Amanda Price
I planted some cockscomb flower seeds in April because I thought the flower looked unusual and interesting. Now that they have bloomed I’m really happy I did because they are impressive to see in person. The different colors of the flowers and leaves combined with the texture of the flowers is a real visual delight.
Cockscomb, more commonly known as celosia, or woolflowers, is actually an edible ornamental that is also used for its medicinal purposes. It grows in tropical areas of the Americas and Africa and is part of the amaranth family.
Here in the United States we mostly use the plant for ornamental purposes, but in Africa it is commonly used as an edible plant. The shoots and tender leaves are cooked into soups and stews along with other vegetables. Leaves are also steamed and served as a side dish. When steamed, the leaves retain a pleasant green color and have a mild spinach-like flavor with no bitterness. The seeds can also be processed into an edible oil.
Medicinally the flowers and seeds can be used to treat diarrhea, bloodshot eyes, blurry vision, hemorrhoids, dysentery, and uterine bleeding. It is also used for its parasiticidical and antibacterial qualities. In India the seeds are even used to treat diabetes.
The leaves can be used to treat skin infections, wounds, and sores and an extract from the flowers and leaves can be made into a body wash. Last, but not least, are the roots, which are used to relieve eczema and colic. For the finale: the entire plant is used as a snakebite antidote. That’s quite an impressive list of medical uses!
The next time you’re planning out your herb garden, consider adding some celosia. It will add some visual interest and make for a great conversation piece!
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