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Saffron finds a variety of uses in India
and abroad. In India, it is used as a herb
in Ayurvedic Medicines which heal a variety
of diseases ranging from Arthritis to Impotence
and Infertility. It is known to have aphrodisiac
properties and is widely used in Asia and
the Middle East as such. Chinese and Tibetan
Medicine also find many uses of this exotic
herb.
It is an essential commodity in high quality
milk/cream based confectioneries and Mughlai
dishes in India wherein it imparts a rich
colour and distinctive flavour.
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The fact is that Indians in general are crazy about
this exotic spice. In India, to serve dishes laced with
saffron is regarded as a mark of honour to the guest
and has become the norm rather than an exception. In
fact the average use of this spice in even a middle
class family wedding in the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat
is about 250 gms!
Due to the large number of experienced users in India
and the frequency of the use also being very high, the
consumer in India is very discerning. After having tried
the product of other countries, he prefers the local
variety above all others and Kashmiri Saffron commands
a premium over the rest even in India and the locally
produced saffron is priced higher than that available
of Spain or Iran.
In the western world it is used primarily as a spice.
But it is also discovering its uses as a health tonic
which naturally does not have side effects. About 50
mg of Saffron dissolved in a glass of 200ml milk and
a spoonful of sugar makes a very tasty drink which is
also a health tonic. A regular intake of this every
day for a period of time enables the body to build resistance
against a lot of common diseases such as Asthma, Common
colds claim Ayurvedic Practitioners. But beware, do
not to expect it to act as a magic potion because it
is essential to have a regular intake for it to be effective.
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Saffron
in Eastern Medicine |
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Here is list of a few uses that
saffron is put to in medicine as a cure and as
a preventive. The list by no means exhaustive
and is just to give you an idea of the usefulness
of this exotic herb. These details have been taken
from a paper by Central Council for Research in
Ayurveda and Sidhha (Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare).
Saffron
in Ayurveda
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Saffron
in Unani Medicine
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Curing Asthma &
Cough
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Used
in medicines that reduce inflamation |
| Useful
in Colds |
For
treatment of enlarged Liver and infection
of Urinary Bladder and Kidneys |
| To
treat Alcoholism |
As
an ingredient in recipes useful in Menstrual
disorders |
To
treat Acne and Skin Diseases.
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For
strengthening the heart and as a refrigerant
for the brain |
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As
a diuretic if soaked overnight in water and
administered with honey |
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Pounded
with clarified butter (Ghee) it is used for
treating diabetic patients. |
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Saffron
in Western Medicine |
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Indications
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References
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| The
Ebers Papyrus (Ca 1550 BC) has mentioned
it as an ingredient in case of kidney
problems
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Bauman,
B.B.,1960, The Botanical Aspects of
Ancient Egyptian Embalming & Burrial.
Econ. Bot. 14:84-104 |
Due to the
presence of crocetin it indirectly helps
to reduce cholesterol levels in the
blood
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Baker, D.&
& Negbi, M., 1983,
Uses of Saffron, Eco.Bot.; 37(2):
228-36. |
Two compounds
in Saffron are supposed to increase
anti-bacterial and anti-viral physiological
activity in the body
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Zarghami,
N.S. &Heinz, D.E., 1971, Monoterpene
aldehydes & Isophorone related compounds
of Saffron, Phytochemistry, 10: 2755-
2761. |
In the USA
it was given to children in exanthematous
diseases for promoting eruptions.
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Bontlay,
Robert & Henary Trumen, 1880, Medicinal
Plants, Volume IV. |
| Based on
Urdang's reports and records of Ancient
and Medieval periods indicate anti tumour
& anti cancerous activities. |
Hartwell,
J.L.,1969 , Plants used against Cancer;
A Survey, Lloydia 32 (3): 252-54. |
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