Why was Saffron Tea consumed in ancient civilizations?

Saffron is an age-old spice was once a prized possession of the Royals and Elites. From the Greek culinary culture to Indian culinary legacy, this premium spice has marked its way across the world. This spice was also used by several civilizations for its medicinal benefits. But have you ever wondered why and what makes saffron a magical spice? Well, here’s all you need to know about this age-old miraculous spice and its health benefits.


Why was Saffron a prized possession?

Saffron popularly known as Kesar in Hindi has been one of the oldest herbs known to mankind. It is believed that the traces of this ancient spice were found in the Bible, wherein it is believed to be the 14 herbs mentioned in Bible psalms 104:14,"God provides us with “herbs for the service of man”.




Right from Greece to Eurasia to North America to the Asian subcontinent, this spice has paved its way through various cultures and has been an unspoken prerogative of the royals. But have you ever pondered, what makes this magical herb so expensive? Well, the answer to this mystery, begins with its enticing fragrance, colour and its medicinal properties that have made this age-old herb a magical dose of health

What is saffron ?

Scientifically known as saffron crocus is extracted from a beautiful flower Crocus sativus. Saffron is basically the stigma of the flower and is used after drying the extracts. This process gives Kesar a rich colour, texture and aroma. Widely saffron has been used as a seasoning and a natural colour for delicacies. It is believed that saffron gets its name from an Arabic word Zaffran.

How was saffron used and why adding to diet is a good idea

Right from accentuating the taste of sweets to adding a rich aroma and colour to exquisite delicacies like Biryanis, Curries, Kesar has been a quintessence of several Culinary cultures. Since ages, from Khansama to Chef’s to grandma’s recipes, Kesar has been an inseparable part of Indian culinary legacy; Even according to the books of Ayurveda, it was believed that even a few strands were enough for a healthy body and mind.

It is believed that the history of saffron can be traced back to 3000 years. Kumkuma or saffron is one of the costliest spices used in Ayurveda. It balances the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas in our body. It has antioxidants that boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. The medicinal properties of saffron are numerous. It has beneficial effects on skin, digestive system, circulatory and excretory system, nervous system (uplifts mood and fights depression; hence it is also known as a sunshine spice. There are several ways of adding this wonder spice to the diet but the best way to derive its maximum benefits is by drinking saffron milk around the bedtime or saffron water on an empty stomach.


Health benefits of Saffron

Since ages, this miraculous spice has been used for its amazing medicinal properties, which can prevent as well as cure several health issues. Apart from that, Saffron has been a great spice to boost immunity and keep seasonal ailments at bay. Hence, adding immunity boosting foods to the daily diet can help in improving health. Last but not the least, what makes this spice a magical herb is that it is loaded with carminative, diaphoretic and aphrodisiac properties. So, here are a few more reasons why you must add this magical herb to your daily diet.



Reduces depression and PMS issues

The hectic lifestyle and increasing stress has pushed people to a level where they end up suffering from several physical and mental issues. Where there’s always a quick treatment to physical ailments, finding a cure for mental ailments do take time. According to the books of Ayurveda, kesar has been one of the active ingredients used for creating antidepressant medicines. The stigma of saffron plants has some magical antidepressant properties. The presence of two components in saffron: crocin and safranal can effectively help in stimulating neurochemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These components can effectively aid mild to moderate depression and are mostly used in traditional psychiatric medications.

Helps in fighting seasonal ailments

Saffron tea or saffron mixed with warm milk can keep seasonal ailments like cold, cough and fever at bay. The warm nature of this magical herb helps in relieving the discomfort caused by the flu and cold.

Reduces blood pressure and improves heart health

Loaded with the goodness of potassium, consuming saffron everyday helps in dilating the blood, which further removes blockage from the arteries. This further reduces blood pressure and prevents heart attacks and strokes.