Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
Botanical Description
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Common Names: Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button, Bluebottle
- Parts Used: Flowers, Leaves, Seeds (less commonly used)
- Native Habitat: Originally native to Europe, including the UK and the Isle of Man, cornflowers are found in meadows, field margins, and hedgerows.
Cornflower is valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and soothing properties, used for eye health, digestion, and skin healing in human, equine, and canine medicine.
Equine Use of Cornflower
Benefits for Horses
Cornflower is beneficial for:
- Eye Health – Used as an eye wash for inflammation, conjunctivitis, and irritation.
- Skin & Wound Healing – Supports bruises, cuts, and minor infections.
- Digestive Support – Mildly soothes the gut and liver.
- Calmative & Stress Relief – Helps nervous or anxious horses.
⚠ Precautions
- Avoid internal use in pregnant mares – May have mild uterine effects.
- Ensure sterility for eye applications – Only use freshly prepared eyewashes.
Canine Use of Cornflower
Benefits for Dogs
Cornflower is commonly used for:
- Eye Health & Conjunctivitis – Reduces redness, irritation, and infection.
- Skin & Coat Support – Used for soothing hot spots, wounds, and inflammation.
- Calmative & Anxiety Relief – Helps relax stressed or anxious dogs.
- Liver & Digestive Health – Mild support for detoxification and gut function.
⚠ Precautions
- Do not use in infected or severely damaged eyes – Seek veterinary care if symptoms persist.
- Ensure correct dosage – Avoid excessive internal use.
UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Cornflower
Folklore & Historical Use
Cornflower has been a symbol of protection, foresight, and healing in British and Manx traditions:
- Symbol of Love & Devotion – Young men in the UK and Isle of Man would wear cornflowers to determine if their love was returned.
- Used in Healing Charms – Manx herbalists used cornflower washes for eye infections and vision improvement.
- Protection Against Evil – Cornflowers were woven into garlands and placed in homes to ward off malevolent spirits.
- Associated with the Fae – It was believed that fairies used cornflowers as a dye and that picking them could bring good luck or fairy blessings.
Symbolism & Mythology
- Blue of the Sky & Vision Clarity – Associated with foresight and wisdom.
- Worn by Warriors – Believed to bring protection and safe return from battle.
- Connected to Harvest Traditions – Seen in fields with wheat and barley, signifying fertility and abundance.
Calming
Coat and skin
Digestion
Inflamation
Respiratory
Wellbeing
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Corn Silk (Zea mays)