Saffron

Saffron

Saffron or Kesar, the King of spices is undoubtedly the most precious spice in the world.

It takes around 4,300 of the beautiful royal purple flowers of the crocus plant to produce 28 gm of saffron.

Its name comes from the Arabic word zafaran, which means yellow. The spice is obtained from the thread-like stigmas, exactly three of which are present in every flower.

Hence, it is expensive that hundreds of rupees would buy few grams of good quality saffron. Fortunately, due to its intense flavoring and colouring power, a tiny pinch would suffice in any recipe bringing it within the reach of the ordinary household wanting to create that special delicacy utilizing saffrons exquisite flavor and color.

For curing respiratory problems(Colds and Respiratory Diseases)

As a spice, saffron helps clear the lungs. When you have a cold or respiratory illness, your lungs become inflamed. Drinking saffron will help clear the phlegm from your lungs and aid a faster recovery. Saffron also helps ease asthma by reducing inflammation and clearing your airways.

Used in medicines that reduce Stomach inflamation

Saffron tea can also ease stomach aches and similar ailments by stimulating the stomach muscles. Contractions enable the muscles to relax and also cool your body. That explains the feeling of relaxation people experience after drinking this tea.

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For treatment of enlarged liver and infection of urinary bladder and kidneys

As an ingredient in recipes for treating menstrual disorders.

For strengthening the heart and as a refrigerant for the brain

As an anti-depressant and relaxant

Behavioral Diseases:-

Saffron is also said to help depression and insomnia. According to the Bastyr Center web site, crocin and safranal are the components of the plant that help combat behavioral diseases. There is no clinical proof, though, that saffron is effective against these conditions.

As aphrodisiac for impotency

The grass root function of Kesar is to strengthen internally . Kings and emperors used it in routine thats why they could handle 100 queens. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Patiala used Kesar in his mouth freshener(PAN).

Prolonging vitality

The effect of the ethanolic saffron extract on macromolecular synthesis in three human cell lines:A549 cells, WI-38 cells, and VA-13 cells. revealed that the malignant cells were more sensitive than the normal cells to the inhibitory effects of saffron on both DNA and RNA synthesis. It has been suggested that the inhibitory effect on cellular DNA and RNA synthesis, but not on protein synthesis, is one of the main mechanisms of action for saffrons antitumor and anticarcinogenic activities.

For treating diabetic patients

The active constituent of saffron viz crocetin, was found to possess anti diabetic activity . The active constituent of saffron viz crocetin, was found to possess anti diabetic activity in fructose-fed rats as it alleviated free fatty acid induced insulin insensitivity and dysregulated mRNA expression of adiponectin.

How to use, buy, and store

Be careful. True saffron is expensive, has a deep orange to brownish red color the redder the strands, the better is the quality. Yellow saffron has no curative properties. Choose whole saffron threads over powder saffron. The threads have a better flavor and the curative qualities are higher. It is better to store saffron in an airtight container in a dark, dry, cool place. The flavor is better distributed when the spice is first allowed to soften in a little warm water than adding to food directly.

With Best Regards

Sachin Vashisht