Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)

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.

Constituents & Their Actions

1. Cornflower Flowers (Centaurea flos)

  • Constituents:

    • Anthocyanins (Cyanidin, Delphinidin) – Strong antioxidants, responsible for the blue pigment.
    • Flavonoids (Apigenin, Quercetin) – Anti-inflammatory, circulatory support.
    • Tannins – Mild astringent, beneficial for skin and digestion.
    • Mucilage – Soothes irritated tissues, particularly in the eyes and digestive tract.
    • Essential Oils – Provide mild antimicrobial and calming effects.

  • Primary Actions:

    • Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant – Supports eye health, digestion, and skin healing.
    • Mild Astringent & Tonic – Helps wounds, bruises, and skin conditions.
    • Calmative & Nervous System Support – Used for stress relief and relaxation.

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Beneficial for eye health, skin healing, and digestion.
    • Human Use: Used for eye washes, skin care, and herbal teas for relaxation.
2. Cornflower Leaves & Seeds (Less Commonly Used)

  • Constituents:

    • Flavonoids & Tannins – Similar properties to the flowers but in lower concentrations.
    • Bitter Compounds – Aid digestion and liver function.

  • Primary Actions:

    • Mild Digestive Aid – Supports liver function and digestion.
    • Topical Healing – Can be used as a poultice for minor wounds.

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Occasionally used for digestive support and skin healing.
    • Human Use: Found in bitter herbal tonics for digestion.

Equine Use of Cornflower

Benefits for Horses

Cornflower is beneficial for:

  1. Eye Health – Used as an eye wash for inflammation, conjunctivitis, and irritation.
  2. Skin & Wound Healing – Supports bruises, cuts, and minor infections.
  3. Digestive Support – Mildly soothes the gut and liver.
  4. 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:

  1. Eye Health & Conjunctivitis – Reduces redness, irritation, and infection.
  2. Skin & Coat Support – Used for soothing hot spots, wounds, and inflammation.
  3. Calmative & Anxiety Relief – Helps relax stressed or anxious dogs.
  4. 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.

Conclusion

Cornflower is a versatile anti-inflammatory and healing herb, particularly useful for eye health, wound healing, and relaxation in humans, horses, and dogs. With a strong presence in UK and Isle of Man folklore, it has long been revered for protection, love, and spiritual vision.

Calming

Coat and skin

Digestion

Inflamation

Respiratory

Wellbeing

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) Corn Silk (Zea mays)