The tiny flower goes by many names such as Bachelor’s Buttons, Basket Flower, the Old Fashioned Blue Bottle. Most commonly called the cornflower however, the pale blue flower, (Latin: Centaurea cyanus) gets its genus name, “Centaurea” from ancient Greek mythology. A Centaur, (half man, half horse), by the name of Chiron was said to have used the blue petals of the cornflower to heal his wounds after battle. Chiron was by nature one of the most peaceful of the Centaurs and according to myth was credited with introducing mortal humans to the power, and soothing abilities of herbs.

In the mid 1600’s Nicholas Culpepper, a noted herbalist, claimed that Cornflower tea could be used as a remedy against scorpion bites. (If you live in Scorpion country, this has unfortunately been proven false by modern science.) In modern medicine however, the cornflower does appear to have soothing qualities if applied externally to skin that has been cut, scraped, or bruised – although you are still probably better off going to a doctor if that is the case! In the old days, herbalists in many parts of Eastern Europe also prized the infusion made from cornflower petals for its ability to ease eye swelling, puffiness and pain.
These days, due to their mild taste, and pleasing pale blue color, cornflower petals are often used as an ingredient to add depth and color to blended teas. Brewed on their own, the flowers also make a delightfully mellow herbal tea.