The plant’s medicinal value lies primarily in its anti-inflammatory properties. Taken internally as an herbal tea, it is thought to aid in soothing stomach ulcers, while rinsing with the tea is used to speed the healing of sores or bleeding gums in the mouth.
The tea can also be good for improving digestion, and the herb’s high antioxidant content aids in detoxifying the liver.
Stronger infusions of the flower buds have been used to treat urinary tract infections, as the properties of the plant include antibiotic and antiseptic qualities.
Taken internally as a tea, the flowers can also impart their antibiotic and antioxidant properties as a preventative for warding off illnesses like the common cold.
An infusion of the seeds has been used historically in Europe for treating constipation. A gentle infusion of the petals is also said to treat yeast infections in women when applied internally.
Cornflowers are also thought to stimulate the appetite when taken as a tea.
The natural tannin found in the plant helps to bind proteins, which makes its use as a wound treatment particularly effective. It can assist in stopping bleeding in open wounds and bleeding gums.
The addition, the phytochemical coumarin acts as an anticoagulant by crushing the leaves and applying their juice directly to a wound. The plant also has a beneficial effect when the flower heads and crushed leaves are applied as a poultice to bruises, aching muscles, and inflamed joints, due to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
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