Uses of Safflower Oil
Safflower, a species of saffron, is used all over the world for many different purposes. The Chinese value it in their system of medicine for open wounds and bruises. In Europe, the flowers are used to treat skin disorders as well. Safflower used to be cultivated in order to create dye from the flowers, and the use of the oil from its seeds is a fairly modern evolution.
Cooking
Safflower oil is sometimes used for deep frying and cooking that requires high temperatures. It has what's known as a "high smoke point", that is, it won't smoke when it's heated like butter will when dropped into a hot pan. Safflower oil is also naturally low in sodium and contains virtually no cholesterol, unlike some other types of oils. However, safflower oil is often very expensive.
Massage Oil
Organic safflower oil can be used as a massage oil. It is naturally high in linoleic acids, fatty acids and vitamin E. A deficiency in linoleic acids in particular may cause dryness, scales or other dermatosis, as a 1987 study from the University of California found. A healthy skin is also more effective at stopping the invasion of illnesses, parasites and bacteria. In Nepal, safflower oil is sometimes massaged into the skin of newborns, and a 2005 study from the Johns Hopkins University discovered that this tradition may be beneficial to the newborn, decreasing neonatal morbidity and mortality. No further studies have yet been carried out to prove this hypothesis.
Personal Care Products
Safflower oil is frequently used in personal care products such as creams, lip balms, lotions, shampoos and conditioners. This is largely due to the popularity safflower oil has gained in recent years. Though products containing this oil are expensive, no studies have been conducted that identify safflower oil as the key ingredient that improves the condition of skin or hair.
Art
Safflower oil is often used in oil painting to lengthen the paints, or make them more fluid. It's been used for hundreds of years, and is known to lighten and soften the paint colors. Thus, it's often recommended for oil paintings that use light colors. Safflower oil dries faster than other types of oils, doesn't evaporate and is usually odorless, though it may smell lightly like vegetable oil. Safflower oil is also often favored amongst artists who don't enjoy the yellow tinge other oils, like linseed and walnut oil, often give to the paint.
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