Cornflower Cures

Cornflower, an annual wildflower with the botanical name centaurea cyanus, is also known as "bachelor's button" or "bluebonnet." Cornflower is native to Greece and Turkey and grows wild throughout Europe and some parts of the United States. It is known for its brilliant blue blooms and has a long history of medicinal uses. Cornflower is also a component in some cosmetics.

Anxiety

• A tea made from four or five cornflower blossoms (or use 1 teaspoon of dried petals, available at an herb shop) and 1 cup of boiling water can be used to relieve anxiety and indigestion. Cornflower is also known to have a laxative effect.

Eye Swelling

• The same tea, after it has been cooled, can be used as an eyewash to relieve swelling. Or make a compress: soak a clean,cotton towel in the tea, wring out the excess and apply to the eyelids.

Skin Irritations

• Cornflower is also known to relieve skin irritations. Apply the compress to affected areas of the face, or give yourself a steam facial: boil a mixture of water, leaves and flowers, turn off the stove and sit over the steaming pot with a towel draped over the head.