Cornflowers (Bachelor Button)

Bulk Herbs: Cornflowers, Whole
Centaurea cyanus

Format: Whole Flowers
Size: 1 oz package

Also known as: Centaurea cyanus, Casse Lunette, Bachelor’s Buttons, Bluebonnet, Blue Bow, Centaury, Cyani, Hurtsickle, and Bluecap.

Origin: Hungary

Cornflower is a common wildflower that has been cultivated as a garden flower for centuries. Originally native to the Near East, the cornflower now grows wild across much of Europe and the temperate regions of North America. The cornflower gets its formal name from a minor goddess, Cyanus, and its genus name from a mythical Centaur (from the Greek Centaurea), Chiron. Chiron was a renowned herbalist in Greek mythology and is credited with teaching humanity about the healing power of herbs.

In many areas of the U.S., cornflowers are considered invasive weeds, even though they are also sought-after garden flowers. They are annuals and biennials that often self-sow and reseed, making them difficult to eradicate. They got the name Bachelor’s buttons in Victorian England because young women would wear them as a sign of availability. Nowadays, coriander is used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals, alcohol (vermouth, bitters, and gin), frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, and various meat products. Cornflower is still used as an eyewash in some parts of France.

The mild astringent and antiseptic qualities make it particularly useful against conjunctivitis and inflammation around the eyes. In addition, cornflower is often added to shampoos, or the infusion is used as a hair rinse to help treat eczema of the scalp. A douche made from a decoction of cornflower can be used for Candida (yeast) infections. Also of important note, the flowers have been used to create a natural blue dye for centuries.

Note: There are no harmful effects reported or noted in the use of cornflower.

In Magick, Cornflowers can be used in healing and dream magick. An infusion applied to the eyes can help enhance psychic gifts.

Keywords: Healing, Clairvoyance

For educational purposes only. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated this information. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease