Blueweed (Centaurea cyanus)

Blueweed (Centaurea cyanus) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its flowers, seeds, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Blueweed (Centaurea cyanus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Blueweed (Centaurea cyanus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Blueweed
Scientific Name	Centaurea cyanus
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Centaurea
Species	cyanus
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Seeds, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Centaurea cyanus
Common Name: Blueweed
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Bachelor'S Button, Cornflower, Cupid'S Bow
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Centaurea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Lanceolate leaves with glaucous upper surface and paler lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are blue to violet with five petals arranged in a radial symmetry, typically solitary or in clustered inflorescences, featuring a central yellow disk surrounded by ray florets with prominent white veins.
Stems: Erect, unbranched, glabrous, herbaceous stems with alternate leaves and prominent, sparsely hairy phyllaries.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a mild anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a warming diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a calming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Anthocyanin: Naturally occurring compounds contributing to plant pigmentation.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.