Saffron is many things – it is an aromatic and flavourful spice, a hardy colorant, and an all-around medicinal plant. Since ancient times, the red stigmas have been sought to strengthen the body, lift the mood, and freshen up the skin. Once a year, when the brisk autumn breeze sweeps through valleys, the violet saffron flowers, known as Crocus sativus, come into bloom. The delicate flowers are laboriously hand-picked, and the three fiery threads are removed to produce the world’s most expensive spice. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history of saffron as a medicine and uncover its contemporary applications in health and medicine.
The Ancient Healer
In the ancient world, health matters were reverted to men of God. Health problems were mainly attributed to divine factors and supernatural causes. Temples were the main places where the ill sought healing, and plants were the primary source of cure. Among the natural remedies, saffron occupied a special place among the ancient healers.
In Sumer
The Sumerians had rigorous procedures for containing diseases. Every case was handled with extreme diligence, and a host of plants, spices, and oils, alongside elaborate rituals and prayers, were used to rid the body of any ailment. The Sumerian physicians and priests considered saffron an all-healer and used the flower to treat many illnesses, including stomach and skin problems.
In Egypt
These sentiments of divinity were also shared by the Egyptians, who had an even more disciplined approach towards health. The importance of maintaining physical health dictated much of the ancient Egyptian lifestyle, from multiple daily baths to strict diets and medication.
The Eber Papyrus – a comprehensive medical document – contains more than 700 detailed prescriptions the ancient Egyptians used to address various health problems. Saffron was repeatedly mentioned in these ancient formulas as an effective treatment for kidney, stomach, eye, and teeth problems.
In Persia
The ancient Persians had a sophisticated understanding of health and medicine that was primarily guided by the book of Avesta – a collection of Zoroastrian religious texts. This concept later developed into a holistic school of medicine known as Iranian Traditional Medicine. Based on this discipline, Persian physicians would use herbs, plants, and spices based on their temperaments – hotness, coldness, dryness, and wetness, to address various conditions.
With a hot and dry temperament, Saffron was used to cure various health issues, including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, skin, and eye diseases. The ancient practice also puts a great emphasis on lifestyle and mental health. Known for its antidepressant properties, Persians used saffron widely to treat mood disorders. The spice was also seen as a potent aphrodisiac.
Elsewhere in the Ancient world
For Minoan women, saffron was the go-to spice for treating various gynecological problems. The Greeks and Romans saw saffron as a potent treatment for ear and tooth problems, ulcers, coughs, and wounds. In India, saffron was used to treat respiratory and digestive illnesses and to lift the mood. In China, physicians relied on saffron to cure stomach aches, cramps, asthma, and heart problems.
Medieval Europe
When the black death wreaked havoc on Europe during the 14th century, Saffron was seen as an effective solution for preventing and curing the deadly disease. Saffron remained an essential ingredient in European medicines and remained in favour until the late 19th century for curing a plethora of ailments.
17th-century books on women’s medicine include saffron in remedies for difficult menstruation, infertility, and difficult birth (1). European physicians also used the spice to treat cancers, skin rashes, and depression. Curiously enough, known as an abortifacient, saffron was used to free women of unwanted pregnancies (2).
Modern medicine
But does saffron genuinely offer so many health benefits? The answer is a science-backed yes. The body of research conducted in recent decades on the medicinal properties of saffron supports long-held beliefs regarding its various health benefits. Research suggests that the active compounds in saffron effectively prevent and treat different health conditions due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive properties.
The spice has proven effective in reducing risk factors associated with heart disease, including blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Saffron also has a considerable impact in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular intake of saffron also helps with easing premenstrual symptoms and menstrual pain. Saffron has also been effective in aiding weight loss by curbing appetite.
Saffron is an excellent source of minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, copper, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are vital in maintaining heart health, maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and decreasing symptoms of depression. The spice is also rich in vitamins A and C, which help boost our immune system, lower the risk of heart disease, and keep the skin cells healthy.
Furthermore, the many therapeutic properties of saffron can be attributed to its main bioactive compounds:
- crocin
- crocetin
- safranal
Crocetin and crocin give saffron its distinct golden colour and act as strong antioxidants which protect the cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants (3) which contributes to the development of various health conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and cardiovascular diseases.
These compounds also have anti-cancer properties and can reduce the risk of developing the disease. By increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin, crocetin and crocin produce antidepressant effects. Additionally, crocetin is effective in regulating blood pressure and preventing damage to the heart.
Safranal is the other essential component of saffron, which gives the spice its earthy taste and aroma. Safranal has proven effective in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases, including depression and anxiety. The compound exerts anxiolytic effects similar to that of diazepam (4). Research shows that regular intake of saffron can work as effectively as antidepressant drugs. Safranal also helps improve memory and learning ability.
In conclusion
We have established that saffron benefits the health in so many ways. Incorporating the mood-lifting spice into your diet can calm the mind and help us deal better with the stress and anxiety we all face in our day-to-day lives. Additionally, it can improve memory, boost the immune system, and help with digestion and gut health – another displeasing plight of modern life.
There are several ways you can introduce saffron to your daily routines. The most common is adding brittle threads directly to your food and drinks. Apart from giving your dishes a pleasing colour and aroma, the spice infuses your meals and beverages with essential nutrients.
Alternatively, if you don’t like the taste of saffron or find it too expensive, you can choose from a range of saffron supplements available in the market. The supplements are a more affordable alternative and offer similar health benefits to help you enjoy a healthier lifestyle and improve your mental health.
A word of advice
If you have never used saffron, we recommend sampling a small amount before committing to a whole purchase – especially since it isn’t a cheap spice. Typically, saffron is not an allergen. While saffron is generally not considered an allergen, people’s bodies can react differently to new substances, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.