Saffron - 23 Health Benefits

Saffron - 23 Health Benefits

Hindi Name: Kesar
Botanical name: Crocus sativus L
Family name: Iridaceae

Like most of the European spices, Saffron derives from Arabic za'fran "be yellow".

Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is derived from the crocus flower, Crocus sativus. Saffron is a food flavouring and coloring agent. Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), the stigmas of which are dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron gives food a lovely sunshine yellow colour and the taste cannot be replicated with any other man-made or natural product - it's completely unique.The relatively high price is due to the difficulty of manually extracting the saffron threads (stigmas) from the flowers, and because the flowers only bloom for less than one month a year.

Records detailing the use of saffron go back to ancient Egypt and Rome where it was used as a dye, in perfumes, and as a drug, as well as for culinary purposes. It reached China in the 7th century and spread through Europe in the Middle Ages. The town of Saffron Walden, where it was once grown commercially, takes its name from the plant. Now, however, most saffron is imported from Iran (southern Khorason) and Spain which are recognised as producing the best quality, but it can also be found in Egypt, Kashmir, Morocco and Turkey. 

Saffron is available as dried 'threads' and as powder, with both types being used for cooking. Saffron is most often found in Spanish, Indian, Iranian, Turkish, Moroccan and Asian dishes. 

23 Medicinal Benefits:

1. Both saffron stigma and petals are said to be helpful for depression.

2. Saffron was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of PMS.

3. Saffron, crocins and crocetin inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.

4. It is used for the improvement of digestion and appetite.

5. It is used for treating cough.

6. It is found to be extremely beneficial for providing relief from gas and acidity related problems.

7. Helps in curing Insomnia (a pinch of saffron taken with warm milk in the nite helps curing insomnia).

8. It is used to cure spitting up of blood.

9. It is a very popular answer to many skin problems, like dry skin, enhancing and lightening the skin tone etc.

10. It is used for the treatment of kidney, bladder and liver disorders. It helps in improving circulation to the organs of digestion.

11. It helps in treating various disorders like asthma, atherosclerosis, painful menstrual periods and even depression.

12. Saffron is considered as a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory properties.

13. It helps in relieving inflammation of arthritis also with providing relief from joint pains.

14. Massaging the gums with saffron helps in reducing soreness and inflammation of the mouth and the tongue.

15. It is recommend to use of saffron during pregnancy as the herb possess the property of raising the body temperature.

16. Provides relief from low back pain.

17. It is an antioxidant and has anti-cancerous properties.

18. A number of people also believe that it is a potent aphrodisiac - that probably explains the kesar milk that is a part of the wedding night ritual.

19. Saffron is also said to have anti-tumor properties.

20. Saffron being a blood purifier helps in increasing the oxygen content of the blood thereby aiding in the overall health and well being of a person.

21. Saffron may have a protective effect on the heart.

22. A 2011 double blind, human trial found use of 100 mg of saffron daily has temporary immunomodulatory activities

23. Expectant mothers drink a solution of saffron and milk in the belief that the beauty and complexion of the baby would markedly improve.