Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Carthamus, commonly known as safflower, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, Carthamus tinctorius (the most common species used) is employed to invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis, and is sometimes included in herbal formulas for respiratory issues that involve congestion. The rationale in these traditions is typically based on the herb's ability to "move blood," which is thought to help clear obstructions and promote the resolution of phlegm or congestion in the lungs. However, safflower is not a primary or widely recognized remedy specifically for lung congestion; its main indications are more often related to cardiovascular and gynecological conditions. From a scientific perspective, there is little direct evidence to support the use of Carthamus for lung congestion. While some pharmacological studies suggest that Carthamus tinctorius extracts have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties, these effects have not been extensively studied in the context of respiratory congestion in humans. Therefore, while its use for this condition is grounded in traditional practices, especially in TCM, robust clinical evidence is lacking, and the evidence level for this indication remains low.

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