Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius)

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Other names for safflower oil

Safflower Seed Oil
High-Oleic Safflower Oil
Linoleic Safflower Oil

Synopsis of safflower oil

Safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of Carthamus tinctorius, a thistle-like plant with bright yellow or orange flowers, cultivated primarily in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of North America. The oil is available in two primary types: high-linoleic (rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and high-oleic (rich in omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids). Its composition varies based on plant variety and processing, which determines its best use—culinary, cosmetic, or therapeutic.

Medicinally, safflower oil is primarily recognized for its cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and skin-supportive properties. High-linoleic safflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, supporting immune response, and regulating inflammatory pathways. High-oleic safflower oil, similar to olive oil in composition, is often recommended for heart health due to its monounsaturated fat content, which can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) while maintaining or raising HDL (good cholesterol).

Safflower oil is also used in managing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, with some studies showing improved insulin sensitivity and reduced abdominal fat when consumed as part of a balanced diet. In topical applications, it’s used as an emollient in skin care to moisturize, reduce dryness, and support conditions like eczema or acne. Its light texture and non-comedogenic nature make it favorable for sensitive or irritated skin.

Some traditional herbalists and integrative practitioners use safflower oil internally to support menstrual health, as it is believed to help promote blood circulation and reduce uterine stagnation.

Historical Usage:
Safflower has been used since antiquity, primarily for its dye, food, and medicinal properties. The plant was grown in ancient Egypt, where its flowers were used as a natural dye for textiles and ceremonial garments. While the oil was not as widely extracted in ancient times as it is today, safflower seeds and flowers were included in traditional remedies across multiple cultures.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), safflower flowers (referred to as Hong Hua) are used to invigorate blood, alleviate pain, and resolve blood stasis, especially in cases of menstrual irregularity, trauma, or abdominal pain. Though the oil itself is not the primary focus in TCM, it shares some of the systemic benefits attributed to the plant’s warming, blood-moving properties.

In Ayurveda, safflower oil has been used in body massages (abhyanga) for its warming and detoxifying qualities, particularly for individuals with excess Kapha or sluggish circulation. It was also applied externally for joint pain and skin imbalances.

Commercial extraction of safflower oil began in earnest in the 20th century, when its lipid profile became of interest to researchers studying heart disease and dietary fats. By the mid-1900s, it was marketed as a cholesterol-lowering alternative to animal fats and became part of dietary interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Safflower oil is used for these health conditions

Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)

safflower oil is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)