What Are the Benefits of Safflower Oil? How to use?

by Abbas Jahangir · December 4, 2021

Safflower plant, which has a deep-rooted history, is a plant cultivated in ancient times, especially in Egypt, Iran, India, Japan and China, and used for medicinal purposes. In addition, the dye in the flower of the plant is widely used in fabric dyeing, and what makes the safflower plant special today is the oil extracted from its seeds.

In the Far East countries, herbal tea prepared from the flowers of the safflower plant was used in the treatment of many diseases. Safflower, which contains high levels of antioxidant components, is also a rich source of B complex vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E. Mixtures prepared from its flowers are especially used in the treatment of severe pain in women’s menstrual period and swelling and pain caused by trauma.

In India and Afghanistan, tea prepared using safflower leaves was used to prevent miscarriage in pregnant women. Safflower tea, which was used in cases of poisoning because it prevented constipation and encouraged vomiting, was also used as an antipyretic. In addition, safflower flowers are used as a colorant in pickles, sauces, bread, rice and soups due to their distinctive yellow color in the Middle East and Asia. It is also used in some dishes in our country, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, due to its coloring feature. Today, the oil extracted from the safflower plant by cold pressing method is used in many fields.

What is Safflower Oil?

The homeland of the safflower plant, which is a plant belonging to the daisy family, is Southeast Asia. The plant, which grows in the Mediterranean Region in our country, is much more common in the cities of Eskişehir, Tekirdağ, Konya, Isparta and Burdur. The leaves and flowers of the safflower plant, which has yellow, red and orange flowers, are used in tea making and its seeds are used in oil production.

The height of the safflower plant, which has thorny and thornless varieties, can reach 50-120 centimeters. Safflower oil obtained from its seeds is used in the food and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the paint and cosmetics industry.

Safflower oil is an oil rich in content. Safflower oil, which is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 oil content, contains a high level of antioxidant components. In addition to these components, it contains vitamins C, E and B complex and minerals such as iron, phosphorus and calcium. In addition, safflower oil has a weakening effect due to the linoleic fatty acid in its content.

What Are the Benefits of Safflower Oil?

The antioxidant components in its content strengthen the immune system and support the body’s fight against infections. It prevents the formation of cancer cells and ensures the destruction of the formed cells. In particular, it has a preventive effect on breast and prostate cancer.
It regulates the body’s fat metabolism by keeping the cholesterol level in balance. It protects the body against the risk of heart attack.
Thanks to its omega 6 oil content, it plays a supportive role in the treatment of diabetes. By balancing blood sugar, it prevents the development of insulin resistance and helps to eliminate the risk of diabetes.
Safflower oil, which has the feature of preventing shortness of breath, is also beneficial for cough and is also an effective expectorant.
Safflower oil, which has positive effects on the digestive system, prevents constipation by accelerating bowel movements.
Safflower oil, which helps balance menstrual irregularities in women, has a reducing effect on the severity of menstrual pain.
Safflower oil, which supports the nutrition of hair follicles, allows hair to grow quickly and gives a more lively appearance.
It helps relieve rheumatic pains.
Organic fatty acids in safflower oil have an aphrodisiac effect. Increasing sexual desire is remarkable among the properties of safflower oil.

What are the Benefits of Safflower Oil for the Skin?

Antioxidant vitamins and minerals and linoleic acid in safflower oil are very important for skin health. Safflower oil, which balances the sebum production of the skin, helps to open clogged pores and allows skin cells to renew themselves.
Safflower oil is a natural moisturizer that helps maintain the moisture balance of the skin. Due to this feature, safflower oil, which is used in the cosmetics industry, prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, called crow’s feet, if applied directly to the skin.
Safflower oil, which helps to treat inflammation and redness of the skin, has a relaxing effect on the skin, especially after epilation. It has a therapeutic effect on injuries caused by irritation.
It makes the skin look brighter and livelier. It prevents the skin from drying and peeling. It is used in the treatment of acne and acne.
It helps in the treatment of cracks and tissue damage caused by breastfeeding in the breasts of nursing mothers. It has a preventive effect on diaper rash in babies.

How to Use Safflower Oil? What Does It Do?

The use of safflower oil varies according to the purpose for which it will be consumed. In order to make the hair look more lively and shiny, a few drops of safflower oil are poured into the palms and used by massaging the roots of the hair after washing the hair. Safflower oil, which is applied regularly to the roots of the hair, helps the hair to grow in a healthy way.
Safflower oil is applied directly to clean skin. Before going to bed, massage a few drops of safflower oil on a clean skin. Antioxidant components reach the tissues under the skin, providing nourishment and getting more oxygen, helping to create a more lively and smooth skin.
Rheumatism patients can apply safflower structure to their legs together with massage. Thus, blood circulation accelerates and inflammations are eliminated from the body.
It can be added to salads if desired to be used as food. Safflower oil is not heat stable and therefore it is recommended to add it to food in its cold form without heating it.
Safflower oil, which has a tanning effect, can also be used as a sunscreen in summer.
Consuming safflower oil regularly helps to treat depression that develops due to stress. It increases the level of serotonin and is a type of oil recommended for Alzheimer’s patients.

Does Safflower Oil Make You Weak?

The antioxidant components in its content are very effective on the metabolic rate. Consumption of 2 teaspoons of safflower oil on an empty stomach in the morning increases the metabolic rate by 10-20%. It regulates bowel movements and helps to overcome problems such as bloating, gas and constipation.

Antioxidant components accelerate the burning of fat by helping the elimination of toxic substances in the body, and also ensure the removal of excess water from the body. Thanks to its conjugated linoleic acid content, also known as omega 6, safflower oil, which helps to regulate fat metabolism, prevents the storage of fat in the body and supports the use of fat by cells. Safflower oil, which has a preventive effect on the development of insulin resistance, helps to lose weight, especially when used regularly in the morning with vinegar.

Supported by a healthy diet and regular exercise, safflower oil is very effective for weight loss. Safflower oil is also recommended by Canan Karatay because of its weakening properties. In addition, safflower oil is a type of oil recommended by İbrahim Saracoğlu to be added to salads and yoghurts. Saraçoğlu states that safflower oil consumed in meals helps to lose weight.

What Are the Harms and Side Effects of Safflower Oil?

As with all herbal products, the use of safflower oil can cause harmful effects when excessive. Especially people with allergy problems should consult their doctor before using it. In some people, safflower oil can cause allergic reactions. Because it contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, excessive consumption can cause low blood pressure.

Excessive consumption can cause stomach pain, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Safflower oil, which can also cause diarrhea, can cause serious water and salt loss from the body. In case of any side effects, it is necessary to go to the nearest health institution.