Contents
Uses
Safflower seed oil is used for preventing heart disease, including “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) and stroke. It is also used to treat fever, tumors, coughs, breathing problems, clotting conditions, pain, heart disease, chest pain, and traumatic injuries. Some people use it for inducing sweating; and as a laxative, stimulant, antiperspirant, and expectorant to help loosen phlegm.
Benefits
Skin: Safflower oil contains lubricant properties that prompt the skin to retain water and moisture. According to “Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary” by Natalia Michalun and M. Varinia Michalun, the oil consists primarily of linoleic acid, an omega-6 that is packed with essential vitamins. Safflower oil prevents dryness and roughness and removes dirt and oil. Its content makes safflower oil a key treatment for issues including eczema, psoriasis and acne. Its hydrating properties lend skin a healthy glow, promote elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Heart Health: Safflower oil has been shown to have a very high content of omega-6 fatty acids, which is a beneficial type of fatty acid that our body needs. It is otherwise known as linoleic acid. This acid can help the body to keep a healthy balance of cholesterol in the body, which decreases the chances of developing atherosclerosis, as well as the other health conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, that are often the result of this condition.
Diabetes: The omega-6 fatty acid has also been shown to manage blood sugar levels, thereby helping those people who suffer from diabetes to keep their blood sugar even. This can also prevent people from developing diabetes.
Obesity: This has long been known as a good choice for those people who are trying their best to lose weight. Omega-6 fatty acids, of which safflower oil is rich, helps the body to burn fat, rather than store it. This makes safflower oil very valuable, since vegetable oil is used in so many cooking preparations, and it can be used by people suffering from obesity to lose weight without having to make too many changes to their diet.
Hair Health: Safflower oil is also rich in oleic acid, which is very beneficial for the scalp and hair. This vitamin increases circulation on the scalp, stimulating hair growth and strength in the follicles. It can also help to keep your hair shiny and vibrant, so it is often used in cosmetic applications. However, it also does the same thing if consumed as food.
Cautions
Safflower seed oil is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth.
It is POSSIBLY SAFE to take safflower flower by mouth or to inject a specific safflower oil emulsion (Liposyn) intravenously (by IV), provided the safflower oil emulsion is administered by a healthcare professional.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: It is POSSIBLY SAFE to inject a specific safflower oil emulsion (Liposyn) intravenously (by IV), provided the safflower oil emulsion is administered to children by a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safflower seed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE to take by mouth during pregnancy. But don’t take safflower flower during pregnancy. It is LIKELY UNSAFE. It can bring on menstrual periods, make the uterus contract, and cause miscarriages.
There isn’t much information about the safety of using safflower seed oil or flower during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic diseases, stomach or intestinal ulcers, or clotting disorders): Safflower can slow blood clotting. If you have any kind of bleeding problem, don’t use safflower.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Safflower may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking safflower.
Diabetes: Safflower oil might increase blood sugar. There is concern that safflower oil might interfere with blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Surgery: Since safflower might slow blood clotting, there is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using safflower at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
None are recorded
Other names
Alazor, American Saffron, Bastard Saffron, Benibana, Benibana Oil, Benibana Flower, Cártamo, Carthame, Carthame des Teinturiers, Carthamus tinctorius, Chardon Panaché, Dyer’s Saffron, Fake Saffron, False Saffron, Hing Hua, Honghua, Huile de Carthame, Kusumbha, Kusum Phool, Safflower Nut Oil, Safflower Oil, Safran Bâtard, Safranon, Zaffer, Zafran
References
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/157519-safflower-oil-skin-benefits/
OrganicFacts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/safflower-oil.html