What are the benefits of drinking safflower water?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, safflower, as a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, offers several benefits when consumed as safflower water, including promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain, supporting improved blood circulation, alleviating bruising and swelling from injuries, and regulating the flow of qi and blood. It is important to note that safflower has a strong blood-activating effect and should not be consumed by pregnant women or those with excessive menstrual bleeding. Additionally, dosage and duration of consumption should be carefully controlled.

Generally speaking, safflower is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Drinking safflower water offers several benefits, including promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, dispersing blood stasis to relieve pain, supporting improved blood circulation, alleviating bruises and swelling from injuries, and regulating the flow of qi and blood. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Promotes Blood Circulation and Regulates Menstruation: Safflower has a warm nature and pungent flavor, with its primary effect being to invigorate blood flow and unblock menstrual obstructions. It is suitable for conditions caused by stagnation of qi and blood, such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. By enhancing the circulation of qi and blood and clearing blocked meridians, it helps alleviate menstrual discomfort in women.

2. Disperses Blood Stasis and Relieves Pain: Safflower effectively disperses blood stasis and relieves pain, making it beneficial for various types of pain caused by obstructed blood flow, such as chest pain (angina), stabbing abdominal pain, etc. It helps eliminate internal blood stasis, reduce pain due to stagnant blood, and improve overall physical discomfort.

3. Supports Improved Blood Circulation: The active components in safflower can dilate blood vessels and enhance blood flow, thereby helping to improve poor circulation. It can provide some relief for symptoms such as limb numbness and dull skin tone resulting from blood stagnation.

4. Alleviates Bruises and Swelling from Injuries: For minor injuries, contusions, or localized swelling and pain, drinking safflower water can help dissipate blood stasis, reduce swelling and pain, and create favorable conditions for tissue recovery. It is commonly used as an auxiliary method in daily care for bruises and sprains.

5. Regulates Qi and Blood Flow: For individuals experiencing sluggish qi and blood circulation or internal stagnation, moderate consumption of safflower water can help balance and smooth the flow of qi and blood. This may improve symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, and general malaise caused by blood stasis.

It is important to note that safflower has a strong blood-activating effect. Pregnant women and those with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid consuming it. Dosage and duration of use should be carefully controlled to prevent adverse effects from overuse. When consumed appropriately, safflower water can deliver its health benefits more effectively.