Saffron

(S) Nagakeshara

Part Used: flower (stigma)

Energetics: pungent, bitter, sweet/cooling/sweet VPK=

Tissues: works on all tissue-elements but particularly the blood

Systems: circulatory, digestive, female reproductive, nervous

Actions: alterative, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, rejuvenative, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic

Indications: menstrual pain and irregularity, menopause, impotence, infertility, anemia, enlarged liver, hysteria, depression, neuralgia, lumbago, rheumatism, cough, asthma, chronic diarrhea

Precautions: pregnancy (can promote miscarriage), in large doses is narcotic

Preparation: infusion, milk decoction, powder (100 to 250 mg); use in low dosages, a pinchful with other herbs, medicated oil, medicated ghee

SAFFRON is a very potent but expensive revitalizer of the blood, circulation and female reproductive system, as well as of the metabolism generally. It is one of the best anti-Pitta herbs and spleen-liver regulators. It is considered to be the best stimulant and aphrodisiac, vajikarana, primarily for women. Though not actually a tonic itself, even in small amounts it catalyzes the tonic action of other herbs and promotes tissue growth in the reproductive organs and in the entire body. It can be added to milk or to other tonic herbs, like shatavari or angelica, to facilitate their function or used as a spice to promote assimilation of food into deeper tissues. Its quality is sattvic and gives energy to love, devotion and compassion, to Bhakti Yoga.

SAFFLOWER, sometimes misleadingly called saffron, can be used as a substitute for saffron and is much less expensive. It should be used in normal dosages.