Saffron’s Role in Ayurveda and Its Health Benefits

Kesar rabri, kesar kulfi, kesar in biryani and all the saffron you can use in Indian cooking is a stamp of taste and feature. The colour, fragrance and quality of saffron separates it from other spices in food. Legend says that Madhyantika, an arhat missionary sowed the first Kashmiri saffron crop in India. From there, its use spread to the rest of India. Although, it was first mentioned in ancient texts in 2300 BCE in the Legend of Sargon of Akkad, a piece of mesopotamian work. Its significance in Ayurveda has also been described in Indian texts.

Distinctive Features of Saffron

Saffron is native to the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and Iran although it is produced majorly in Spain, France and Italy. Cleopatra in her time used to be very fond of using saffron as a cosmetic. In Greece, Saffron was used as a perfume due to its lasting fragrance. In Rome, the plant was used extensively to prepare for luxurious baths and in general for their fragrance.

The spice saffron is majorly obtained from a small portion of a violet flower called saffron. We use the distinctive yellow coloured, sweet mild herb. The bitter taste of the saffron plant is due to the stigma-the pollen germinating part- at the end of the pistil. Since such a small part is used, it takes about 75000 saffron flowers to make a pound of saffron. Dried stamens of the plant last long with their fragrance and flavour intact for at least two years.

Strands of saffron continue to infuse their flavours for nearly 12 hours  when put in hot liquid. In fact, the quality of saffron is identified by the redness of it. The more the red pigment, the better. It is a rich source of nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, etc.

Saffron’s Properties as Proposed by Ayurveda

Medicinal properties of Saffron have been vastly studied even in modern medicine. This ingredient according to Ayurveda is Tridoshic (three energy centers) where other ingredients just target one. Three doshas are targeted by Saffron-

1. Pitta Dosha (Fire)- The cooling properties quench the imbalances that cause the inflammation.

2. Vata Dosha (Air)- Saffron has properties that help to stabilize erraticness and anxiety.

3. Kapha Dosha (Earth and Water)- Saffron in this Dosha promotes healthy circulation and counters lethargy.

Identified 9 Health Benefits of Saffron

Saffron possesses some pre-identified set of health benefits.

1. It is known to be a blood purifier. Its antioxidant policies help to eliminate toxins and improve blood circulation in the body.

2. Saffron provides digestive aid. It has carminative properties that help in relieving gas and reducing bloating.

3. Saffron has a pleasant, calming sensation on the brain. It leads to release of serotonin and acts as a mood enhancer.

4. It is also associated with good skin health due to the present antioxidants. There might also be potential for faster healing and reduced inflammation.

5. There is also a positive effect on neurological health due to its calming properties. It also has a potential impact on reducing the effects of depression and anxiety.

6. It has a potential to reduce inflammation, blood pressure health and thus, improve cardiovascular health.

7. Saffron also shows a positive impact reducing the impact of menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances in the female body.

8. During olden war times, saffron was used to treat wounds and shots instantly.

9. Known as an instant relief to common cough and cold.

How Much is Too Much?

Saffron is a very potent ingredient. Small quantities of it are sufficient to soak its good qualities. In ayurveda, it is generally soaked in milk or ghee for consumption. Saffron should also not be used medically before consulting a practitioner, especially by pregnant or breastfeeding women or those who are already on medication.

Except for the potency, there is also the fact that good quality saffron is pretty expensive. Its costliness is due to its harvesting where only a small amount of each flower can be used and all harvesting is done by hand.

Final Thoughts

Saffron's health benefits have been identified across medicine, but in ayurveda, it stands as an all rounder element. The benefits are multifaceted ranging from neurological to cardiovascular and also reproductive health benefits. Small quantities of saffron are used but that yields high benefits. Traditional wisdom imparts that saffron can contribute to holistic well being.

Written By Dixitaa Jaisinghani

This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - dixitaajaisinghani@gmail.com