And saffron’s mad about me. Saffron, the queen of spices, is also an effective medicine.
Flower Parts
Saffron spice is a warm red colour. It is made from the female part of the flower, the stigma, the thread-like filaments in the center of a flower. It takes 75,000 flowers to make a single pound. It is about 10 times as costly as the next most expensive spice, vanilla. Thankfully, it’s used in tiny amounts.
History
Saffron has been used as a spice and herb for at least 4,000 years. It is one of the earliest domesticated spices. Crocus flowers, the source of saffron, are common in ancient Greek art. Ancient Assyria and Persia knew of its healing power. It was also used as a perfume.
Full of Colour
Saffron has over 150 identified compounds, but here are three main ones. The compound that gives the stigma its red glow is called crocin. This compound makes up about 10% of its weight. Another key compound in saffron that gives it its aroma is safranal. The saffron flavour comes mainly from a compound called picrocrocin.
Uses
Hormonal
The scent of Saffron seems to increase estrogen levels in women. Saffron was also used in the Middle Ages by midwives as a sedative and as an abortifacient (in high doses)---something to be aware of if you’re pregnant. It also seems to have a positive impact on menstrual issues and is an effective treatment for PMS symptoms and hot flashes.
Cell Protection
Many of the health benefits of saffron are related to its high level of antioxidants. Essentially, saffron hooks onto harmful molecules and flushes them out. This helps with many disease processes. Everything from cancer to Parkinson’s, MS, heart disease, and other diseases are linked to excess junk molecules called free radicals that antioxidants flush out.
Heart Health
Saffron seems to have a protective effect on blood vessels as well as lowering blood pressure. It also slightly lowers cholesterol and reduces the C-reactive protein, a marker of heart disease risk.
Memory
In the last few decades, the memory effects of saffron have been studied. In tests, it helps rats with memory. A few small studies support its effectiveness in helping with mild Alzheimer’s. These improvements were seen in 4 months. These promising studies show results similar to the most commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs. There is also some promise with saffron in the treatment of MS symptoms.
Mood
This is where saffron has the strongest evidence. A lot of research shows it helps with depression. In some large, well-designed studies, saffron worked as well as the most prescribed depression drugs. It also reliably helps with anxiety. Saffron also had fewer side effects than the prescription drugs used for depression.
How to Take It
Tea
The beneficial compounds in saffron are easily extracted in hot water. By itself, the rich colouring of the stigmas creates a yellow tea. When you make your tea, drop a few threads of saffron into the hot water. It adds a bit of an earthy flavour but won’t change the overall taste. Let it steep for about 8 minutes to make sure the compounds are extracted before drinking.
Supplement
Saffron is also available as a pill. Supplements are readily available in 30 mg capsules. This is the recommended dose for most of the health benefits. Be careful when you buy the supplement. Be sure to check that it is made from “Crocus sativa stigmas,” not a different species or the other parts of the flower. Some ‘saffron’ include the stalk that supports the three stigmas or other flower parts.
Spice
The spice is readily available and can be used for its flavour and health benefits. Don’t buy powdered saffron; only buy the whole stigma threads, and make sure they are red, not yellow. The yellow part is the stalk, not the stigma. Be sure to store it in an airtight container, preferably in the freezer. Both light and heat break down saffron and reduce its potency. Don’t store it in a glass jar in the cupboard. Protect it from light.
Ancient Power
Saffron has been safely used as a spice and medicine for thousands of years. That’s a long-term record no prescription drug can match. But saffron is potent---20 g might kill you, and 10 g can kill your baby if you’re pregnant. That dose is over 300 times the dose in a single capsule! Saffron has many health benefits as well as being a wonderful spice. Consider adding this ancient flower power to your spice and medicine cabinet.
