Saffron in Naturopathy
Saffron, the most precious spice in the world, cannot only be used to refine delicious dishes; the yellow miracle cure also has health-promoting qualities. Saffron is particularly popular in naturopathy. Those who put their trust more into homeopathy than traditional medicine, often find naturopathy helpful.
Saffron’s healing effects have been recognised ever since Hippocrates; it was used for its health-promoting properties in ancient Egypt, and the Orient, as well as during the Middle Ages. It has been used to treat “women’s troubles”, bladder, kidney, and heart problems since the 14th Century. The healing effects of this precious yellow spice have been made use of in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. As such, saffron has really earned itself a place in alternative medicine and has been truly tried and tested.
Nowadays, saffron is used in natural medicine to relieve problems with lungs, bronchia, colic, flatulence, teeth, nerves, stomach and bowel, period pains, loss of appetite and (whooping-) cough. This is because saffron relieves coughs and cramps and also has diuretic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It also stimulates transpiration, to literally “sweat out” illnesses, lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels.
Studies have shown, that patients with depression felt better when being treated with saffron, and even in tumours the carotenoids in saffron have a positive effect. The crocins in saffron also help those who are studying, and support the nervous system. It is therefore hoped that even more serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s could find relief via naturopathic treatments with saffron. And for those having trouble falling asleep, hot milk with saffron can help ease the way to sweet slumbers. Find our recipe here!
As usual with naturopathy: always also get traditional medical advice, especially for serious illnesses! However, naturopathic treatments can play a supporting role. Always consult your doctor beforehand, as well as a natural health professional, and don’t try to self-medicate. Caution: as with other spices (like salt), saffron in high doses can be dangerous and from 20g even fatal. Also, the advice during pregnancy is to avoid naturopathic treatments, because in high doses they can cause miscarriages.
Apart from that, we hope you get well soon with the help of professional homeopathic treatments based on the natural powers of saffron. If the “medicine” tastes nice too, even better! Here you can find ideas and inspirations for dishes, that are not only yummy but healthy as well.
