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Here is list of
a few uses that
saffron is put
to in medicine
as a cure and as
a preventive.
The list by no
means exhaustive
and is just to
give you an idea
of the
usefulness of
this exotic
herb. These
details have
been taken from
a paper by
Central Council
for Research in
Ayurveda and
Sidhha (Ministry
of Health and
Family Welfare).
Saffron
in
Ayurveda
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Saffron
in
Unani
Medicine
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Curing
Asthma &
Cough
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Used in
medicines
that
reduce
inflammation
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Useful
in Colds
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For
treatment
of
enlarged
Liver
and
infection
of
Urinary
Bladder
and
Kidneys
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To treat
Alcoholism
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As an
ingredient
in
recipes
useful
in
Menstrual
disorders
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To treat
Acne and
Skin
Diseases.
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For
strengthening
the
heart
and as a
refrigerant
for the
brain
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As a
diuretic
if
soaked
overnight
in water
and
administered
with
honey
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Pounded
with
clarified
butter
(Ghee)
it is
used for
treating
diabetic
patients.
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Saffron has been
found to be the
richest source
of riboflavin
(100 y/gm). In
studies with
albino rats it
has been
observed that
150 mg. Saffron
acts at par with
a dose of 40 mg
pure synthetic
riboflavin. Due
to presence of
crocetin it
indirectly helps
to reduce
cholesterol
level in the
blood and
severity of
atherosclerosis,
thus reducing
the chances of
heart attacks.
It may be one of
the prime
reasons that in
Spain, where
Saffron is
consumed
liberally,
incidence of
cardio-vascular
diseases is
quite low
The researchers
suggest that the
next endeavor
resulting from
the promising
study is to
determine which
components in
saffron contain
the
vision-repairing
elements. The
specific
ingredients are
not readily
apparent, but
the spice has
enjoyed much
acclaim for many
centuries.
Saffron seems to
have some
anti-cancer
potential. Mouse
studies showed
that saffron can
inhibit the
growth of some
types of skin
cancer, as well
as another type
of tumor called
sarcoma. Its
anti-cancer
properties come
from a certain
carotenoid
called crocetin
that’s abundant
in saffron and
has strong
anti-oxidant
properties.
Being so rich in
carotenoids,
it’s not
surprising that
fresh saffron
has the
potential for
preventing and
treating certain
types of cancer.
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There is a
cure for
hepatitis in
this spice.
Take a
pindrop of
the spice
and place it
in a plate
made of clay
fill the
plate with
water and
leave it
overnight to
soak in the
plate. Drink
the water in
the morning.
Repeat this
for 15 day
and any type
of hepatitis
including
Hep-c will
return to
normal at
any stage,
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Indications
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References
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| The Ebers Papyrus (Ca 1550 BC) has mentioned it as an ingredient in case of kidney problems
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Bauman, B.B.,1960, The Botanical Aspects of Ancient Egyptian Embalming & Burrial. Econ. Bot. 14:84-104 |
Due to the presence of crocetin it indirectly helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood
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Baker, D.& & Negbi, M., 1983,
Uses of Saffron, Eco.Bot.; 37(2):
228-36. |
Two compounds in Saffron are supposed to increase anti-bacterial and anti-viral physiological activity in the body
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Zarghami, N.S. &Heinz, D.E., 1971, Monoterpene aldehydes & Isophorone related compounds of Saffron, Phytochemistry, 10: 2755- 2761. |
In the USA it was given to children in exanthematous diseases for promoting eruptions.
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Bontlay, Robert & Henary Trumen, 1880, Medicinal Plants, Volume IV. |
| Based on Urdang's reports and records of Ancient and Medieval periods indicate anti tumour & anti cancerous activities. |
Hartwell, J.L.,1969 , Plants used against Cancer; A Survey, Lloydia 32 (3): 252-54. |
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