Kusumba / Kusum / Safflower

Sanskrit: कुसुम Botanical: Carthamus tinctorius Linn.

Seeds yield edible oil. Flowers used as a dye (substitute for saffron) and medicinally. Widely cultivated in India.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Katu, Tikta
Quality (Guna)
Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
Potency (Virya)
Ushna
Key Constituents
10-20%, linoleic acid rich (Carthamin (red dye), also yields Safflower oil)
Also Known As
Sanskrit: कुसुम्भ, वह्निशिखा
Hindi: कुसुम, कुसुम्भ

What is Kusumba / Kusum / Safflower?

Seeds yield edible oil. Flowers used as a dye (substitute for saffron) and medicinally. Widely cultivated in India.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kushtha hara (skin diseases)
  • Vata Shamaka
  • Vishaghna

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.