15th December 2010 0 Comments Saffron which is considered as one of the most precious spice, which is obtained from

remains and stigma of flower known by the name of Crocus Sativus Linnaeus, more popularly known as the saffron rose. Making of Saffron that is the extraction of saffron filaments from these precious flowers is a very difficult process. The benefits of Saffron on human body are numerous, some people consider as a useful remedy that help to improve digestion. Other benefits of saffron as suggested by many renowned physicians are in the treatment of mental condition of depression. Other disease like asthma are also said to be treated by the same remedy. Apart of treating kidney stones, saffron are said to be the excellent medicine that helps in improving blood circulation. Saffron is very beneficial for women to get much relief from pain that arises during the menstrual periods. Some of the other common problems in which saffron are used for treatments are baldness, atherosclerosis. Latest researches conducted and recent studies prove that saffron also has anti cancer effects and can be quite beneficial in treating conditions of triglycerides. Many physicians suggest saffron as a very effective and safe remedy to reduce cholesterol. There are many proofs regarding the use of saffron in ancient Indian history, for treatment of stomach aches and kidney related diseases. Apart from treating diseases, saffron plays a vital role in enhancing brain power and memory as well as it is quite popular for its antioxidant properties that keeps your skin glowing and young for a longer period of time. Apart from these there are many proven benefits of saffron and some that are yet to be discovered, but it can be summarized from the above facts that it is nothing more than a precious wonder gifted to human kind from nature. Medicinal Usage of Saffron : Saffron(Kesar) is used for For curing respiratory problems To treat alcoholism To treat acne and skin diseases Used in medicines that reduce inflamation For treatment of enlarged liver and infection of urinary bladder and kidneys As an ingredient in recipes for treating menstrual disorders For strengthening the heart and as a refrigerant for the brain As a diuretic For treating diabetic patients As an anti-depressant and relaxant As aphrodisiac for impotency Prolonging vitality Saffron perfume is pungent, cures phlegm and throat ailments and stops vomiting. It stops shooting pain. Saffron gives a healthy glow and brightness to the body. Diseases such as leprosy, head ailments, insect bites are all cured by saffron which also unifies the three body humours. Bile, phlegm and poisonous bites can all be cured by saffron. Saffron : In Ayurveda Saffron is as important ingredient of large number of Ayurvedic medicines. On account of its strong antipoisonous, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, stimulant lactogogue livotonic nervine tonic sedative and styptic properties it is highly valued in Ayurveda

stimulant, lactogogue, livotonic, nervine tonic, sedative and styptic properties it is highly valued in Ayurveda. It is considered an ideal Tridoshhara and a drug of immense efficacy in disorders of children of unknown actiology. It is used in acne, apoplexy, arthritis, asthma, colic, cough dyspepsia, hemierania, insect bites and stings, liver disorders, mental disorders, neurasthenia, oedema, painful menstruation, phthisis, sore throat and splenic disorders. It is attributed with extraordinary properties for improving weak eyesight and highly valued as a complexion builder. As per Ayurvedic Nighantus saffron is Snigdha, Laghu in Guna, Tikta in Rasa, Katu in Vipaka, Ushna in Virya and Tridoshhara. Some of the Ayurvedic recipes containing Saffron as an important ingredient cure asthma, cough,cold,fever, vomiting, epilepsy, splenic enlargement. used as antidote, acne, micturition, vatavyadhi, rat bite,conjunctivitis, pimples, dysuria, stranguary, pterygium, cataract,skin diseases. Saffron : As a Unani Medicine It is considered hot and dry, reported to reduce inflammation and used as stimulant and stomachic. It is considered a good remedy for enlargement of liver and infection of urinary bladder and kidneys. Administered in high doses it makes patient unconscious. It is an ingredient of recipes useful in menstrual disorders. It strengthens the heart and is a refrigerant for the brain. If soaked overnight in water and administered with honey it acts as diuretic. Pounded with ghee it is used in diabetes. Saffron oil is used for external application in uterine sores. Remanent water after extracting oil from it is also used as medicine. Saffron : As a Western medicine The use of Saffron in Western countries for medicinal purposes is in record from the sixteenth century. It is an ingredient in case of kidney problems. It has general panacean properties to it when taken internally. In the centuries to follow it was recommended as an addition to meals to give cheering cardiac medicament effect. In regulated doses, it is said to increase appetite and to ease headaches and hangovers. In recent decades, it has been recognised as a valuable remedy for catarrhal infections, useful in otitis, melancholia, enlargement of liver and spleen, as a nerve sedative, carminative, diaphortic and emmenagogue. In regulated doses, it can be used as a safe abortifacient but in higher doses it may be fatal as well. As a drug it is considered astringent, stimulant of metabolism, refrigerant, diuretic, antihusteric, stomachic, antiseptic and spasmodic. Saffron corms have however, very toxic effect when eaten by young animals. Saffron has been found to be the richest source of riboflavin (100 y/gm). In studies with albino rats it has been observed that 150 mg. Saffron acts at par with a dose of 40 mg pure synthetic riboflavin. Due to presence of crocetin it indirectly helps to reduce cholesterol level in the blood and severity of atherosclerosis, thus reducing the chances of heart attacks. It may be one of the prime reasons that in Spain, where Saffron is consumed liberally, incidence of cardio-vascular diseases is quite low. The crocetin present in saffron is found to increase the yield of antibiotics (Basker and Negbi, 1983). Two compunds of safranal viz., 3,5,5 trimethyl 2hydroxy-1, 4-cyclohesadion-2-ene and 2,4,4-trimethyl 1 3-formyl-6-hydroxy 2,5cyclohexadion-1ene are supposed to increase antibacterial and antiviral physiological activity in the body (Zarghami & Heinz, 1971). In the United States of America it is sometimes given to young children in exanthematous diseases for promoting eruptions (Bontlay & Trumen, 1880). A detailed compilation by Harwell (1969). based on Urdangs reports and records of ancient and medieval periods etc., indicates antitumour and anticancerous activities in Saffron.