In Sayo Town, Hyogo Prefecture, around 740,000 sunflowers bloom one after another from mid-July to mid-August. During this period, the Nanko Sunflower Festival and fireworks events are held, making it a popular summer activity for families and travelers alike.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the whole sunflower plant is used, but the seeds are especially popular. Lightly roasted sunflower seeds are a favorite snack or tea-time treat. In terms of medicinal effects, they’re said to strengthen digestion (spleen), moisten the intestines, promote blood circulation, and detoxify the body. They’re also used as a topping in rice porridge and soups.
As a herbal medicine, sunflower seeds are called Xiang Ri Kui Zi (向日葵子) in Chinese. They have diuretic and phlegm-reducing properties. Interestingly, the shells left after eating the seeds are traditionally used to help with dizziness, hearing loss, and even high blood pressure.
Recently, sunflower oil extracted by pressing the seeds has gained attention for its health and beauty benefits. It contains oleic acid, which helps relieve constipation, and linoleic acid, which may protect against cardiovascular diseases. It’s also rich in vitamin E, known for its antioxidant effects. Sunflower oil isn’t just for cooking, it’s great for your skin and hair, and because it’s almost odorless, it works well as a cleansing or massage oil.
Sunflower seeds, full of the sun’s energy, truly help recharge your spirit. Let’s soak up that sunshine and energy this summer! 🌞🌻
每年7月中旬到8月中旬，兵库县的佐用町将迎来约74万株向日葵陆续盛开！期间还会举办南光向日葵祭和烟火大会，是许多人期待的暑期活动。
在中医药中，整株向日葵都有药用价值，尤其是葵花籽最常用。轻轻炒过的葵花籽是人们喜爱的零食或茶点。药膳上认为它有健脾、润肠、活血、解毒的作用，还可作为粥或汤的配料。
作为中药材，向日葵的种子被称为「向日葵子」，具有利尿、化痰的功效。而吃完后的壳在民间常被用于眩晕、耳聋、高血压的调理。
近年越来越受到关注的还有葵花油，是由种子压榨而成的植物油。它含有的油酸有助于改善便秘，而亚油酸有助于预防心血管疾病。此外，还含有具有抗氧化作用的维生素E。葵花油不仅可以食用，还适合用于护肤护发，因其几乎无气味，也常被用作卸妆油或按摩油。
向日葵的种子就像凝聚了太阳的能量，吃下去真的能让人充满元气！今年夏天，一起从向日葵中获取满满的能量吧！🌻☀️