Saffron was prescribed for the treatment of more than 90 illnesses over a 4,000 year period.
Saffron, or Crocus Sativus, is a violet-colored flower that produces three red to red-orange stigma --the female reproductive organs of the saffron crocus -- which are dried and crushed to serve many purposes. Saffron is primarily used to dye clothing and season food, although its earliest uses were almost entirely medicinal. The prescription of saffron to treat a wide range of medical ailments dates back to the beginning of human civilization.
Aphrodisiac
The use of saffron as a sexual stimulant dates back to biblical times. According to the American University website, ancient biblical texts suggest the use of saffron as an aphrodisiac as early as 965 B.C. The "Songs of Solomon" in the old testament of the bible credit saffron with promoting physical sensory reactions. The early Egyptians often incorporated saffron into body washes, and saffron perfumes were a luxury of the wealthy. Egyptian queens, such as Cleopatra, created saffron, myrrh and oil concoctions to wear as fragrances. Saffron contains the chemical picrocrocin, which is responsible for the enhancement of erotic stimulation and heightened sexual arousal, and was used to treat erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Anti-Inflammatory
An ancient Egyptian herbal text called the "Papyus Ebers" records the use of saffron as an anti-inflammatory treatment during 1500 B.C. Saffron was used throughout Egypt for the treatment of eye infections and inflammations, and was said to protect the eyes from the effects of bright light and to decrease retinal stress. Saffron is proven to slow the effects of eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that can result in the loss of eyesight. The Greeks modeled medicinal saffron usage after the early Egyptians after receiving the herb from the Persians. The Greeks used saffron as an anti-inflammatory for the eyes, digestive system and mouth.
Anti-Depressant
Safranal and crocin are chemical components in saffron that work much like anti-depressant pills to increase serotonin levels in the brain while producing minimal side effects. Saffron has been used for the treatment of depression since before 4,000 B.C., according to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health website. Ayuvedra is a traditional form of Indian medicine that valued the use of saffron as a mood enhancer. Ancient vedic texts state that saffron was administered in order to improve mental health, according to the Institute for Traditional Medicine website. The Persians prescribed one cup of saffron tea per day to promote emotional well-being. When saffron was introduced to the Chinese by the Persians it was said to calm fright. Saffron's extensive use as an anti-depressant in China is documented in "Shennong's Great Herbal," which dates back to 300 B.C.
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