Saffron-a Treasure of the Ancient Medicine Chest-an Overview

Abstract

Saffron (Kesar) is the king of super foods. In terms of weight, it is even more expensive than gold and has been in use for thousands of years because of its special medicinal benifits. Saffron is very warm in its post digestive effect and hence, it should only be consumed in winters.It is frequently given to asthma patients in warm milk and is very good for treating recurring sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, weak lungs and low vitality. It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac which is linked to male fertility improvement and is a treasured ingredient in medicines used to treat skin disorders as well as blemish-reducing skin creams. The other benefits of saffron include the treatment of menstrual disorders. Diabetics should drink saffron boiled in milk with a teaspoon of ghee or butter. In case of patients with weak liver, it helps to get rid of toxins.

Unani perspective of Saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) beyond a spice

“…An average of 30 mg of fresh or 7 mg of dried saffron can be obtained from one freshly picked flower. 19…”

“…If the plants are irrigated earlier in the growing season, then the latter C. sativus cataphylls may grow prior to blooming. 19 It contains stigmas with a bright red colour and styles with an orange-yellow color. At first, the flowers come out of the soil, and after that, leaves arise from the corum, which is about 10-15 cm long and green in colour, and the corum (root) is like that of an onion.…”