Saffron is one of the expensive spices. The value of the product is associated with the complexity of the manufacturing process. Spice is created from dried stigmas of purple crocus, and in only 1 of them there are only 3. Therefore, about 200 thousand flowers are needed to collect 1 kg of produce. The beneficial properties of saffron are described in the article.
History
Saffron is known for over 10 thousand years. Due to its coloring effect, it was used for cave paintings. During the formation of the Aegean culture, a mural “To the Saffron Collector” was painted, which depicts a man bent over these flowers. This spice is mentioned in the Sumerian cuneiform writing.
At this time, crocuses have already begun to eat, as well as create perfumes and aromatic oils from them. Under Alexander the Great, saffron was used to heal wounds and ailments. And ancient Chinese manuscripts attributed it to miraculous plants. During the development of navigation and during the Crusades, the plant was brought to Europe.
Since ancient times, saffron is considered a symbol of prosperity, nobility, spirituality. For example, in Indian culture, religious ministers wore saffron-colored clothing, since color represents a high spiritual development. And now spice does not lose its value. The high price is associated with rarity, durability and laboriousness of manufacture and valuable properties.
What does it consist of?
Benefits associated with the composition of saffron. It has many vitamins and minerals that positively affect human health. This spice is versatile. It consists of:
- Vitamins C, A, K, PP, B.
- Macro- and microelements: magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus.
- Essential oils.
- Fatty acids - omega-3, omega-6, omega-9.
- Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
- Dietary fiber.
100 g of saffron flower includes 310 kcal. It contains carbohydrates (65 g), proteins (11 g) and fats (6 g).
Benefit
The beneficial properties of saffron have been known for a long time. Dried stigmas of purple crocus are considered a source of valuable components, which allows them to be used in the treatment of:
- Seasoning has a positive effect on the digestive tract. With it, the digestive system, the work of the spleen and gall bladder are restored. Spice can enhance metabolism and remove toxins.
- Spice has a positive effect on the nervous system, brain function, improves vision.
- Saffron is able to improve the activity of the heart and blood vessels. Its inclusion in the diet normalizes cardiac activity, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Regular intake leads to the cleansing of the circulatory and genitourinary system.
- Saffron seasoning is valuable for women. It has a particularly positive effect on reproductive function. The use of spices increases sexual desire, restores the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. It is used in the treatment of the genitourinary system. In the east, it is used for infertility and the risk of miscarriage.
- The beneficial properties of saffron are also known to men. Spice is able to enhance sexual desire. Seasoning is an aphrodisiac. It has a positive effect on men's health, giving the body strength and energy.
- Saffron is effective for insomnia, depression, it relieves inflammation and infections. No wonder the spice was known in ancient times. It has been used to treat many diseases.
Due to its beneficial properties, saffron is used in the following cases:
- impaired memory and mental performance;
- disruptions in the menstrual cycle;
- epilepsy and hysteria;
- female infertility;
- respiratory diseases;
- failures of the digestive tract and endocrine system;
- muscle degeneration;
- angina pectoris, atherosclerosis;
- impotence and decreased libido;
- oncology;
- gout;
- rheumatism;
- depression, nervous breakdown.
Saffron flower is useful for many ailments. Use it in the absence of these diseases. It will be effective in the prevention of diseases.
Application
Spice is used on an industrial scale. It is used in cooking, cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, herbal medicine. For example, in traditional medicine, all parts of a plant are used to create eye drops and tinctures.
In the culinary business, saffron seasoning is used as a fragrant coloring spice during the preparation of dishes and drinks. It has an exquisite taste that complements most recipes. Often coffee and teas are prepared from it. The widespread use of saffron in folk medicine for the treatment of diseases is known.
Cookery
Due to the rich taste and coloring property, seasoning is used in culinary business. It is used for cooking dishes from meat, vegetables, soups, rice. It comes in sauces and gravy.
Spice is also used in the manufacture of confectionery products - pastry, buns, sorbets, pies, custards. In the East, saffron makes tea and coffee. As a dye, it is added to butter, liquor, compotes and cheeses.
Cosmetology
Seasoning is also used in this area. It is used to prepare skin and hair care products. Spices are included in branded creams, balms, nourishing masks, gels and shampoos. Saffron masks have a positive effect on the skin. There are several popular recipes:
- We need the stigmas of purple crocus (10 pcs.) And water (2 tsp.). It is necessary to cook gruel, apply on face for 20 minutes. The mask nourishes the skin, improves its color.
- The crushed spice is mixed with red wine (1 tsp each) and honey. Rose oil is added (2-3 drops), after which the components are mixed. The mask is applied for 20 minutes. After the procedures, the skin becomes firm and toned.
- Shredded spices, honey, sour cream (1 tsp) are needed. After mixing, you can apply for 20 minutes, then you need to apply a moisturizer. The mask helps to refresh the skin and smooth wrinkles.
- You will need warm milk (20 ml), in which crushed spice (2 tablespoons) is added. After half an hour, you can apply for 20 minutes. The tool has a nourishing effect, in addition, it saturates with valuable components.
Decoction
Due to the healing properties of saffron, they are used in the preparation of a decoction. It will take 3 stigmas and hot water (200 ml). You need to cover the container with a lid, and let the broth infuse for 30 minutes. Then it is divided into 4 doses and consumed half an hour before meals.
