Saffron, a word synonym for taste and fragrance, is known by all. Everyone’s aware of the ‘World’s Costliest Spice’ and the wonders it can do to any dish that it is added to or a component of, however, did you know the numerous benefits that are associated with it? Before we dive into the details, let’s discuss the history of this vibrant-colored spice.

Where Does The Word Come From?

The melodic word “saffron” is derived from the Persian word زرپران (Zarparān), which translates as “golden leaves” in English. In Farsi, zar denotes gold, and par denotes a flower’s blossom. The Arabic word “zafaran” was created from it, and the French word “Safran” was derived from it. Finally, this is where the word “saffron” in English originates.

The History

Saffron, the stigma of the crocus flower, has been grown and used for more than 3,500 years. Persia (Iran) is thought to have been the first region to cultivate saffron, while there are some accounts of Greece as well. However, it’s believed that Iran, Valencia, Spain, and India are the primary sources of the best saffron.

For a very long time, saffron was both a medicinal herb and a culinary additive. It was widely utilized in dishes, as a dye, as treatments, and even as magic among the affluent East group. Indians, for instance, used to dye silk, carpets, and Buddhist monks’ robes with saffron stigmas because they thought the vivid color was the pinnacle of beauty. In contrast, the lavish halls and baths of Imperial Rome were filled with aromatic scents of Saffron.

What Makes it so Expensive?

Saffron has a very low yield, which is why it sells for such astronomically high prices. The flowers must be painstakingly picked and sorted during the entire process, which takes a considerable amount of time. According to estimates, 1,00,000 flower stigmas are needed to produce one kilogram of pure dried saffron.

Benefits of the ‘Golden Spice’

• Cooling Blood Purifier

An energizing purifier, saffron energizes, moves, and cools the blood. Blood clots are broken up by saffron, and liver congestion is relieved. Saffron is unusual among blood movers in that it is cooling while other blood movers are warming. Saffron is therefore advantageous for Pitta disorders brought on by blood stagnation, including inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, and hepatitis.

• Anti-inflammatory

Saffron is an anti-inflammatory analgesic that can help with pain, stiffness, and swelling. Saffron is a good treatment for excruciating auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis due to its immunomodulatory and antimicrobial characteristics. For people with joint issues like osteoarthritis, crocin successfully lowers the amount of pro-inflammatory markers and regenerates worn-out cartilage and bone.

• Balances Hormones

Women who experience painful or irregular periods or irregular cycles can also benefit from saffron. It assists in hormone balancing, cycle regulation, and PMS symptom relief. Saffron may offer protection from Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue resembling the lining of the womb starts to develop in areas other than the womb, such as the fallopian tubes or the ovaries.

• Helps the Reproductive Health

Saffron has a long history of being revered for its powerful aphrodisiac properties. One of the best herbs for infertility and age-related sexual dysfunction is a pinch of saffron combined with milk. It not only boosts libido in both men and women but also helps treat infertility and age-related sexual dysfunction in both sexes.

• Skin Health

In Ayurveda, saffron is categorized under “Varnya Gana,” a group of plants used to give the skin a warm, radiant appearance. It functions as a healthy anti-oxidant to remove toxins from the body and skin as well as a soothing anti-inflammatory and blood circulation enhancer.

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