Larkspur Field

Larkspur: A flower with an attractive appearance and beneficial properties

Larkspur, also known as larkspur or larkspur, is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This annual plant can reach a height of up to 45 cm and has a tap root and a vertically branched stem. The basal leaves have short petioles, while the stem leaves are mostly without petioles. Larkspur flowers are usually bright purple, but can also be reddish or white, collected in a loose, few-flowered raceme. All flowers have a thin straight spur, and the fruits have single, hairless leaflets. Larkspur blooms from June to August and is native to Europe, the Caucasus and Asia Minor.

Larkspur is used as a medicinal plant. The pharmaceutical name for larkspur flowers is Calcatrippae flos. They contain anthocyanin glycosides and flavonoids, which give them beneficial properties. In folk medicine they are used as a mild diuretic. There are also numerous blood purifying tea mixtures that include larkspur, which are used to achieve a slim figure.

Despite this, you should not expect any healing effects from larkspur flowers. However, they can do a good job of improving the appearance of drugs. The blue of larkspur flowers is more persistent than, for example, the blue of cornflower flowers, so they can be useful in imparting the desired color to tea.

Larkspur flowers are collected without pedicels from June to August, and then they are dried in a ventilated, shaded place. When artificially heated, the temperature should not exceed 40°C. Larkspur flowers must be kept away from light and moisture to maintain their color and quality.

Despite the beneficial properties of larkspur flowers, it should be remembered that the leaves, stems and roots of this plant contain poisonous diterpenes. Therefore, they should not be consumed without proper preparation and medical prescription.

Larkspur is a flower with an attractive appearance and beneficial properties, which is used in folk medicine and cosmetics. However, before use, you should consult a specialist and become familiar with the possible side effects.