Saffron in Medicines

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 Ayurved :

Curing Asthma & Cough
Useful  in Colds
To treat Alcoholism
To treat Acne and Skin Diseases.

Saffron in Unani Medicine :

Used  in medicines that reduce inflamation
For  treatment of enlarged Liver and infection of Urinary Bladder and Kidneys.
As an ingredient in recipes useful in Menstrual disorders.
For strengthening the heart and as a refrigerant for the brain
If  soaked overnight in water and administered with honey it acts as a diuretic.
Pounded  with clarified butter (Ghee) it is used for treating diabetic patients.

Saffron as a Herb

Saffron being a natural herb, all its benefits and contents cannot be fully quantified chemically and as everybody knows that statistics can be made to prove anything. There are many contents in a herb which even scientists agree that at times cannot be identified let alone quantified and even if so, there are many inexplicable benefits that are proved by a variety of testaments and age old experiences which can not be explained by science. Saffron is a prime example of one such Herb. Therefore, it is important for every supplier to state the origin or source of his saffron, for you to judge its quality because the growing area, its soil and climate creates the basic characteristics and strength of the saffron.

Though used by many as a mere spice the benefits that it has in healing a variety of diseases which is well documented in the Bhavprakash Nikhantu, the Ayurvedic Bible which is as old as the Indian culture and still as practical and useful to daily life as the Kama Sutra.