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 functions
- Moves blood, breaks stasis (in larger amounts)
- Nourishes blood (in small amounts)
- Unblocks menstruation
- Expels retained matter after childbirth
Traditional applications
- Postpartum dizziness or blood-vertigo
- Retained abdominal pain after childbirth
- Amenorrhea
- Bruising and stasis
Traditional preparation
Decoction 2–4g for blood-nourishing effect, up to 8g for stronger blood-moving effect — dose determines direction of action per the classics.
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 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)