Saffron - Herb Care Use and its Health Benefits

Saffron 

Description:

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigmas and styles, called threads, are collected and dried to be used mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. But none can deny its huge benefits to our health. Saffron contains huge quantity of manganese and other essentials like vitamin C, magnesium, and iron, potassium and vitamin B6.


Health Benefits:

1. Mental stimulation is among the health benefits of saffron.Safranal and crocin, two compounds present in saffron, regulate neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine which help reduce symptoms in mild to moderate depression even without conventional psychiatric medications.

2. Antioxidants present in it has anti-aging properties; thus, keeping the skin supple and radiant.

3. Saffron can also whiten the skin, prevent acne, and fade scars, dark spots, and other skin blemishes. It also has vitamin B2 which helps to heal chapped lips.

4. This spice is a well known sexual enhancer. A glass of milk with a pinch of saffron every night is all you need to increase your libido.

5. Saffron contains a dark orange, water soluble carotene called crocin, which is responsible for much of saffron's golden color. Crocin has been found to trigger apoptosis [ programmed cell death] in a number of different types of human cancer cells, leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma.

6. Saffron is a stimulant tonic and very effective to treat cold and fever. A pinch of saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.

7. In under developed girls, saffron has an overall stimulant effect. And it is very useful to stimulate hormones and bring about desired effect.