Cornflower Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower, Bachelor’s button, Bluebottle, Boutonniere flour, Hurtsickle, Cyani flower).

Cornflower has numerous applications, but it is most often used for treating the eye area. Cornflower is very powerful to treat dark circles underneath the eyes. The active substances in Cornflower prevent dark circles from forming below the eyes, and they simultaneously smooth the skin around the eye area. Due to its soothing benefits, Cornflower is used to treat facial muscles and wrinkles, and it can also relieve tired and puffy eyes.

Only the blue petals are used from Cornflower, and the white-pinkish petals are removed. It is a good idea to remove them before the herb dries off. Harvesting should be done in the months of July through August, when the weather is dry, and the dew has evaporated.

How to use Cornflower?

To treat the ailments listed above, you can use Cornflower in different ways.

• Cornflower can be used topically as an infusion to apply to problematic areas, and you can also make a homemade eye cream from a Cornflower infusion. Before doing so, read my article on how to use oils on your skin: Avoid the Common Mistake of Using Facial Oil Blends
• Cornflower can be used to make a poultice. Add a tablespoon of Cornflower to 200 mg of boiling water, and apply cotton wool soaked in the liquid on your eyes.
• Steam Cornflower. Steam Cornflower for 10 to 15 minutes over a pot with hot tea made from Cornflower. For greater results, place a towel over the top of your head, and let the edges drop around the pot of tea to prevent the steam from escaping.

If you are looking for where to find Cornflower, check out your local herbal store or you can also buy it at my favorite online herbal store here!