Sunflower


Sunflower

A genus of 70-80 species of tall annuals and perennials. Native to N America, C America, Peru, and Chile. Helianthus annuus was grown by native peoples for 3,000 years before its introduction to Spain in 1514. Cultivation as an oil seed crop began in Germany and Russia in the 18th century and spread into C Europe and the Mediterranean. Sunflower seeds, numbering up to 1000 per head, are usually striped black and white and arranged in concentric, hyperbolic spirals. Helianthus annuus is a plant on the borderline between food and herb. It was however, widely used for medicinal purposes in Russia; a treatment for malaria, involving the maceration of sunflower stems and heads in vodka to stimulate perspiration, was used successfully by a woman healer in Siberia and passed into the repetoire of folk remedies.

Giant, summer-flowering annual with thick, erect, sometimes branched, hairy stems and broadly ovate, toothed, roughly hairy leaves, 10-40cm (4-16in) long. Large, daisy-like flower heads, to 30cm (12in) across, with brown disk florets and yellow ray florets, appear in summer.


Common Name:
Sunflower
Botanical Name:
Helianthus annuus
Genus:
Helianthus
Family:
Asteracea
Native Location:
USA to C America
Cultivation:
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Tolerates drought. Young plants are susceptible to slugs. Flower heads may be affected by Botrytis in cool, damp conditions. Stems may collapse through Sclerotinia disease. Flowers attract beneficial insects, such as lacewings and parasitic wasps, which prey on garden pests, notably aphids.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring.
Harvest:
Whole plants are cut as flowering begins and used fresh for liquid extracts or tinctures. Seeds are collected in autumn and used fresh, pressed for oil, or roasted.
Varieties:
Elite Sun
Has large, uniform flowers on comparatively short stems, ideal for cutting.
Height: 1.2m (4ft)

Italian White
Has small, black-centered, cream flowers on branched plants.
Height: 1.2m (4ft)

Prado Series
Is well branched, producing up to 20 yellow or mahogany flowers that are almost pollen-free; ideal for cut flowers.
Height: 1.35-1.5m (4-5ft)

Russian Giant
Produces consistently tall plants with large flowers to 25cm (10in) across.
Height: 3.5m (11ft)

Teddy Bear
is dwarf with fully double yellow blooms.
Height: 45cm (18in)
Width: 30cm (12in).
Height:
5m (15ft)
Width:
6cm (24in)
Hardiness:
Hardy
Parts Used:
Whole plant, seeds, oils, leaves, petals, flower.
Chemical Constituents:
  • Arachidic Acid
  • Behenic Acid
  • Linoleic Acid
  • Oleic Acid
  • Palmitic Acid
  • Stearic Acid
  • Vitamin E
    		•
    Properties:
    A nutritious herb that lowers cholesterol levels and soothes irritated tissues.
    Known Effects:
  • Antioxidant
  • Treats vitamin E deficiency (seeds)

    • Miscellaneous Information:
    Sunflower is a food source.
    Possible Additional Effects:
    May help reduce pain of arthritis.
    Medicinal Uses:
    Internally for bronchial infections (seeds), tuberculosis, and malaria (whole plant). Externally as a base for massage oils and liniments used for rheumatic complaints and muscular aches.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    		 Don't take if you:
    Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.
    Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herbs for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

    • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Allergic Reaction Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Culinary Uses:
    Seeds are eaten fresh or roasted, salted, added to bread, cookies, and candy, or ground for baking or making into sunflower butter or seed milk; also sprouted and fermented to make seed yogurt and cheese. Seedlings are eaten in salads. Oil is used for cooking and salads.
    Economic Uses:
    Oil is used for manufacture of margarine. Residue is important in animal feeds.
    Bibliography:
    The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 231-232
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 447-448.