Saffron

Did you know that saffron is a culinary ingredient that has many benefits? This exotic spice adds flavor and color to various dishes, but it is also beneficial for overall health. It is not just another cooking ingredient, but it can help you deal with many health problems. Saffron water is great for the skin and prevents hair loss.

Saffron is the most expensive spice known, being appreciated all over the world. The good quality saffron is of oriental origin, namely Sargol Iranian or Coup Spaniol. The intense taste of saffron, its special aroma, but especially its intensely pigmented color made it famous not only in the Orient, but also in Europe and America.

The delicate purple flowers create inside the thin red threads so appreciated. Harvesting and cultivating this plant require infinite patience and the price of the spice is one commensurate with its value.

Saffron composition

Saffron contains carotenoids, volatile oils, protocrocin that intensifies euphoric sensations (saffron being a known aphrodisiac).

Therapeutic indications of saffron:

In the form of tincture or decoction it is used for:

• Menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pains;
• Depression;
• Bronchitis, cough, asthma;
• Biliary and liver disorders.

Applied externally, in the form of extract, powder or tincture, it is a good remedy for hemorrhoids, eczema, conjunctivitis, phlegmon and skin problems.

Precautions and contraindications:

The plant is not recommended during pregnancy, it can cause bleeding or even miscarriage, abdominal colic, vomiting. Used as a spice, saffron added to food should be used in small amounts, no more than 2 grams per day. If used in large quantities, it becomes harmful and can cause nervousness and behavioral disorders.

Benefits of saffron:

Not many people know that saffron is an excellent remedy for the skin. Saffron improves the texture of the skin and adds freshness. The saffron water used every day helps you moisturize your skin naturally. It also eliminates common skin problems such as acne and pimples.

If you are a caffeine addict who cannot conceive a morning without a cup of coffee, then the saffron water is the right drink for you. It works perfectly instead of caffeine and saffron water makes you feel fresh and rested throughout the day. Doctors recommend saffron as a heart hardener, saffron fights anemia and reduces the problems caused by stress and overload.

Many of us suffer from hair loss. Saffron water prevents hair loss. It contains antioxidants that prevent hair loss and it strengthens hair follicles and helps hair growth. In the Eastern world, saffron water has been used since ancient times as an effective tonic for women’s long hair. The inhabitants of the Roman Empire put saffron in bath water and in the Middle Age, women used it for creams and lotions.

The craving for sweets and especially sugar is a topical issue, which creates inconveniences for your health. Reducing your sugar intake helps maintain good health and all doctors recommend that you eat sugar in a balanced way. Drinking saffron water in the morning helps reduce your craving for sugar.

• Antispasmodic;
• Analgesic;
• Asthmatic;
• Antitussive;
• Gastric tonic;
• Calming the central nervous system;
• Aphrodisiac and sexual tonic.

How to prepare saffron water?

Take 5-7 threads of saffron and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink this water on empty stomach every morning. Saffron water should be drunk regularly for 15 days if you want to get results.

How to prepare saffron tincture?

The tincture is simply prepared at home, putting in a glass recipient about 20 grams of dried and crushed saffron, over which pour ¼ l of 70 degree alcohol. Soak the saffron in alcohol for two weeks. The glass jar should be shaken daily. When the tincture has been made, carefully strain the saffron threads and then take the drops (maximum 10), diluted in a glass of water.

Conclusions

Saffron threads are best stored in sealed containers, protected from direct sunlight and can be kept for many years. Although it is an expensive spice, saffron is consumed in extremely small quantities and has wonderful benefits for your health.