Safflower has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is used to treat menstrual disorders. Dried Safflower flower is an emmenagogue, meaning that it is given to bring on menstruation.According to traditional Chinese usage, dried safflower flower is a blood regulator; Safflower is said to have a warm nature and a pungent taste. Chinese practitioners use safflower oil in massage.

Safflower also used to treat measles, fevers, and skin.