Saffron Health Benefits: Saffron is commonly known as Kesar, and Kesar is a herb that is used worldwide as it has many ayurvedic and medicinal benefits. Saffron is derived from the Saffron flower, which has a red thread-like stigma. This stigma is further dried and used as a spice in dishes. There are many benefits of this medicinal herb, and it can be used for the treatment of cough and other respiratory problems like asthma. Moreover, saffron is also beneficial for treating reproductive problems like menstrual pain in women and erectile dysfunction in men. When consumed along with milk, Saffron has many benefits on the nervous system as it helps in relaxing the nervous system, which thereby helps reduce anxiety and the problem of insomnia. Furthermore, Saffron also comes in the form of oil that can protect the skin against sun damage when added to the regular skin cream.
Properties of Saffron:
Saffron has so many essential properties that help treat various problems related to the overall health of the body. Some of these properties of saffron are as follow:
● Antioxidant properties
● Antitussive property
● Ushna property
● Aphrodisiac property
● Vata balancing property
● Spasmodic property
● Rasayana property
So these were some of the properties of saffron.
Historical uses of saffron:
Saffron, for years, has been used for treating several health problems. This is because of the medicinal and ayurvedic properties of this herb. Moreover, Saffron is used in a number of food dishes due to its rich color and odor. The natural properties of Saffron have treated a number of health problems. So some of the problems that can be treated by using Saffron are:
● Saffron helps in the treatment of cough.
● It helps in managing respiratory problems like asthma.
● Helps in the treatment of reproductive problems like menstrual pain in women and erectile dysfunction in men.
● Helps in managing insomnia.
● Helps in the treatment of cancer.
So these were some of the problems that can be treated with the help of Saffron.
Saffron Benefits: Benefits of saffron in Ayurvedic treatment:
Saffron has many health benefits when it comes to Ayurvedic treatment. Let us look at some issues that could be treated with the help of this natural herb.
1. Helps in the treatment of cough
Saffron has safranal content, which has the antitussive property that helps in the treatment of cough. Therefore, people can use saffron for managing or treating the problem of cough.
2. Helps in managing asthma
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According to scientific studies, Saffron is good when managing the problem of asthma as it has safranal content, which has bronchodilatory properties. With the help of this property, saffron helps in relaxing the windpipe muscles and helps widen the air passage for ease in breathing.
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According to ayurvedic studies, Saffron has ushna virya property, which is the herb's hot property. With the help of this property, Saffron may be beneficial in managing asthma. Moreover, the herb also has Rasayana property that is beneficial for boosting immunity as it balances the Kapha of the body.
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Ayurvedic tip for using saffron for managing asthma
If you are suffering from asthma, you can follow these steps for the treatment with saffron.
a. You could take about 4-5 threads of saffron in a bowl.
b. Then, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume this after having your meals two times a day.
d. Continue consuming this until you see good results.
3. Helps in managing erectile dysfunction in men
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According to scientific studies, Saffron has a pigment content called crocin, which has an aphrodisiac property that may help treat erectile dysfunction in men. Therefore, saffron can help enhance men's sexual performance as it helps improve the secretion of testosterone and help improve sperm quality.
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According to ayurvedic studies,
Saffron has vajikarana properties beneficial for managing reproductive problems like erectile dysfunction in men by improving the sexual drive.
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Ayurvedic tip for using saffron for managing erectile dysfunction in men
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about 5-6 threads of Saffron in a glass.
b. Then you could add one cup of lukewarm milk to the glass and let it stay for about 10 minutes.
c. After 10 minutes, you can consume it before going to bed.
d. It is recommended to not boil the Saffron along with milk as it can lose its essential oils.
4. Helps in managing insomnia
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According to scientific studies, Saffron has safranal content with hypnotic properties, enhancing the brain's sleep-promoting neurons. Moreover, Saffron helps in relaxing the nervous system, which reduces anxiety and the problem of insomnia. Therefore, consuming saffron herb is beneficial for managing sleeplessness or restlessness.
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According to ayurvedic studies,
Saffron has Vata balancing properties that are beneficial for managing insomnia problems as it balances the Vata of the body and thereby induce sleep.
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Ayurvedic tips for using saffron for managing insomnia
If you are suffering from insomnia, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about 5-6 threads of Saffron in a glass.
b. Then you could add one cup of lukewarm milk to the glass and let it stay for about 10 minutes.
c. After 10 minutes, you can consume it before going to bed.
d. It is recommended to not boil the Saffron along with milk as it can lose its essential oils.
