Radhika Iyer, founder of Beauty by Anahata, speaks about Saffron and its Vedic connection
Not only do spices enhance the taste and flavour of food, they are known to possess several health benefits too. According to Ayurveda, spices like saffron bring balance. Their use is known to enhance the Agni of the body. Ayurveda recommends the use of saffron as the perfect spice for those with a predominant vata dosha. This repository of indigenous knowledge from the Vedas, derived itself from the first hand experiences of seers that used this spice for its revitalising effects on the human mind and body.
While the glorious use of saffron in our Vedic texts recapitulate its healing powers, there is so much history that this spice holds in most ancient civilisations. Paintings dated almost 10,000 years ago in the caves of Iran glorify saffron as the elixir of health. Greek legend Alexander the Great is known to have used it to heal his war wounds. The fabulous Cleopatra is known to have bathed in it. Ancient Sumerians have used this spice time and again to make magic potions. Indians have made medicines out of saffron that could cure rare diseases and rectify hormonal balance for thousands of years.
Did you know Saffron is Sattvic?
Known as ‘kumkuma’, saffron is a spice that is the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. India, Iran, Spain and Greece are the four major saffron producing countries contributing to about 92% of the overall world’s production of this spice. Ayurvedic texts categorise the qualities of saffron as being pungent and bitter in taste, potent in its ability to heal, ingratiating or oily in texture and extremely light in digestion. It is believed to balance the dishes and is deemed Sattvic in nature.
Ayurvedic texts clearly mention that the use of saffron will impart a glow on the skin. It has the capacity to cleanse and disinfect wounds and is nourishing to health. It’s strongest usage, according to the Indic texts is its ability to strengthen the circulatory, respiratory and the reproductive systems. The stigma and petals of saffron have been used to treat depression. Ayurveda categorically mentions that the Sattvic action of saffron heals the mind and helps in treating anxiety.
Saffron helps treat pigmentation and dark circles. It can cure acne and help reduce wrinkles and dark spots of the skin. It is known to strengthen the central nervous system and is especially useful to treat degenerative diseases. Ayurveda recommends the use of saffron in helping cure arthritis and bone health. It helps activate Agni and reduces indigestion and acidity. It has also been used to treat anaemia, cardiac congestion and sleep disorders.
Saffron acts as an antispasmodic in the reproductive system of the female body. It is known to ease menstrual flow and help in dysmenorrhea or painful periods. The Vedic texts particularly mention it’s capacity as an herb to treat impotency and infertility.
Ayurvedic texts like ‘Charaka Samhita and Sharngadhara Samhita list several medicines that predominantly contain saffron. These include:
* Amritadya tailam which is very useful in treating mental disorders.
* Bala tailam that is used to treat conditions like asthma, cough, fever, vomiting, epilepsy etc.
* Chandrodaya Agada that has been used as an antidote for patients who have been poisoned.
* Dwiharidradi tailam that is formulated especially to treat acne.
* Pushyanuga choorna that is used to treat menstrual disorders, uterine infections and haemorrhoids.
* Trimiradinashaka that is used to treat the eyes.
* Yakuti rasa that is formulated to treat cardiac disorders and chronic fever.
* Patrangasava which is used largely to treat gynaecological disorders.
* Madan kameshwari lehyam that’s has been expressively used to treat erectile dysfunction in males.
* Asana eladi tailam for external applications like migraine and sinus.
* Kumkumadi tailam for treating pigmentation, wrinkles and dark spots on the face and neck.
Our Indic traditions provide us with countless natural ways to balance health, restore digestion and boost immunity with spices like saffron. Let’s re-learn to use them in our day to day lives and allow ourselves the luxury of intrinsic Vedic know ledge to pave the way to a happy and balanced life.
