Saffron known as “Zafaran or kesar” in hindi a popular spice and an expensive one too is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known “saffron crocus”. Saffron crocus grows to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are the distal end of a carpel. The styles and stigmas, called threads, are collected and dried for saffron uses and Health benefits of saffron (Zafaran,kesar) mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.

Saffron benefits for skin, saffron uses and benefits of saffron (Zafaran,kesar)

 

Kesar or Zafaran is used in many culinary recipes worldwide due to its unique flavor which is happened due to the presence of chemical compounds such as picrocrocin and safranal. The most sought after herbal product, for benefits of saffron and  there are beneficial saffron uses for diseases like asthma, cough & cold, stomach ailments, insomnia, uterine bleeding, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility, depression, cholesterol, flatulence, etc.

 

Types of Saffron (Zafaran,kesar)

 

• Laccha Saffron (Zafaran,kesar)
  

 

Lachha kesar is the pure saffron. It can also be called as crude saffron as it is unprocessed. The stigma and the styles are attached together in this type of saffron.

 

• Mongra Saffron (Zafaran,kesar)
  

 

Mongra kesar is the processed saffron. When removed from the style, the leftover red part is called mongra zafaran/kesar. It is the most superior quality of Saffron.

 

Health benefits of Saffron

•  Maintains Heart Health

Antioxidants in saffron help in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride. Crocetin helps reduce lipoproteins in the blood stream, in oxygen distribution and blood circulation, and removes plaque from the arteries preventing atherosclerosis.

 

• Benefits of saffron for Arthritis

Saffron has anti inflammatory properties that provide relief from joint pains, eases fatigue and muscle inflammation, and reduces bone erosion by helping the tissues to get rid of lactic acid which gets built up after strenuous exercise.

 

• Saffron for cold

Saffron is a stimulant tonic and very effective to treat cold and fever; saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.

 

• Improves Memory

Saffron is believed to help inhibit the aggregation and deposition of amyloid β in the brain, thus helping in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Saffron also has a positive impact on learning behavior, concentration and memory. To improve your memory, regularly drink saffron milk or saffron tea.

 

• For pregnancy

Saffron with milk is good for enhancing pelvic blood flow and reduces the occurrence of cramps, which is common during pregnancy. Drinking of saffron milk helps to stimulate the production of serotonin that control mood swings, tension, stress and depression among pregnant mother.

 

• Saffron for Asthma

Kesar benefits to reduce inflammation in the lungs, making it possible for more air to pass through the lungs. This facilitates easy breathing that kesar benefits to reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Drink a few cups of saffron tea for a few days to reduce the severity of an asthma attack.

 

• Saffron for toothache

Massaging the tooth with saffron and honey, helps to relieve pain from gums. It may be also applied with honey as well as glycerin to relax the toned parts of the mouth.

 

Skin benefits of Saffron

•  Saffron for Acne and Blemishes

Saffron(Zafaran,kesar) is  anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and thus Zafaran,kesar (saffron) effective for the treatment of acne, blemishes and blackheads, and freshens up dull skin, erases dark circles under the eyes, exfoliates your skin, stimulate blood circulation and prevents wrinkles.

Mix 5-6 basil leaves with 10-12 strands of saffron to make a fine paste. Apply this on your face. Wash off with cold water after 10 to 15 minutes. This will help to remove acne and pimples.

 

• For luminous complexion

Apply honey with few strands of saffron added to it. Massage your face with magical face mask that acts as a home facial. It is very powerful home remedy that provides oxygen to the skin stimulating blood circulation. Use this facial mask for getting luminous complexion.

 

• Saffron for fairer skin

Soak a few strands of saffron in milk for 2 hours. Smear this milk all over your face and neck. Wash off after few minutes. Using this regularly will make your skin naturally fair.

 

• Saffron for skin

Mix few strands of saffron with olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil to massage your skin. Massaging your face with any of these oil gives lighter and softer skin.

 

Hair benefits of Saffron

•  Kesar For hair
  

Application of kesar over the scalp is good in treating of baldness (alopecia). The mix of saffron, milk and licorice when applied over the scalp is good in prevention of hair loss and hair growth.