Helianthus annuus L.

Family : Asteraceae

English Name : Sunflower. Green Rabbitbrush

Origin : North America

Description

It is an annual herb, with a rough, hairy stem, 3 to 12 feet high, broad, coarselytoothed, rough leaves, 3 to 12 inches long, and circular heads of flowers, 3 to 6 inches. The flower-heads are composed of many small tubular flowers arranged compactly on a flattish disk: those in the outer row have long strap-shaped corollas, forming the rays of the composite flower.

Habitat
It grows in prairies and dry, open areas, and is sometimes a weed in cultivated fields and pastures.

Parts Used : Seeds

Herb Effects
Diuretic, expectorant; febrifuge, stomachic and nutitive (flower heads and seeds)

Active Ingredients

1,8-Cineole, alpha-amyrin, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, beta-carotene, beta-pinene, borneol, caffeic acid, camphene, camphor, chlorogenic acid, choline, cinnamic acid, citral, citric acid, eugenol, ferulic acid, gossypol, hispidulin, isoliquiritigenin, limonene, lupeol, lutein, menthol, oleanolic acid, quercetin, scopoletin, tocopherol and vanillin.

Medicinal Use

Employed in the treatment of bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, coughs and colds, also in whooping cough. The crushed leaves are used as a poultice on sores, swellings, snakebites and spider bites. A tea made from the flowers is used in the treatment of malaria and lung ailments. A decoction of the roots has been used as a warm wash on rheumatic aches and pains.

Dosage
Seed oil: 10 to 15 drops, 2 or 3 times a day.
Take one to two tablespoons of sunflower seeds or seed meal per day or as needed based on nutrient requirements.

Contraindication

Sunflower seeds, meal and oil, taken as a part of a well balanced diet, does not cause any side effects.

Reference