Saffron Health

Writings of saffron spices being used as a medicine span over 4000 years and cover over 90 conditions that saffron had been used to treat. Saffron is used as a herb in both eastern and western medicine.

Saffron has been used for a long time in eastern medicine. Saffron is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as asthma, coughs, alcoholism, acne and skin diseases.
Saffron in unani medicine has been used in the treatment of liver, kidney and urinary infections. Saffron has been used to help cure menstrual disorders in women, to strengthen the heart and also as a coolant for the brain.

Saffron has been used in western medicine. Around 1500 BC saffron is found as having been used for the treatment of kidney disorders. Saffron spice helps to lower the level of blood cholesterol. Compounds within saffron are said to promote anti-viral and anti-bacterial ability of the body. Finally records dating back to medieval times show saffron was used in anti cancer activities.

These days most people buy saffron for its use as a cooking spice, however it is interesting to see just how many diverse uses this spice has beyond just that of using saffron cooking techniques. It is also of great interest to read about saffron history traversing some 4000 years, many continents and cultures.