Safflower blossom

What is safflower?

Safflower belongs to the daisy family and is now found all over the world. The plant was already used in ancient Egypt for dyeing clothes, hence the name safflower. Today, safflower is mainly cultivated as an oil plant, as its seeds are used to produce an edible oil that has a high proportion of healthy fatty acids.

What effect does safflower have on dogs?

Safflower blossom can be used both externally and internally. For example, the flowers can be brewed as a tea and used as a rinse for your dog's coat or skin. This is said to promote blood circulation and relieve inflammation. The bright color of the flowers can also brighten your dog's coat.

The oil from the seeds of the safflower flower can be used as a dietary supplement for dogs. It contains many unsaturated fatty acids, which are important for the health of the skin, coat, heart and brain. The oil is also said to lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure and improve blood sugar. However, research into these effects is not yet very advanced and there are contradictory results.

What are the pros and cons of safflower flower for dogs?

Safflower flower can have some benefits for your dog if you dose and use it correctly. For example, the flowers can help condition your dog's coat and alleviate skin problems. The oil can improve the supply of essential fatty acids and possibly prevent or treat some diseases.

However, there are also some disadvantages and risks that you should be aware of. For one thing, safflower flower can cause allergic reactions in some dogs, especially if it belongs to the composite family. On the other hand, an overdose of safflower oil can lead to digestive problems, diarrhea or vomiting. The oil can also affect blood clotting and should therefore not be given together with blood-thinning medication.

How can you use safflower flower for your dog?

If you want to use safflower flower for your dog, you should always make sure that you buy a high-quality product that does not contain any additives or harmful substances. You should also always adhere to the recommended dosage and slowly accustom your dog to the new product.

For external use, you can prepare safflower flower tea by pouring 250 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried flowers and leaving to infuse for 10 minutes. You can then use the cooled tea as a rinse for your dog's coat or skin or apply it to a cloth and dab the affected areas.

For internal use, you can use safflower oil as a food additive. The dosage depends on the size and weight of your dog, but as a guide you can use about half a teaspoon per 10 kg of body weight per day. The oil should always be added fresh to the food and should not be heated or stored as it can otherwise become rancid.