herbal treasure chest: sunflower

sunflower

how to grow:

Sunflowers can easily be grown from seeds. But where we live we always need to protect this beautiful plant as it is very popular with all kind of animals. The squirrels love the eat the seeds as much as the birds and all the other animals in our garden as well. So I usually put a little mesh around them until the plant is a big bigger and sometimes we even do a little net around its head a short time before we can harvest the seeds as otherwise they were already enjoyed by others.

medicinal properties:

A concoction prepared from the head of the sunflower is said to help with lung infections and bronchitis. A sunflower infusion is said to be good for a sore throat.
The flowers are said to contain selenium and vitamin E. These antioxidants are said to protect against cancer.

There are claims that sunflower leaves can help cure malarial fever as well as whooping cough.
A poultice made from sunflower leaves can reduce swelling and pain from arthritis. If you put ground leaves on insect bits it should also bring you some relief.

cautions and possible side effects:

Don't eat the seeds during pregnancy as they are supposed to contract the uterus which can then lead to a miscarriage.

sunflower

how to grow:

medicinal properties:

cautions and possible side effects:

further reading: