Sunflowers, lasting happiness ๐๐๐
Sunflower is one of the few crop natives to North America. It was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers, became an important crop in Russia in the 18th century, and was introduced to Canada in 1875.
In Chinese culture, sunflowers (ๅๆฅ่ต (Xiaฬngriฬkuiฬ)) represent good luck and lasting happiness which is why they are often given at graduations and at the start of a new business. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Sunflower Seeds is used in those instances where there is a need to nourish and rebuild energy in the body. In general, the ancient Chinese medical texts cite that it enters the spleen, small intestine, and large intestine channels. The flavour of Sunflower Seed is sweet, and it is considered to be neutral in temperature. Itโs believed that sunflowers can clear heat/stops cough, expel damp. and moisten skin.
Most people consume sunflower seeds due to the benefits of its carbohydrate and rich in vitamins. You might be surprised that sunflower, whole plant, is edible. For example, Native Americans used leaf tea to cue high fever and poultice of roots on snakebites and spider bites. Nowadays, we develop multiple ways of making the most out of sunflowers. Add some sunflower seeds in your meal today! ๐ด