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AYURVEDA DIET 101

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Safflower Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS

Produces strong perspiration. Diuretic. Promotes menstruation. Purgative. Dissolves blood clots.Used for scabies, arthritis, and chest pains. Inhibits longevity and should be used only occaisonally.

About Safflower

Safflower is one of humanity's oldest crops.

Buying & Preparation

If you find cheap saffron, it's probably safflower.

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  • SERVING SIZE: 1/8 tsp
  • SPECIES: Carthamus tinctorius
  • EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

Is Safflower a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Safflower' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

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Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Safflower

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other Health Virtues

Tissue (dhatu):
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Reproductive

REPRODUCTIVE

Reproductive tissue (Shukra/Artava Dhatu) includes male and female reproductive organs.

SEE ALL 'REPRODUCTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Subdosha:
Pitta Bhrajaka
Affinity:
Heart Circulation Blood, Womens Health
Family:
Asteraceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Safflower
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anticholinergic

ANTICHOLINERGIC

Anticholinergic herbs block the action of acetylecholine. This affecgs many systems of the body, including relaxing smooth muscle spasms and dilating bronchial tubes. Many anticholinergic herbs are nightshades that can be fatal if used incorrectly.

SEE ALL 'ANTICHOLINERGIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Serotonergic

SEROTONERGIC

The feel-good hormone. Also includes serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

SEE ALL 'SEROTONERGIC' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:
Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

SEE ALL 'EMMENAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Uterine Stimulant

UTERINE-STIMULANT

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
5a Reductase Inhibitor,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Safflower

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Blood-thinner, Digestive, Serotonergic, Burns-toxins, Emmenagogue, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Sage

    Sage has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Burns-toxins, Emmenagogue, Uterine-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Digestive, Serotonergic, Burns-toxins, Emmenagogue, Spleen-tonic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Tarragon

    Tarragon has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Digestive, Analgesic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Blood-thinner, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chamomile

    Chamomile has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Vulnerary, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Spleen-tonic, Blood-thinner

    LEARN MORE

  • Saffron

    Saffron has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Blood-thinner, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Analgesic

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Carminative, Emmenagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Emmenagogue, Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Safflower

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

    Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Dong Quai

    Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Emmenagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Analgesic, Anticholinergic, Blood-thinner, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Manjistha

    Manjistha has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Blood-thinner

    LEARN MORE

  • Mugwort

    Mugwort has these Actions in Common

    Emmenagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Analgesic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Vulnerary, Analgesic

    LEARN MORE

  • Pushkaramoola

    Pushkaramoola has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Uterine-stimulant, Vulnerary, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Yogaraj Guggulu

    Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common

    Blood-thinner, Burns-toxins, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Analgesic

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

    Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

    Spleen-tonic, Vulnerary, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Angelica

    Angelica has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Anticholinergic, Blood-thinner, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Safflower may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Safflower may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Safflower. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Safflower is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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