Saffron also known as ‘Kesar’ is the most expensive spice in the world, all because of its rich properties and uses. You might have probably tasted saffron once in your life either in any kind of drink or food. Saffron is not only flavourful but it also works like magic for the skin.
In this blog, you are going to know that how you can use saffron for your skin and enhance your beauty, the health benefits of saffron, how you can use saffron in different ways, saffron’s benefits in ayurveda and also some specific benefits of saffron for male and female. Before knowing about all this let’s know more about this rich spice (Saffron).
What is Saffron?
Saffron (Crocus Sativus) is a plant. The dried thread (saffron thread) like part of the flower (Stigma) is used to make saffron spice. It is an autumn-flowering plant. Saffron thrives in the Mediterranean maquis, an ecotype superficially resembling the North American chaparral and similar climate where hot and dry summer breezes semi-arid lands. Some other places where saffron is cultivated are Greece, Morocco, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland etc.
In India, 90% of the cultivation of saffron is cultivated in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) regions mainly confined to Pulwama and Budgam districts. Kashmiri saffron is believed to be the best quality saffron which has many medical properties, including helping with many other health benefits and skin benefits. Kashmiri saffron has a unique flavour that can’t be replicated by any other spice.
Some Saffron Benefits:
Here are some saffron benefits for the skin:
1. Helps in reducing Acne
Saffron has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, which makes it perfect to reduce and cleaning acne and breakouts. Saffron also helps in the exfoliation of the skin, which cleans up acne skin. Not only acne, but saffron also works for blemished skin too.
2. Gives a Beautiful Glow
Saffron is highly used for the glow of the skin as they have glow-boosting properties.
3. Heals Scars
Saffron helps in the recovery of skin cells. They encourage the skin to heal faster. The anti-inflammatory properties of saffron stimulate wound healing by promoting cell multiplication.
4. Protects against UV Rays
UV rays are the worst enemy of the skin. UV rays can damage your skin so much. These harmful rays can accelerate ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles on your skin and can cause other skin problems. Antioxidants present in saffron acts as a shield against UV rays and may help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidants’ stress.
5. Reduce Pigmentation
The majority of people are dealing with hyperpigmentation which is a skin condition which it starts creating more melanin pigment that is scattered around our skin as a defence mechanism against sun exposure or harmful change. Thus, active compounds present in saffron may reduce melanin production and visibly reduce those dark spots on the face or skin.
6. Healthy Hair
There are several benefits of saffron for hair as well because they contain powerful antioxidants. Saffron benefits hair care, it prevents hair loss, purifies the scalp and pores, repairs damaged hairs and promote healthy hair growth.
These were some benefits of saffron now you might want to know how can you use saffron for your skin and enhance your beauty and health. Not to worry you’ll get all the information in this blog that you want
Uses of Saffron
You read above saffron’s skin benefits now here are some saffron uses for your skin:
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If you’re dealing with acne and you want to get rid of them, then take 5-6 fresh basil (Tulsi) leaves and add 8-10 saffron thread. Soak this content in water, ground them into a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
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If you want to remove pigmentation then, take a bowl of fresh water and sprinkle some saffron strands (threads) in it then add 2 tablespoons of turmeric (haldi) powder and make a fine paste. Gently apply on the part of the pigmentation.
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Got sun tan? Want to get rid of them? Here’s a way, soak a few saffron strands in milk and apply regularly on the face for clearing up the tan.
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You can use saffron for an even skin complexion, for that take rosewater in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of sandalwood (Chandan) powder to it. Then, add a few saffron threads to it and make a paste. Apply evenly on the skin for a healthy and even skin tone.
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Saffron helps in removing scars. All you have to do is, soak 2 tablespoons of saffron in a bowl of clean water and make a paste. Add a couple of drops of coconut oil to the paste and apply the paste on the scars. Regular application will clear the scars and will make your skin glow.
The glorious benefits of saffron don’t end here, it has many other health benefits too.
Other Saffron Health Benefits
Like any other herb or plant, saffron is rich in antioxidants. Crocin, Crocetin, Safranal and Kaempferol are some antioxidants present in saffron. Here are some saffron health benefits and their uses. Saffron helps in:
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Improving mood and depressive symptoms.
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May reduce PMS (Premenstrual syndrome).
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May act as an Aphrodisiac.
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May reduce appetite and aid weight loss.
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May reduce heart disease risk factors.
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May lower blood sugar levels.
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May improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration.
Ways to use Saffron
Furthermore, saffron is used in many ways or consumed in many ways in order to get its benefits.
1. Saffron Tea
Saffron tea is the most common way of consuming saffron. Method of making this is so easy, follow the given steps:
Step 1- Heat water in a pan and wait till it boils.
Step 2- Once it starts boiling add sugar, saffron, cinnamon, ginger and some lemon wedges and mint leaves to the pan.
Step 3- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 4- Strain the tea and serve it hot. Your saffron tea is ready.
Saffron Tea Benefits:
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It boosts memory
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Provides relief from PMS
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Keeps heart health
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Refreshes your mood
2. Saffron Water
It is consumed empty stomach in the morning.
Saffron water benefits are:
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Helps in enhancing skin
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Makes skin glowing
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Improves irregular periods
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Boost immunity
3. Saffron Milk
This is another popular way to consume saffron.
Saffron milk benefits are:
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Relieves menstrual cramps
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Good for heart
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Promotes memory retention
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Protects from cold and fever
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Good for new mothers
Drinking saffron milk every day is such a good idea as it will help in the improvement of digestion and appetite and will also give you glowing and healthy skin.
Saffron & Ayurveda
People are using saffron for a very long period even for centuries, and saffron benefits in ayurveda are so popular. In Ayurveda, saffron helps in relieving cough and asthma when taken along with honey. You can sprinkle 3-4 saffron threads over your favourite dish and relish the taste and benefits.
Any Side Effects of Saffron
Saffron is usually safe to consume and has minimal adverse effects. However, there are certain health conditions where you should use saffron cautiously.
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During Pregnancy: According to the study it shows that exposure to a very high level of saffron may increase the risk of miscarriage rate in the pregnant female.
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Breastfeeding: There is no scientific information which can give proper information about a sufficient amount of saffron safe for lactating or breastfeeding mothers. Thus, you should consult your doctor before consuming it.
Saffron shows various side effects such as dryness of mouth, anxiety, numb sensation, tingling in hands, headache and a sensation of vomiting.