5. Helps in managing depression
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According to scientific studies, depression is due to the imbalanced serotonin hormone level in the body. However, saffron has antidepressant properties that help balance the serotonin hormone level in the body and thereby help manage depression.
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According to ayurvedic studies,
The reason for depression is an imbalance of Vata dosha in the body. However, saffron helps in balancing the Vata dosha and thereby reducing depression.
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Ayurvedic tip for using saffron for managing depression
If you are suffering from depression, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about 4-5 threads of Saffron in a glass.
b. Then you could add one cup of lukewarm milk to the glass and mix well.
c. You can then consume it two times a day after 2 hours of having your meals.
d. You can repeat this process for about 3-4 months for good results.
6. Helps in managing menstrual pain in women
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According to scientific studies, Saffron has antispasmodic properties that are beneficial for managing menstrual pain in women and providing relief.
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According to ayurvedic studies, Saffron has Vata balancing properties that help in balancing the Vata of the body and thereby manage the menstrual pain.
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Ayurvedic tip for using saffron for managing menstrual pain
If you are suffering from menstrual pain, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 4-5 threads of Saffron in a glass.
b. Then you could add one cup of lukewarm milk to the glass and mix well.
c. You can then consume it two times a day after 2 hours of having your meals.
d. You can repeat this process for about 3-4 months for good results.
7. Helps in managing premenstrual syndrome
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According to scientific studies,
Saffron is beneficial for managing premenstrual syndromes such as depression and painful mensuration. Saffron has antidepressant properties that help balance the serotonin hormone level in the body and thereby help manage depression. Moreover, Saffron has antispasmodic properties that are beneficial for managing menstrual pain in women and providing relief.
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According to ayurvedic studies, Saffron has Vata balancing and Rasayana properties beneficial for managing premenstrual syndrome such as depression or pain during periods.
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Ayurvedic tip for using Saffron for managing premenstrual syndrome
If you are suffering from premenstrual syndromes like depression or painful periods, you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 4-5 threads of saffron in a bowl.
b. Then, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the bowl and mix well.
c. You can consume this after having your meals once or twice a day.
8. Helps in managing Alzheimer’s disease
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According to scientific studies, Alzheimer's is because of an increase in the production of amyloid-beta, which is a protein produced in the body. This increase in this protein leads to the accumulation of amyloid plaques or clusters in the brain and thereby leading to Alzheimer's. However, saffron has medicinal properties that help reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby improving the memory functions of an Alzheimer patient.
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According to ayurvedic studies, Saffron helps balance the body's doshas as it has ushna property. Therefore, saffron can balance Vata, pitta, and Kapha doshas, thereby reducing any risk of nervous system disorders.
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9. Helps in managing cancer
Saffron has apoptogenic properties that help manage cancer as it helps kill the cancerous cells in the body. Moreover, saffron also has the property of anti-proliferative, which helps in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
10. Helps in managing the symptoms of psoriasis
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According to scientific studies,
Saffron is beneficial for managing Psoriasis symptoms if you consume saffron in the form of tea or consume it with your regular food dishes.
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According to ayurvedic studies,
Saffron is good for treating skin problems like psoriasis as it has Rasayana properties.
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Tips for using saffron for managing the symptoms of psoriasis
If you are suffering from psoriasis, then you can follow these steps for the treatment.
a. You could take about a pinch of saffron and let it soak in about half a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.
b. After 15 minutes, you can consume it for half an hour before having your meal.
11. Helps in managing heart diseases
Saffron has crocetin content with antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the blood cholesterol levels and prevent the plague build-up in the arteries. Therefore, saffron may be beneficial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
12. Helps in reducing hair loss
Saffron is beneficial for preventing hair loss as it has Vata balancing properties that help improve hair growth and control baldness.
Tips for using saffron for preventing hair loss
If you are suffering from hair loss, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 5-6 threads of saffron and soak them in about one cup of milk in a bowl.
b. You can add about 4-5 tablespoons of licorice powder to the bowl and mix well to make a smooth paste.
c. Start applying this paste on your scalp and hair. Let the paste stay for about 30 minutes.
d. After 30 minutes, you can wash off the paste using normal water.
