Blue cornflower flower – Centaurea cyanus

Cornflower is an annual plant that was once widely used in cereal crops. Its bright blue flowers are rich in active ingredients with calming properties. Valued in herbal medicine, natural cosmetics, and wellness infusions, its therapeutic use is subject to a pharmaceutical monopoly in France.

Description

Dried whole flowers, intense blue to blue-violet. Light and silky texture. Subtle fragrance. Use in infusions, decorations, or gentle natural care.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Cornflower, cornflower, field cornflower
• Latin name: Centaurea cyanus
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Whole flowers
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: Europe, controlled agriculture
• English name: Blue cornflower
• German name: Kornblume
• Name in Spanish: Aciano azul
• Name in Italian: Fiordaliso
• Name in Arabic: زهرة القنطريون الأزرق (Zahrat al-Qanṭaryūn al-Azraq)

Main virtues

Blue cornflower is known for its soothing effects on eyes and sensitive skin. It is used in many lotions and floral waters. In infusions, it is prized for its softness and calming properties.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, anthocyanins, mucilages, phenolic acids, aromatic compounds.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon of flowers per cup, infuse for 5 to 10 minutes in simmering water.
• Cosmetics: in decoction or hydrosol for eye care and soothing lotions.
• Decoration: flower teas, handcrafted arrangements, potpourri.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Reserved use – product regulated in France.
• Not recommended for therapeutic use without professional supervision.
• May cause allergies in people sensitive to Asteraceae.

History and origin

A symbol of rurality and simplicity, the cornflower has long been a staple of harvests and country bouquets. Once a staple medicinal flower, this fragile flower has since conquered herbalists and natural cosmetics. Its deep blue color is also sought after for its aesthetic and symbolic qualities.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light, in an airtight container.
• Packaging: jar, lined kraft bag or metal box.
• Appearance: Whole blue flowers, light and dry.
• Smell: sweet floral, discreet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• French Pharmacopoeia – Plants subject to regulation
• European Corpus of Medicinal Plants
• Botanical history of the cornflower and popular uses

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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