It is worth taking advantage of the benefits of nature in the care of our skin. In an increasingly fast-paced world, focused on creating new technologies, we sometimes forget what benefits nature hides. And yet technology can help us to extract them in the right way – in harmony with nature. In this article, you will learn about the amazing properties of safflower oil, also known as meadow saffron.

KROKOSZ BARWIERSKI – PLANT | DESCRIPTION

Safflower safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family (annual or winter-hardy), described as bushy, with erect, cylindrical stems and alternate, ovate or ovoid-lanceolate leaves with spikes. It can withstand dry or semi-arid climates with seasonal rainfall. Two varieties are distinguished depending on the presence or absence of spines, namely: barbed and thornless. This botanical trait has been shown to influence the amount of oil it contains – the properties of which you will read in the following paragraphs. The branches of the entire plant end in tubular inflorescences. The flowers can be bright yellow, orange or red.

STAINING CROCKET – A PLANT FAMOUS TO EGYPTIANS

As it turns out, this plant has a long tradition behind it. Safflower seeds or garlands of their petals were commonly found in the presence of mummies in ancient Egyptian tombs. However, not only Egypt learned about the uniqueness of this plant. Meadow saffron was also eaten in many regions of Iran. And its extracts have been used in Italian, French and British cuisines as a natural color and flavor additive.

In traditional Indian medicine, safflower is typically used for scabies and arthritis. In addition, the species of this plant is used in Chinese tradition to treat amenorrhea, stomach tumors as well as wounds. Based on traditional Iranian medicine, colic, skin patches, and alopecia are treated – precisely with the use of meadow saffron oil.

OIL FROM CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L. – UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

Oilseeds (such as Carthamus tinctorius L.) are one of the main sources of vegetable oils used for nutritional, industrial or pharmaceutical purposes.

The composition of fatty acids varies greatly depending on the plant species and environmental influences. Safflower oil contains two main unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid and linoleic acid, which account for 90% of the total fatty acids. The remaining 10% are saturated fatty acids such as palmitic (16: 0) and stearic acid. Standard safflower oil contains approximately 6-8% palmitic acid, 2-3% stearic acid, 16-20% oleic acid and 71-75% linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that must be included in the diet. It is needed for the proper functioning of the metabolism. In addition, linoleic acid is a natural skin softener. It prevents the loss of water from its cells and helps keep it firm. It strengthens the natural protection of the skin by leaving a protective barrier on its surface and helps to maintain its proper elasticity.

OIL FROM CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L. – VITAMIN A, VITAMIN E

In the oil of meadow saffron, apart from fatty acids, we can also find vitamin E (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol). Scientists Velasco and Fernández-Martínez reported that

γ-tocopherol accounts for about 10% of the total tocopherol content in safflower seeds. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the effects of free radicals. Safflower oil also contains valuable vitamin A, which is essential for keeping skin, hair and nails in good condition. It increases the production of new cells, has an exfoliating effect and regulates the secretion of sebum.

WHERE TO BUY KROKOSZE OIL?

You can order safflower oil in our online store. Our product is 100% natural and contains only precious safflower seed oil. We are sure that after our article you will be able to appreciate the amazing properties of this annual plant.