Saffron
has been known since Antiquity as a remedy for all pains, without claiming to
be a universal medicine, it is however a natural solution for many health
problems in our times.
In
the East, saffron was generally used to treat light to moderate depression; it
had the reputation to bring cheerfulness and wisdom. Because of this, it is
said that it has aphrodisiac properties for women.
In
Morocco, saffron is part of a remedy passed down from mother to daughter still
used to relieve tooth ache when babies get their first teeth (for external use:
analgesic for gums), by massaging gums with a gold ring coated with honey and
saffron, a lotion with natural antiseptic properties. In France, the well known
Delabarre syrup took up the same recipe. Grand-mothers also relieved young
women's painful periods by giving them tea or milk with saffron.
This
spice has been well known for a very long time as a remedy against many
ailments. It is among the richest plant sources of riboflavin (vitamin B2). It
also contains an essential oil, safranal, and some crocetins which are
carotenoids, that is to say pro-vitamin A.
Whereas
pigments play a stimulating function in digestion (using from 0.5 to 1 g per
litre of water, saffron stimulates digestion), safranal has a sedative action.
In general, saffron is known to act on the nervous system: it would be both
analgesic and tonic.
In
traditional medicine, the plant is used as a stomachic. In Chinese medicine, it
is employed as a painkiller for cramps and asthma and can also treat bruises.
It
allows heart rate to slow down as well as lowering blood pressure and even
stimulate respiration. It is said to ease digestion, relieve the liver and also
thin the blood.
In
hot drinks: crocus sativus soothes coughs and relieves colds. The right dose
for hot drinks is: from 0.5 g to 1 g per litre of water.
In
massages: it relieves from pain, in particular in gums. It is used as a pure
powder or diluted with honey to apply directly in the mouth or mixed with some
glycerin to relax tense body areas.
In
broths: it stimulates digestion (the right dose: 1g per liter)
In
pills: laboratories use an extract from the top part of the pistil having
effect on neurotransmitters as a natural antidepressant. Where can you find it?
In its natural form (threads or powder) from the producers.
