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![Cornflower Hydrolat]() | Cornflower Hydrolat | Centaurea cyanus is commonly known as Cornflower or Bluebottle. It is an erect annual plant with lance-shaped leaves that are about 10-20cms long. Dark ble flower-heads (about 3cms across), with violet-blue inner florets are borne from late spring to midsummer. An essential oil is not usually produced from this plant, but the hydrolat has been produced for many years for its anti-inflammatory properties on the cornea of the eye.
Cornflower hydrolat has a lovely fresh, green aroma that is extremely unobtrusive and pleasant. To taste, it is very slightly lemony, with sharp and floral notes. The main chemical constituents found on analysis are 4-9% eucalyptol, 35-72% alcohols and 22-26% aldehydes, making this hydrolat expectorant, mucolytic, anti-infectious, bactericidal, decongestant, stimulating, anti-viral, claming, febrifuge and tonic.
The water distilled from cornflower petals was formerly in repute as a remedy for weak eyes, as it is wonderfully soothing to the delicate tissues around the eye. Used as an eyewash, it can be used to counter irritation, inflammation and tiredness.
The seeds or leaves used to be taken in wine as it was thought to be very good against the plague and all infectious diseases, and was also good for reducing fevers and high temperatures.
The hydrolat is slightly hormonal and can be used by women of all ages, particularly during the menopause, as it is balancing and calming to the reproductive system.
For a healthy system
Cornflower water can be used as a general system tonic and mild diuretic. It can be used as a douche for urinary or reproductive infections. Use 50mls of cornflower hydrolat in 4 pints of water to make a sitz bath.
To help with skin conditions
Use cornflower as a skin tonic to help prevent crepey, dry skin. It is astringent and anti-inflammatory and especially useful for irritated, itchy skin. For dry, devitalised, lifeless skin, add a teaspoon of cornflower hydrolat to your usual moisture cream, or use it on a gauze mask for at least 20 minutes per day.
For hot flushes
Take 20ml in a glassful of warm water up to three times a day to help regularise the system and prevent hot flushes. The hydrolat can also be put into a spray bottle to carry around and be used at any time to reduce redness and flushing.
In summary, this hydrolat is a gentle option for maintaining health in many areas of the body, especially in the eye area. | | |
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