Herbal Encyclopedia

Common Medicinal Herbs For Natural Health

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  • Scientific Names

Saffron

Botanical Name

  • Family Iridaceae
  • Crocus sativus

Common Names

  • Spanish Saffron

Cautions

 Meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is not the same, and is a poisonous plant.

In very large doses, saffron may induce abortions. Therefore, during pregnancy, use only normal cooking amounts.

It is contraindicated in those who have gallbladder or liver disease since it stimulates the liver.

Description

 Native to India, the Balkans, and the eastern Mediterranean region, saffron is now cultivated in India, Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East, mainly as a culinary herb. The plant is a perennial, growing to nine inches from a bulblike corm. It has narrow leaves and mauve to purple flowers, each with three deep red, thread-like stigmas.

History

 In the past, saffron was credited with an immense array of health benefits, but its popularity as a medicinal herb peaked in Europe during the Middle Ages. An example of its acclaim comes from the herbalist Christopher Catton, who said of it: "Saffron has the power to quicken the spirits, and the virtue thereof pierces by and by to the heart, provoking laughter and merriment."

In ancient Greece and Rome, saffron was used not only within medicine and cooking but also as a cosmetic dye.

Key Actions

  • abortifacient
  • liver stimulant

Key Components

  • volatile oil (composed of terpenes, terpene alcohols, and esters)
  • bitter glycosides (including crocin)
  • caretenoids
  • vitamins B1 and B2

Medicinal Parts

  • Stigmas and styles
  • Crocin is a choleretic, meaning it stimulates the liver.

Traditional Uses

 Despite its long history as a medicinal herb, saffron has fallen out of favour as an herbal treatment because of the availability of cheaper and superior herbs more easily found to replicate its ability to induce menstruation, treat period pain and chronic uterine bleeding, and calm indigestion and colic.

In Chinese herbal medicine, it is used to treat painful obstructions of the chest, stimulate menstruation, and relieve abdominal pain.

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Pages

  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Lip Balms
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Vapor Balms
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge
  • Scientific Names

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For educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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