Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a very branched, herbaceous, annual plant similar to thistle. Commercially grown for oil extracted from seeds. Plants are flowering, 30 to 150 cm long. The flowers can be yellow, orange or red and have a long life. Each branch consists of 1-5 flowers, usually 15 to 20 seeds per flower. Safflower is a plant specific to arid geographies receiving seasonal rain. Its homeland is the Arabian Peninsula. It also grows in countries like Iran, India and Pakistan. Eskisehir in Turkey, Burdur, Isparta, are grown in certain regions such as Konya. Safflower Oil, also known as false saffron.
Safflower oil contains omega-6 fatty acids. Safflower oil is also widely used for weight loss, as they burn the body fat very quickly. It is also used in Chinese medicine to revitalize blood and reduce pain.