Safflower oil is of two types: that which is high in monosaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) and that which is high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid).
It is a source of high-quality vegetable oil:
Safflower oil is useful in prevention of coronary heart disease, lower blood cholesterol, prevent many cardiovascular diseases, regulate blood sugar and clears vitiligo.
The oil is heat-stable: therefore, it is used as cooking oil to fry such foods as French fries, chips, snack foods, and normal cooking in homes and hotels.
It is used in food coatings, infant food formulations and in salad dressings and to produce margarine.
It can be used to produce environmentally friendly paints, varnishes, and other surface coatings.
Safflower oil can also be used to produce biodiesel.
Safflower oil is also excellent for softening the skin.
Safflower leaves are eaten as vegetables.
Safflower petals are used for colouring foods such as rice, soup, sauces, bread, and pickles take on a yellow to bright orange colour from the florets.
Safflower petals are also used to make a pleasant-tasting herbal tea.
Safflower petals are regarded as a stimulant for blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Safflower dilates arteries, reduces hypertension, and increases blood flow and, hence oxygenation of tissues. It also inhibits thrombus formation and over time dissolves thrombi. Many prescriptions for invigorating blood circulation, especially those for the treatment of heart diseases include safflower along with other herbs and have been used in the treatment of many other diseases.
Recent pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that safflower petals are a promising agent for ameliorating myocardial ischemia, trauma and joint pain.
Safflower petal decoctions have been used successfully for the treatment of male sterility and infertility in women.
Safflower seeds can be roasted or salted and eaten or be fed to birds (poultry).
Safflower can be grazed or stored as hay or silage.
Cakes (seed residue) are useful for feeding livestock and poultry.
Flowers are a cheap source of pigments used as dye in textiles and colouring foods, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, lotions and ice creams.
Dry safflower stalks are used as fuel (firewood).
Safflower is useful in rotation with other crops, mostly cereals for improving soil structure and acting as a break crop in disease and pest control.
