Arguably one of western folks’ most favorite flowers – as it reminds most of us of the beauty of the summer, this flower is slept on in the medicinal community. The entirety of the sunflower can be used in one way or another as an herbal remedy. It’s much more than just a pretty-looking flower in a vase.
Sunflowers have a very rich history, dating all the way back to as early as 3,000 B.C. and have been used widely all around the world, from common use with Native Americans, stretching all the way to places like Latin America, China and Iran.
Sunflowers have hundreds of uses from being used to eat – by turning seeds into ground meal and oils for breads and cakes, to flower buds that can be eaten after being boiled or roasted and taste similarly to artichoke hearts, seed shells have even been known to create a coffee substitute – to building, to healing rituals by the Aztecs and many other places around the world.
Sunflowers, especially the seeds, can help reduce the chances of cancer, reduce anxiety and depression, rebalance hormones, alleviate stomach upset, increase energy levels, regulate blood sugars, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce prenatal infections, remove warts, skin brightening, wrinkle and cellulite reductions, and have several other antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflamatory and antifungal properties.
MEDICINAL PARTS OF THE PLANTS
• Seeds – Seeds are incredibly rich in healthy fats and a ton of vitamins and antioxidants. They contain vitamins like E and B vitamins, but most specifically B6 which can help improve brain function, concentration, memory and your mood.
Vitamin E, which is more often concentrated in the oils and fats extracted from sunflower seeds, is often used topically to alleviate skin dryness and irritation, but can also heal wounds, treat eczema, retains moisture, won’t clog pores and is quite wonderful for not just your skin but your hair, too.
Approximately 1,000 – 2,000 seeds can be retrieved from sunflower heads. Don’t eat too many seeds though – as seeds can increase sodium levels and cause other side effects if too many are consumed.
• Leaves – Tea made from the leaves can be used to tighten tissues, reduce fevers, reduce sodium levels, increase urine output, and treat coughs by helping expel toxins in the lungs – helping to treat ailments like bronchitis.
Crushed leaves can be used as a poultice for sores, swelling, snake bites, spider bites, bee stings and many other itchy skin issues; while blanched leaves can be placed over the forehead to alleviate painful headaches.
When soaked in rum or vinegar (with cayenne pepper) one can create a powerful liniment for swollen joints, sore muscles and sprains.
• Flower – The beautiful flowers aren’t just an outstanding decoration for western homes, the vibrant yellow petals are known to contain collagen, which is great for your skin and hair.
Flower infusions can kill flies and make a restorative gargle for bleeding gums or a sore throat. A tea made from the flowers are shown to treat malaria and other lung ailments.
• Roots, Stems and Sprouts – The entirety of the plant can be eaten. One can even eat the stem raw like celery stalks. The stem produces a juice that when freshly squeezed can be used to speed the recovery of cuts and wounds and reduces the chances of infections.
Roots, when boiled and used as a wash, are often a great way to help treat rheumatic aches and pains.
While one wouldn’t think that the sprouts would have much to offer, the microgreens / sprouts pack a powerful punch and are incredibly high in protein and contain a complete set of daily amino acids and have a high level of zinc and B vitamins.
DISCLAIMER
While sunflowers contain a very wide usage and incredibly large history in herbal medicine, it is always important to check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before using any plant medicinally – especially for those with underlying health conditions.
Remember when foraging you need to make sure the plants haven’t been sprayed with pesticides (like in some public areas) and that you only take what you need so the plants can continue to grow and flourish –so maybe leave some for your neighbor.
Or – feel free to grow your own! Sunflowers grow rather easily in the prairie biomes we call home.
Happy foraging!