Mountain Cornflower for eye infections and bleeding gums

Mountain cornflower, Centaurea montana, is also sometimes called Perennial Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button (a name which is also used for the common cornflower), Montane Knapweed or Mountain Bluet. It’s closely related to the common cornflower, greater knapweed and black knapweed.

Mountain cornflower is a hardy perennial which will reach a height of around 18 inches (45cm) and spread over an area of 3 feet (1m). It will grow in any soil, so long as it is well drained, and will tolerate both drought and very alkaline soil. It will not grow in full shade.

Unlike its annual sibling, mountain cornflower has no uses in the kitchen. Medicinally, most of the uses to which it can be applied are similar to those of the common cornflower, though it is less often used. Like common cornflower, mountain cornflower is not suitable for pregnant women.

A standard infusion can be made from 30g (1oz) of dried or 3 handfuls of fresh flowerheads to 2.5 US cups (1 UK pint, 570ml) of boiling water. Allow to stand for between 15 minutes and 4 hours, then strain before use.

The standard infusion can be used to treat tickly coughs, constipation and edema, to induce menstruation, as a mild diuretic and tonic. It can also be used externally as an astringent, as an eye bath for eye infections such as conjunctivitis or for sore eyes, and as a mouthwash to treat bleeding gums.

In common with all other herbal remedies, mountain cornflower should be gtrown organically to avooid corruption or elimination of its medicinal properties by adulteration with foreign elements. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.

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