Cornflower

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a blue flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, traditionally used in European herbal medicine for eye complaints and as a mild astringent.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Eye irritation (traditional eyewash)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional folk use; no rigorous human clinical evidence.

Mild astringent / digestive

Mixed Evidence

Folk medicine; limited modern evidence.

How it works

Cornflower petals contain anthocyanins (notably cyanin), flavonoids and tannins. Anthocyanins have antioxidant activity in vitro; tannins provide mild astringent effects. Traditional use as an eyewash for tired eyes or conjunctivitis relies on these astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern research on cornflower is sparse compared with related Asteraceae species, and human clinical trials are essentially absent.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional doses are 1-2 g of dried flowers infused per cup, taken 2-3 times daily.

When and how to take it

No established timing. Tea is taken between meals or as needed.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried flowers (whole)

Used in tea blends.

Traditional infusion.

Flower extract (dry)

Used in capsules and herbal blends.

Variable.

Safety

Generally well tolerated as a tea. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in people sensitive to Asteraceae family plants (ragweed, chamomile, etc.).

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of data. Use cautiously in known Asteraceae allergy.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Cornflower petals (edible garnish)

Amount
decorative
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is cornflower tea safe?⌄

Generally yes for short-term use in adults without Asteraceae allergies.

Does cornflower help eye health?⌄

Traditional eyewash use, but no rigorous evidence supports specific eye health benefits.

References

Cornflower on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cornflower on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cornflower (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Cornflower with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.