blood-regulating
Safflower
红花 · Hónghuā
Carthamus tinctorius
Nature
Warm
Saveur
Pungent
Meridian
Heart, Liver
Hong Hua — the golden-orange flower that once dyed imperial robes — is the brisk blood-mover of Chinese medicine, dispelling stasis and unblocking menstruation where gentler herbs fail. Xinjiang's high-altitude safflower carries the deepest pigment and highest hydroxysafflor content.
🌿 Fonctions
- •Invigorates blood and dispels stasis
- •Unblocks menstruation and eases pain
- •Unblocks the channels
📖 Usage
3–10 g in decoction (small doses move blood, large doses in classical texts break it — professional dosing advised).
🔬 Recherche moderne
Hydroxysafflor yellow A is studied for cardiovascular protection, antiplatelet activity, and neuroprotection; safflower injection preparations are used in Chinese hospitals for coronary support.
⚠️ Contre-indications
Contraindicated in pregnancy and heavy bleeding. Caution with anticoagulants.
