The sunflower belongs to the eponymous genus (Helianthus) and comes from the daisy family (Aseraceae). Its botanical name is Helianthus annuus and it finds use in cooking, among other things. In addition, it is attributed a whole range of positive effects on the body, which also make it interesting as a medicinal plant.
Occurrence and cultivation of the sunflower
Already in the 17th century, the seeds of the sunflower were used as a substitute for drinking chocolate and coffee. In addition, they found use in baked goods already at that time. Synonyms for the sunflower are golden flower, God’s eye, Sunnstern, sun rose, Indian sun and bird seed flower. Growth heights of two meters are not uncommon for the sunflower. The lower limit of its height is about one meter. In rare cases, it grows over two meters high. It is herbaceous and has a rough-haired, thick stem. Its stem leaves are alternate and divided into a blade and a stalk. The blade is heart-shaped, has a serrated edge and reaches up to 40 centimeters in length. Its width is about 35 centimeters. While the tubular flowers have a brown coloration, the ray florets are usually yellow and grow about 10 centimeters long. The roots of the sunflower can reach about 2 meters deep into the ground. The plant is cultivated as an annual and is very photosensitive. One adult plant can sequester the carbon dioxide of a 100 cubic meter room in one day. The growth height and activity of the sunflower depends very much on its position. They are very light dependent and heat germinators. At night, the cotyledons of the flowers fold up. In addition, sunflowers have the peculiarity of pointing their flower heads towards noon. Therefore, they are also called compass plants. The property of turning the head in the direction of the sun is called heliotropism. The sunflower is pollinated by different insects and the dispersal of the fruits is done, for example, by rodents. The flowering period of the sunflower is from July to September. Its wild form originates from Central and North America. Since the 16th century it can also be found in Europe, as it was spread by Spanish sailors. Since then, the sunflower is also considered an ornamental plant and is often found in domestic gardens.
Effect and application
Already in the 17th century, the seeds of the sunflower were used as a substitute for drinking chocolate and coffee. In addition, they found use in baked goods already at that time. Two centuries later, their service as an oil plant began, with the seeds becoming established in the kitchen. To this day, they are used for cooking or in salads. Sunflower seeds are also popular as an addition to bird and rodent feed. The seeds contain over 90 percent unsaturated fatty acids, carotene, iodine, calcium and magnesium. They also have vitamins E, B, A and vitamin F, which makes them particularly healthy. The sunflower oil produced is also used in cooking and pressed from the seeds. Besides its use as cooking oil, it is also used in medicine and pharmacy. It is also used in industry. Medicinally, the oil serves as a filling in gelatin capsules and is also used for creams and ointments. In eastern countries, sunflower oil is used as a means of purification and detoxification. Folk medicine uses it for oil cures. Otherwise, the active ingredients of sunflower seeds are said to have a positive effect on hair, skin and nails. They are also said to strengthen the nerves. Tea from roasted seeds of sunflower can also be used against various ailments. The same applies to tea from the petals. The healing effect here comes from the contained anthocyanins, flavones, choline and betaine. A tincture from flowers can be prepared by placing fresh or dried flowers in a screw-top jar. These are poured over with double grain schnapps and the jar is left in a bright place for three weeks. During this time, the mixture infuses. After that, the tincture can be filtered off. In a dark jar, the tincture will keep for six months. Taking 20 drops daily can help against summer colds, for example. Sunflower petals and oil can also be used to make a massage oil. For this, the petals are infused with sunflower oil in a sealable jar and left on a window sill for three weeks.The mixture should be shaken daily and also stored in a dark bottle after sieving.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
This massage oil is especially suitable for aching joints. In addition, it helps with neck and nerve pain and can also be used to treat sore muscles. It is also a boon for bruises and lumbago. In addition, its suitability as a cold balm for the chest and back. Tea made from roasted seeds can be taken against cough, bronchitis and whooping cough. In addition, sunflower oil prevents bleeding gums, periodontal disease and anemia. It also has a proven effect on bones and teeth. It keeps vessels and joints flexible and strengthens the immune system. In addition, it strengthens the heart and prevents arteriosclerosis. The petals, in addition to their effectiveness against infections, can also be used against bladder irritation. As a tea, it is tasty and healthy. It also lightens the mood and helps against stress. The tea is said to help to tick off the past more easily and to draw a line under events. In addition to the above mentioned applications, sunflower is also used against neurodermatitis and skin problems in general. It has a vitalizing effect and is also used for dysentery.