13. Helps in managing pain
Saffron is beneficial when managing pain associated with oral problems, ear pain, gingivitis, and toothache. This is because of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron. Moreover, saffron is also good for reducing swelling because of its anti-inflammatory property.
Dosage of Saffron recommended by doctors
The quantity of Saffron recommended by doctors is as follows.
● Saffron capsule- You could consume about one capsule of Saffron capsule two times a day.
● Saffron tablets- You could consume about one tablet of saffron two times a day.
● Saffron oil- You could take about 1-3 drops of saffron oil or take the quantity as per your requirement.
Usage of Saffron for ayurvedic treatment:
Saffron is used for ayurvedic treatment in different ways; check out how you can use this medicinal herb for your ayurvedic treatment.
1. Saffron threads along with milk and Multani Mitti
If you want to get skin glow, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 5-6 threads of saffron in a bowl.
b. Then you can add one teaspoon of Multani Mitti and two tablespoons of milk to the bowl.
c. Start mixing all the ingredients to make a smooth paste.
d. You can then start applying this paste on your face and let it stay for about 15-20 minutes.
e. After 20 minutes, rinse off the paste with tap water.
f. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to make your skin healthy.
g. It is recommended that if you have an oily skin type, then you can use rose water instead of milk.
2. Saffron capsule- You could consume about one capsule of Saffron capsule two times a day.
3. Saffron tablets- You could consume about one tablet of saffron two times a day.
4. Saffron oil along with olive oil
You can prepare a mixture of saffron oil along with olive oil for treating dry and dull skin. Follow these steps for preparation.
a. You could take about 2-3 drops of saffron oil in a bowl.
b. Then you could use a few drops of olive oil and mix them well.
c. Start massaging this oil on your face and neck using circular motions for about 10 minutes.
d. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and dull skin.
Precautionary guide for using saffron:
Certain precautions must be considered before you use or consume saffron. Check out certain precautions that you need to follow.
● Expert advice
● It is recommended that you always consume saffron in the quantity recommended by your doctor, and you must consume it for a limited time period.
● Saffron has ushna property, which is the hot property of this herb, and that is why it is recommended that you always consume this herb and milk or other cooling agents.
● Consuming saffron in high quantity is not safe as it could lead to a number of problems like vomiting, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, bleeding nose or lips, and numbness.
● For Allergic patients
Saffron has hot properties, and that is why it is recommended that if you have hypersensitive skin, then you must always mix saffron with milk for topical application. Moreover, you should consume it in the right amount.
● For pregnant women
Saffron can be consumed during pregnancy. However, pregnant women must always take Saffron's quantity as recommended by their doctor and should also consider the duration.
● For blood pressure patients
Saffron has a blood pressure-lowering tendency, and that is why it is recommended to regularly monitor your blood pressure if you are consuming Saffron along with your antihypertensive medicines.
Side effects of consuming Saffron in high amounts
Saffron is pretty safe for consumption. However, there are chances of some side effects. Check out the side effects of consuming saffron.
● Dizziness
● Nausea
● Drowsiness
● Dry mouth
● Headache
● Loss of appetite
So these were the side effects of saffron.
FAQ about saffron:
How to prepare saffron tea?
Saffron tea can be prepared by infusing saffron threads in water. The steps for preparing saffron tea are simple. You can follow these steps for preparing saffron tea.
a. The first step is boiling the water and then adding a few saffron strands.
b. Let the water boil for some time, and you will get saffron tea.
You can also add 1 ml of saffron water to about 80 ml of water for making saffron tea. And you also have the option of adding saffron infusion to green tea, Kahwa, or masala tea.
What is the right procedure for storing Saffron?
The right procedure for storing saffron is in an airtight container and placing the container in a cool and dark place. You should never place the container under direct sunlight or in your refrigerator, as saffron could absorb moisture when you take it out of the refrigerator at room temperature. So it is better to store saffron at room temperature.
What is the right procedure for making saffron milk?
You can easily make saffron milk at home. All you need is milk, cardamom, sugar, and 2-3 saffron threads. Follow these steps for preparing saffron milk.
a. The first step is boiling milk and adding sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron threads to the boiling milk.
b. Allow the milk and all the ingredients to boil for 5-7 minutes.
c. Now you can easily pour saffron milk in a glass and consume it when it is lukewarm.
