Botanical name : Carthamus tinctorius Linn.
Family : Asteraceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Kusumbha, Vahnisikha, Kamalothara, Vastraranjaka
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa    : Tikta, Madhura
Guna   : Lakhu
Virya   : Ushna
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English     : Safflower, Bastard saffron
Hindi        : Kusum, Kusumba
Malayalam    : Kuyimb, Chenthurakam
Distribution – Cultivated throughout India 
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small annual herb grows up to 70 cm in height. Leaves simple, oblong sessile, with spine like serrations. Flowers yellow or orange red, found in terminal head inflorescence. Fruits smooth, quadrangular achenes.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, skin diseases, inflammation, ringworm, scabies, vitilligo, bronchitis, arthritis, and constipation.
Useful part    :    Leaves, flowers, seeds.

Photo: Dr Nand Kumar Sahni MD