I admit that even we did not know at the saffron property fund, but after I documented, I learned that if they can do different uses and that in any case, even in the kitchen, its significance is not only that of seasoning. About some of the properties of saffron and which brings benefits to our health.
Saffron: features and curiosities
Saffron, is derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus, a perennial plant of the Iridaceae family departs from the bulb stem topped by the purple flower with the stigmas red / yellow that they are collected by hand, dried and ground (which is why it is the most expensive spice in the world). There are several "domestic" varieties and "wild" all belonging to the genus Crocus.
In ancient times, saffron was known not only as a flavoring but it was also used to dye the fabrics, to prepare oils and fragrances.
How to grow saffron in pots?
You must buy the bulbs, then you can plant in pots or in the garden in autumn. Warning: saffron requires little water, no stagnation, but a lot of light. The collection of the stigmas must take place on the first day of flowering with the help of tweezers, the stigmas must be put out to dry on the paper, and then should be stored in a glass jar. For a good yield must be at least 40 bulbs that bloom.
Saffron: properties and health benefits
So saffron is not only good in the kitchen, but also has other qualities, beneficial properties specifically.
Here they are:
- tonic, especially in relation to the heart;
- aphrodisiac properties, if the drops libido is not bad cook some good dish with this spice;
- antioxidant properties, counteract the effects of free radicals;
- antidepressant properties, yes indeed there are some supplements, but personally I have to say that the tea has a good effect against anxiety and mood swings (also seems to be a good remedy for insomnia);
- It stimulates the intellectual faculties;
- attenuates respiratory afflictions;
- is a good remedy to treat stomach ulcers;
- It protects the bones and prevents osteoporosis;
- antispasmodic properties;
- emmenagogue properties, or promotes regularity of the menstrual cycle;
- fights intestinal fermentation;
- is an excellent anti-stress;
- ipocolesterolemiche properties, in fact is shown to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood;
- anticancer properties, are still being researched, but the results are positive;
- useful against against Hepatobiliary disease;
- contrasts macular degeneration caused advancement age;
- It keeps the skin young by delaying cell aging and also helps to maintain this strong and healthy hair;
- It stimulates the metabolism helping you get rid of fat and is therefore an ally in slimming diets.
And 'also useful against sickness and to improve digestion. It does not exclude the possible benefits of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
These are the active ingredients of saffron:
- minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and manganese);
- vitamins (A, B, B2, B3, B6, and C);
- carotenoids (lycopene and zeaxanthin, crocin and crocetin);
- thiamine, riboflavin and niacin;
- Essential oils (geraniol, limonene, cineol, pinene and linalool);
of saffron tea recipe
2 sachets of saffron (alternatively 2 grams of stigmas but it is very expensive);
hot water.
Put the saffron in hot water, cover and let stand about ten minutes. Drink between meals.
This herbal tea is excellent against:
- anxiety
- dyspepsia
- menstrual cramps
- stomach pain
- swelling
Recipe of herbal tea with saffron for anxiety and insomnia
- 2 grams of saffron threads
- 6 grams of passionflower
- 3 grams of lemon balm
- 6 grams of valerian
Soak all in hot water, covered, for about ten minutes. Strain and drink before going to sleep. Great chilled out and relaxed, against anxiety, insomnia and depression.
When you consider that the yellow is associated with good mood and well-being is not hard to imagine that saffron is a good natural remedy for stress and sadness.
We see another very quick remedy:
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 sachet of saffron
Mix and taste, very good instead of chocolates at times when you feel down.
In addition to the infusions it would be good to put the saffron even in what we eat, apart from risotto, pasta, omelettes, meat and sauces. Caution: Always add it at the end of cooking so as not altering the taste and nutritional properties.
In cosmetics saffron can be used for masks to be applied on red or fair hair is great as a dye but also rich in beneficial properties as we have seen.
Recipe nourishing hair mask
- an avocado
- one egg yolk
- 3 sachets of saffron
- 4 tablespoons of henna neutral
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Blend the avocado pulp and add it to the rest of the ingredients. Hold on for two hours and rinse with normal shampoo.
Saffron: contraindications and side effects
There is to say that the saffron in addition to good qualities also has several defects.
CAUTION: high dose (5 grams is a high dose) proves toxic and 20 cause death. It 's really important not to abuse it anyway since cause: headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion and bleeding. If you drink the tea, no more than 3-4 cups daily.
Very recommended for pregnant women (saffron is abortifacient) but also in nursing.
