Safflower
Overview
Safflower is the flower behind traditional red dye and rouge, and the Donguibogam records a dose-dependent duality that later physicians repeat: used sparingly it nourishes blood, used generously it breaks blood apart — the same flower acting in opposite directions depending on the amount.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Moves blood, breaks stasis (in larger amounts)
- Nourishes blood (in small amounts)
- Unblocks menstruation
- Expels retained matter after childbirth
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Postpartum dizziness or blood-vertigo
- Retained abdominal pain after childbirth
- Amenorrhea
- Bruising and stasis
Traditional preparation
The text records that a small amount nourishes the blood while a large amount breaks it. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Does more safflower always mean a stronger effect?
Not in the way you might expect — the Donguibogam records that a small amount nourishes blood, while a larger amount breaks blood apart. The same flower works in opposite directions depending on dose.
Is safflower safe during pregnancy?
No. The Donguibogam explicitly records its historical use to expel a dead fetus — it is strongly blood-moving and must never be used during an ongoing pregnancy without professional guidance.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조