This remedy is effective for hypertension, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, cough, flu, and worms. Saffron is used in oncology, so it is used as an adjunct to drug therapy. The ingredients present in the spice have an antitumor effect. With them there will be no spread of cancer cells, and inflammation will also be removed. But saffron is known to be harmful in diabetes and some other ailments.
To increase potency
There is a special tool for this: saffron (4 veins), fresh ginger (25 g), black pepper (4 pcs.), Black tea (1 tsp), water (1 cup). Spices must be ground.
Water is poured into the mixture. The product is placed in a water bath. Bring to a boil and then strain. The broth is an aphrodisiac. It is advisable to drink it hot after cooking.
Menstrual irregularities
How to take saffron in this case? It will take 5-6 hairs, which must be eaten raw, washed down with water. Dry it is crushed into powder, pour tea or water with honey. This procedure can be performed 3 times a day for a week.
Thrush
For the treatment of the disease, 5 strings of saffron and the grass of the pine uterus (1 tsp) are required. The raw materials must be crushed and placed in enameled dishes. Then hot water is poured (0.5 liters). Infusion is performed for 10-15 minutes. It is necessary to use means on ½ glasses on an empty stomach.
Internal bleeding
Such an ailment is also treated with seasoning. It will take 6 hairs, turmeric (1/2 tsp) and milk (1 cup). The liquid must be set on fire and brought to a boil. Grind the remaining components and pour milk. After mixing, you can drink. The duration of treatment is a week.
Cold
You will need saffron powder (1 tbsp. L.) And boiling water (1 cup). Infusion is performed for 2 hours. After filtering, you can use 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day.
Eye diseases
You need 5 hairs of spices, which are ground into powder. Then rose water (1 tsp) is added. The gruel should be treated with eyes once a day, and then washed with water. The recipe will help in case of barley, cataract, inflammation.
Kidney disease
Natural honey (100 g) is heated in a water bath for 5 minutes, and then chopped saffron (50 strings) is added. The product is put in the refrigerator and consumed in 1 tsp. on an empty stomach in the mornings and evenings.
Treatment for leg cramps
Raw eggs (3 pcs.) Will help get rid of this ailment. It is necessary to separate the proteins from the yolks. It is necessary to mix 2 hairs and proteins. Mass soak a napkin and apply as a compress to the forehead. And after 20 minutes they clean.
Cystitis
3 hairs are needed, which are crushed and poured with boiled water (1 cup). In the infusion, add the fruit drink (1 glass). It should be consumed in ½ cup 3 times a day before meals.
Treatment of diseases of the liver and circulatory system
To prepare the remedy, 3 hairs of spice, raisins (10 pcs.) And water (250 ml) are needed. The hustler needs to knead the spice and raisins. Then water is poured and brought to a boil using a water bath. The mixture must be put into water, mixed and covered. Infusion is performed for 8 hours, and you need to take ½ cup 2 times a day.
Suppuration
You will need a spice (2 tbsp. L.), Which is poured with boiling water (300 ml). Everything is cooked in a water bath for half an hour. After 10 minutes you can strain. Prepared means treat purulent wounds and abscesses. If there are acne, boils and suppuration, it is necessary to dip the gauze broths and apply to problem areas.
Conjunctivitis
It will take saffron, calendula, cornflower, snapdragon. Components required to take 1 tsp. Water (200 ml) is poured into the collection. You need to use 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day.
Urethritis and cystitis
Daisy flowers, cornflower and saffron (in the same amount) are needed. Collection (1 tbsp. L.) Pour boiling water (300 ml). Insisting is 15 minutes. Use should be 1 tbsp. l 7-8 times a day.
Bruises
In this case, a special recipe will come in handy: from the stigmas, gruel is prepared and applied to damaged areas for 30 minutes. Procedures should be carried out 2-3 times a day. Folk remedy is considered anti-inflammatory, regenerative, analgesic. It is also used for hemorrhoids and mastopathy.
Headache and insomnia
It is necessary to grind 3 hairs to powder. Coconut oil (4 drops) is added to the mixture. A homogeneous mass is applied to the wings of the nose. The remaining mixture should be inhaled and exhaled using the inhalation method.
When not to use?
Although the product has great value, there are contraindications for saffron. This spice is concentrated and toxic. In a small amount, it positively affects the body, but when the norm is exceeded, it leads to side effects - vomiting and intestinal disorders. It can not be taken with:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 2 years old;
- hypertension
- pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
- diabetes mellitus;
- intolerance.
You can use seasoning no more than 1.5-2 g at a time. An increase in the rate is harmful to health. It is possible that this can lead to hospitalization. It is important to follow the dosages in the recipes when treating a specific ailment. Topically, the spice should not be used for allergies.
The choice
This product is presented in the form of dried stamens of purple crocus. On the foreign market, the spice is sold in the form of whole stigmas and powder. Often there is a fake. In its preparation, calendula flowers are used, which in a crushed form are similar to saffron. Some manufacturers offer turmeric instead of a product.
It is important to choose the right spice. It is advisable to acquire it in the form of whole hairs. In this situation, high cost is associated with authenticity and quality. Natural ground spices have a bitter, spicy smell. And the color should be red-brown. At the time of purchase, you must pay attention to the manufacturer and packaging. It is important that it is opaque and airtight. Weight is not more than 1-5 g, and a fake weighs 20-40 g.
They produce spice in Iran, Italy, Greece, Azerbaijan, and India. It must be stored in an airtight container, leaving it far from sunlight and humidity. The temperature should be +20 degrees. Proper storage allows you to maintain the value of the product for two years.