The herb has been used widely for medicinal purposes in Russia since a Siberian woman healer successfully treated malaria using the stems and heads macerated in vodka to stimulate perspiration. Another folk remedy describes the same effect being obtained by wrapping a patient with malarial fever in sunflower leaves under a cloth moistened with warm milk.
The seeds have diuretic and expectorant properties and have been used to treat bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary disorders as well as coughs and colds (including whooping cough). They are traditionally prepared by boiling in water, straining and combining with equal parts of gin and sugar then taken several times a day in teaspoonful doses.
Externally, sunflower is used as a base for massage oils and liniments for rheumatic complaints and muscular aches.
A nutritious herb which lowers cholesterol levels and soothes irritated tissues.
Sow seed thinly in March and pot on when 3 or 4 leaves have formed. Grow on in gentle heat or a cold frame. Harden off gradually for planting out in May.
PLEASE NOTE: These notes on the history and use of herbs have been compiled for general interest and are not intended as medical advice, for which you should consult a professional herbalist.
BIBLIOGRAPY:
'A Modern Herbal' Mrs M. Grieve FRHS ed. Mrs C. F. Leyel (1973)
'RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses' Deni Brown (2002)
3 comments:
The sunflowers in my garden are growing bigger, just out of their sproutling stage and beginning to put out real leaves. I'm excited that I may one day have these beautiful flowers following the sun in my very own garden.
When I lived in small town Texas about 10 years ago, there was a church that sat surrounded by a huge field of sunflowers. It was a gorgeous sight.
Hi Hedgewitch....I love the sunflower, is there a happier looking bloom...I don't think so.
The medicinal properties are always interesting...
hi icqb! i only saw a whole field of sunflowers for the first time a year or two back, on holiday in Spain.. a wonderful sight :-) looking forward to seeing yours, too!
morning, cheryl.. its so sunny and cheerful, I just have to have them in the garden :-) i really like finding out these uses of 'everyday' plants, because it shows how we take for granted lots of things that grow in our gardens, but they are all special in some way.. mother nature works her magic in the most unlikely places!
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