One of the main attractions and valuables of the eastern Slavonian region of Croatia are its endless fields, cultivated with various cultures, including sunflowers.
As you may know, sunflower seeds are edible. Traditionally, North American Indians ground the seeds to make flour for cakes and breads. The petals are also edible; they can be cooked and eaten like artichokes. Sunflower seeds are a major ingredient in commercial birdseed. Sunflower leaves are used as feed for livestock. Sunflower oil is a popular vegetable oil. The oil can also be added to soap, lubricants and candles. Sunflower oil can help relieve skin conditions, haemorrhoids and ulcers. Sunflower roots can remove radiation from soils and water. They were used to clean up the Chernobyl disaster. The root of the plant is also used in traditional herbal medicine to treat snakebites and spider bites. The leaves can be made into tea to relieve fevers, lung ailments and diarrhea.
