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SERVING SIZE: 1/16 tsp SPECIES: Crocus sativus FAMILY:
Iridaceae EAT IN:  Sign in to review this foodAbout the Author: John Immel, How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISSaffron is a nourishing purifier that invigorates and moves the blood while cooling it. Saffron breaks up blood clots and clears liver stagnation. While most blood movers are heating, saffron is unique among blood movers for its cooling properties. This makes saffron a useful herb for Pitta disorders with blood stagnation, including inflammation, arthritis, acne, and hepatitis. Skin Tonic Saffron's ability to dilate the blood vessels encourages sweating and opening the pores (diaphoretic), effectively cleansing the skin and restoring a healthy glow. Saffron is also a cardiotonic that destroys phlegm. A paste is used topically in bruises and sores. Its blood moving qualities enhance digestion. Cools the mind Saffron is a refrigerant for the mind. It's Pitta pacifying qualities have been used to restore eyesight and to lower fevers. Reproductive Tonic Saffron with milk and ghee is a nourishing reproductive tonic for both men and women. Saffron's blood moving qualities are particularly desirable among herbs that stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "tend and befriend" hormone, supporting saffron's use to encourage mother's milk flow (galactogogue), and to contract and restore the uterus after giving birth. Like most oxytocic herbs, saffron is an abortifascient and should not be used during pregnancy. Its blood moving qualities can stimulate the menses (emmenogogue). Urinary Tract Saffron is also a purifying diuretic for urinary disorders. Saffron is mixed with honey for urinary stones. The recommended dosage of saffron is 1.5 to 3 grams of dried herb, usually taken as a decoction. ABOUT SAFFRONBUYING & PREPARATIONSaffron likes climates where hot, dry summer breezes sweep semi-arid lands. It is native to southwesern asia. COOKING SAFFRON Browse RecipesSaffron is used in sweet and savory dishes alike, where it imparts an elegant and classy touch to any recipe. It is especially popular in the decadant mughlai dishes of northern india. It is a signature ingredient of Spanish paella. Saffron is widely used in Persian, Arab, Central Asian, European, Indian, Turkish, and Cornish cuisines. Saffron has a 'metallic honey' bitter taste and hay-like fragrance. Learn about the health benefits of Saffron for FREE
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WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Is Saffron Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICSWhat is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Here are the herbal actions of Saffron: Digestion: Carminative , CARMINATIVEStimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward.Digestive , DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestion.Spleen Tonic , SPLEEN-TONICAn herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.Stomachic STOMACHICAn herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.Cleanse and Detox: Burns Toxins , BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.Detoxicant DETOXICANTAn herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body.Energy Vitality Strength: Stimulates energy , STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsNutritive NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Heart & Circulation: Blood Thinner , BLOOD-THINNERHerbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.Blood Tonic , BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body or otherwise strengthens blood. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Cardiac Tonic , CARDIAC-TONICStrengthens and tones the heart. Cardiac tonics are used to treat a wide range of heart issues.Styptic STYPTICA herb that contracts tissue or blood vessels. Generally styptics are astringent. They are often used to stop bleeding.Immune System: Antipoisonous , ANTIPOISONOUSAn antidote for a poison. Many anti-poisonous herbs draw out a poison and are good for insect bites.Antipyretic ANTIPYRETICReduces a fever / febrifuge.Kidney & Urinary: Diuretic DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Liver & Gall Bladder: Livotonic LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Nervine , NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer?s, even chronic pain.Sedative SEDATIVESedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.Reproductive Health: Aphrodisiac , APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.Emmenogogue , EMMENOGOGUEHerbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. They are used to increase scanty menstruation, relieve menstrual pain, and other functions.Galactagogue GALACTAGOGUEIncreases production of breast milk.Skin Care & Beauty: Diaphoretic , DIAPHORETICAn herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.Skin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Other: HEALTH & WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.View Other Ingredients for SummerSaffron is recommended for Summer. Check out these other Summer foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Saffron'Do you like 'saffron'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'saffron'?293 likes
I have body and facial acne, Saffron is the answer for my problem. "Grind saffron in a mortar and pestle. Add a few drops of water and continue grinding until completely mashed. Then soak in two tbsp water for 10 minutes". After that, I drink the water or what exactly i should do ? and how often, once a day !! a week !!
Dear Mohammad, 1-2x/day or as directed. Thanks for writing in! -John
a traditional home remedy for
This information has not been validated by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Skin Acne - general, Acne - painful, Bruise easily, CelluliteRespiratory Health Asthma, Lungs Irritated / InflamedBlood and Circulation Autoimmune Disorders, Edema, Far Sighted, Feet or Ankles Swelling, Headache, Irregular heartbeat, Near Sighted, Stroke (from clot)Reproductive Health Clots in menstrual blood, Dry / light period, Infertility, Insufficient Breast Milk, Low libido, No period, Painful menstruation & menstrual cramps, Vaginal drynessMind Stress Sleep Conflict makes me depressed, lazy, Confusion / Cloudy Mind, Cry easily, Depressed, Depressed when stressed, Difficulty concentrating, Difficulty falling asleep, Frequent Stress, Intense emotions, Migraines, Overwhelmed by responsibilities, Self CriticalPoop Frothy Stool / with Bubbles, Stool entirely liquid, no solid pieces, Stool in mushy pieces mixed with liquid, Stool thick mudDigestion Intestinal colic / spasm / cramping, Irregular/small appetite, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Malabsorption, Popping/clicking/locking jaw, Ulcerative ColitisBones Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. |
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