However, it is recommended that boiling saffron threads along with milk could lead to loss of essential oils. So you can prefer to add saffron thread after boiling the milk.
How many brands of Saffron can one find in India?
Some of the brands of saffron that you can find in India are lion brand saffron, baby brand saffron, Patanjali Kesar, and more.
What is the expiry period of saffron?
You can easily store saffron for a longer time if you store it properly in an airtight container and storing it at room temperature. Therefore saffron threads can easily last for about 3-5 years, and saffron powder lasts for about six months.
How much does saffron cost in India?
The cost of saffron can range between Rs250-Rs300 per gram of saffron. However, the cost also varies depending upon the brand that is selling it.
Are there any benefits of saffron for the liver?
Saffron has hepatoprotective properties that are beneficial for the liver as it helps improve the digestion of food and get rid of toxic waste from the body. Therefore, saffron can be used to protect the liver from toxins.
Are there any benefits of saffron for treating eye disorders?
Saffron has crocetin and crocin contents that are beneficial for treating eye disorders like cataract conjunctivitis, and it also helps in improving vision. Moreover, saffron is also beneficial in restoring the function of the retina and preventing oxidative damage as it has antioxidant properties.
Are there any side effects of saffron?
Saffron is pretty safe for consumption. However, there are chances of some side effects. Check out the side effects of consuming saffron.
● Dizziness
● Nausea
● Drowsiness
● Dry mouth
● Headache
● Loss of appetite
Saffron has ushna property, which is the hot property of this herb, and that is why it is recommended that you always consume this herb and milk or other cooling agents. Moreover, Consuming saffron in high quantity is not safe as it could lead to a number of problems like vomiting, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, bleeding nose or lips, and numbness. Also, if you have hypersensitive skin, then you must always mix saffron along with milk.
Are there any benefits of saffron for skin pigmentation?
Saffron has flavonoid contents that are beneficial for protecting the skin against harmful sun rays and prevent tanning. Moreover, if you want a glow to your skin, then you can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 5-6 threads of saffron in a bowl.
b. Then you can add one teaspoon of Multani Mitti and two tablespoons of milk to the bowl.
c. Start mixing all the ingredients to make a smooth paste.
d. You can then start applying this paste on your face and let it stay for about 15-20 minutes.
e. After 20 minutes, rinse off the paste with tap water.
f. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a week to make your skin healthy.
g. It is recommended that if you have an oily skin type, then you can use rose water instead of milk.
Are there any side effects of saffron for breastfeeding women?
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According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence available to support whether saffron is good for consumption for breastfeeding women. However, it is advised that you should consult your doctor before consuming it.
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According to ayurvedic studies, it is recommended that saffron can be consumed in small quantities if you are breastfeeding. You could take about 2-3 threads of saffron with warm milk once a day.
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Are there any side effects of saffron for pregnant women?
According to scientific studies, saffron may not be beneficial for pregnant women as there are chances that consuming saffron during pregnancy could cause abortion during the first or twentieth week of being pregnant. The reason is because of bleeding or uterine contractions after consuming saffron. However, you can still consult your doctor if you want to consume saffron in a small amount.
Are there any toxic effects on your health?
Saffron does not have any toxic effects on your health if you are consuming it in the recommended amounts or in quantity prescribed by your doctor. The right amount of saffron twice a day, as per scientific studies, is about 15 mg as it will not lead to any toxic effects on your liver, kidney, or hematologic systems. However, if you are consuming saffron in large quantities, it could lead to a number of side effects.
Are there any benefits of Saffron for losing weight?
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According to scientific studies, Saffron is beneficial for losing weight as it helps to curb the appetite or constant hunger that prevents overeating. Moreover, saffron is also beneficial for getting rid of toxins from the body and reducing weight.
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According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for weight gain is the aggravation of Kapha dosha in the body that leads to Ama's formation. Ama is toxic waste in the body that gets accumulated and leads to weight gain. However, saffron helps balance Kapha dosha in the body and reduces the amount of accumulated ama, which leads to weight loss.
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What is the right procedure for using Saffron for skin whitening?
You can follow these steps for using saffron for skin whitening.
a. You could take about 2-3 threads of saffron in a bowl.
b. Then you could add 2 tablespoons of milk and let saffron threads soak in the milk for about 5 minutes.
c. You can then add one teaspoon of sandalwood powder to the bowl and make a paste.
d. Your paste is now ready to use.