Bachelor’s button has been used ornamentally, medicinally and cosmetically. It is antiaging, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can be used in the treatment of asthma, body sores, bronchitis, colic, cough, diabetes, fatigue, gall stones, headaches, hoarseness, jaundice, kidney problems, laryngitis, nose bleed, oliguria (low urine output), prostate problems and sore throat. Most of the uses and benefits are derived from the betacyanins contained in the flowers, though teas can be made with both the leaves and flowers.
Entire Plant -
Clusters of bachelor’s buttons are used ornamentally in landscapes or gardens. The plant can be made into a tea that has various medicinal benefits. The entire plant can be grounded and made into a poultice for healing wounds quickly, and a decoction of the fresh plant can be used to heal sores when applied on the affect areas.
Leaves -
Leaves can be crushed, made into a paste and applied topically (externally) to aid in relieving body sores. The leaves can be made infused into a warm tea to induce sweating (sudorific).
Flowers -
The flowers tend to keep their colour and shape even after drying which makes it useful in making Hawaiian leis or garlands. In addition, they have been incorporated in cosmetics, the food industry and livestock feed. The flowers can be used as a food dye. They can also be steeped to make an earthy or grassy tasting tea which contains antioxidants and vitamins, is a calming agent, lowers blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol and provides most of the medicinal benefits listed above. An infusion of the flowers, once cooled, can be misted onto the skin for stress relief and skin care, and the infusion can be included to make creams and lotions due its antiaging properties.
Essential Oil -
The essential oils from the flowers have been found to help persons suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular sickness.
