sexual power enhancer, erectile, stone breaker, and diuretic. Cornflower cures dysuria, jaundice, liver diseases and fever. Eating it with apple juice stops bleeding. Its poultice improves bleeding, Psoriasis, and scurf. The flowers of this plant are used in the form of an infusion as a diuretic for polydipsia patients. It also softens the chest and relieves cough in colds and hoarseness. A decoction of the stems, flowers and leaves of the plant has an antipyretic effect.

The seeds of this plant are laxative.

In India, the flowers of this plant are used as emmenagogue.

Its flowers can be used to color some foods due to its red pigment.

 

Cornflower Dose

3 grams.

 

Cornflower Side Effects

It can cause nausea.

 

Cornflower Modifiers

Rhubarb and Pomegranate.

 

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