Safflower

(Safflower)
Sanskrit: कुसुम्भ • Botanical: Carthamus tinctorius Linn.

Kusumbha (Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius) is an important flower used for its dye and oil. The flowers yield a red-orange dye (Carthamin) used in textiles and food coloring. The seeds yield Safflower oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The flowers are used medicinally as an emmenagogue and in joint pains. The plant is thistle-like with spiny leaves. It grows 2-4 feet tall. The oil is used in cooking and for cardiac health. The dried flowers are used in Ayurvedic preparations. Dose: 1-2 tola seeds; flowers externally. Verse: 19.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Carthamin (red dye), Safflower oil (linoleic acid), Kaempferol, Luteolin
Also Known As
English: Safflower
Sanskrit: कुसुम्भ, वह्निशिख
Hindi: कुसुम, कुसुम्भ

What is Safflower (Kusumba / कुसुम्भ)?

Kusumbha (Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius) is an important flower used for its dye and oil. The flowers yield a red-orange dye (Carthamin) used in textiles and food coloring. The seeds yield Safflower oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The flowers are used medicinally as an emmenagogue and in joint pains. The plant is thistle-like with spiny leaves. It grows 2-4 feet tall. The oil is used in cooking and for cardiac health. The dried flowers are used in Ayurvedic preparations. Dose: 1-2 tola seeds; flowers externally. Verse: 19.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Artavajnana (emmenagogue)
  • Garbhashaya Sankocha (uterine stimulant)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Safflower by Condition

Explore how Safflower is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Safflower for Fertility & Conception
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Safflower for Menstrual Health

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.