Herbs of the Field - Sunflowers
Sunflowers or Helianthus, comes from the Greek “helios” - sun and “anthos” - flower. Originally, the sunflowers were cultivated in North America by its Indian populations. Sunflowers can be eaten raw, roasted, cooked, dried, and ground, plus pressed for its source of oil. The flowers can be boiled, and the seeds roasted as a coffee substitute. Wild sunflowers produce purple and black dye extracts as well as yellow dyes. Sunflowers seeds are complete proteins and help to strengthen immunity. The seeds contain unsaturated fatty acid, lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids, and waxes.
At times sunflowers were known to be used medicinally to sooth chest pains. Many Indian tribes used the juice from crushed flowers of the sunflowers for cuts and wounds to prevent infection. Also known to treat kidneys, pulmonary troubles, lubricate, fatigue, disinfectant, wart removal, rheumatism, fevers, swelling, and worms. Europeans used sunflowers for pulmonary issues, colds and coughs. In the Caucasus area, the sunflower seeds have been used in place of quinine for treatment of malaria. Sunflower seeds are used as a diuretic and expectorant. It has also been known to cauterize wounds and aid infections. Current studies show sunflower oil does not block skin pores when used in skin conditioners, emulsifier, cleansers and thickeners. Lastly, using internally, sunflower oil decreases risk of coronary-arterial diseases, serum and hepatic cholesterol.
Identification: Sunflower grows tall (2-10ft) and straight. Long tap-root. Leaves are alternate, egg-shaped possibly triangular. The edges are entire or toothed. The flower heads can be 3 to 6 inches wide.
Harvesting: When flowers petals begin drying and falling off, is the time to plan on harvesting seeds. The green base of the head will turn yellow then brown. Seed look plump and seed coats become black or black with strips. Can cut stem to remove head, then briskly rub seeds off. Dry then freeze seeds or store in dark, cool place to grow next year or use right away!
Usage: Cuts and wounds, poultice, liberally over wounds, and bandage. Can be used as teas for internal usage, decoctions, washes, salves, ointments. Stalks can be used for fuel, fodder for livestock, food for poultry, and to make ethyl alcohol.