Saffron tea benefits for men:
1) Saffron tea helps in weight loss and improves metabolism.
2) Saffron tea reduces stress levels.
3) Saffron tea increases libido and sexual desire.
4) Saffron tea can boost your immune system.
5) Saffron tea helps in reducing pain.
How to make saffron tea?
The most common way of making saffron tea is by boiling it with water or milk and sugar. You need to add 1 teaspoon of saffron flowers per cup of hot water or milk. If you want to make saffron tea without adding any herbs, then just boil the whole saffron flower (not the stalks). Then add 2 teaspoons of honey and stir well. This will give you a strong smelling drink which tastes similar to mint tea.
There are many ways of preparing saffron tea. Some people prefer to steep their own tea leaves in hot water before drinking it. Others use a teapot.
You can also brew the tea inside the milk and then pour it into a cup. You should make sure that you are using pure saffron strands rather than saffron powder.
How to store saffron?
Store your saffron in a cool dark place. The refrigerator is perfect for this purpose. Saffron tea benefits can only be reaped when you use high-quality saffron strands, so always remember to check the expiration date before buying it.
Benefits of saffron tea for skin:
Saffron is an excellent natural remedy for glowing skin. It can remove dead cells and impurities from the skin. This herb can be mixed with honey and yogurt to prepare a face pack which can be used on a regular basis to reduce marks and blemishes caused by acne or any other reason.
This face pack will also help in getting rid of dead cells and reveal the shiny new skin beneath it.
Saffron tea benefits for eyes:
The natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in this herb protect eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts. It can also be used to get relief in case of dry eye syndrome or red itchy eyes.
Saffron tea benefits for stress:
Saffron has a calming effect on your body. This effect can reduce your stress levels, improve your mood and give you a peaceful nights sleep. Some people use this herb to get relief from insomnia.
Saffron tea benefits for hair:
Saffron can be used in hair care as well. It can be mixed with almond oil to prepare a powerful anti-dandruff solution for treating dry and itchy scalp. Regular use of this solution will eliminate dandruff and give you strong and healthy hair.
Saffron tea benefits for weight loss:
Saffron has low caloric value. This property of saffron can help in weight loss. Regular consumption of this tea can reduce binge eating.
It can also suppress your appetite and make you feel full for a longer period of time. This will prevent you from overeating. This property can also be used to treat mild cases of obesity. Saffron tea is an excellent appetite suppressant.
Saffron tea benefits for women:
Saffron can be used to prepare fertility boosting solutions and tonics as this herb is known to balance female hormones. It can also be useful in treating premenstrual syndrome or menstrual cramps.
Saffron tea benefits for digestion:
This herb is a natural carminative. This means it can eliminate gas and relieve you of uncomfortable bloat. It can also sooth an upset stomach.
(Read more: Carminative herbs and their role in digestion)
Saffron tea benefits for immunity:
This herb is replete with polyphenols, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients which can boost your immunity. It can protect you from the common cold and respiratory infections. It can also keep your mind active and help you stay focused.
Saffron tea benefits for men:
Saffron is used in male vitality and virility boosting formulas. This herb can be used to prepare a tonic which can strengthen your reproductive system, enhance libido and improve erectile dysfunction.
Saffron tea benefits for hair:
Saffron infused oil can be massaged on your scalp to get rid of dandruff and other problems related to dry and itchy scalp. It can also be used to strengthen your hair and prevent them from falling.
Saffron tea for weight loss:
This herb can suppress your appetite and help you lose weight. It can work as an antioxidant and prevent your body from free radical damage. It can also increase the metabolic activity of your body and make you more active.
Saffron tea benefits for teeth:
When consumed on a regular basis, saffron can act as a natural tooth whitener. It can also eliminate toothaches and stop bleeding of gums.
Saffron tea benefits for women:
This herb can be used to prepare female fertility boosting formulas. It can also be used to treat premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and other problems related to female reproductive system.
Saffron tea benefits for mental health:
This herb can eliminate stress and give relief from mood swings. It can also prevent you from developing serious psychological diseases like anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and others.
Where to get saffron?
Saffron is the dried stigmas (reproductive organs) of the Crocus sativus flower. This plant is native to Mediterranean region. Thus, it is cultivated in this region. Mostly Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, France, and other European countries like these grow this plant.
It is the most expensive spice in the world due to limited quantity of saffron crocuses that can be grown from a single bulb. Around 150 flowers are needed to produce 1 ounce of this spice. This is why it is very costly.
You can find dry saffron threads at any specialty grocery or online stores. If you are buying it from an online source, make sure you buy from a reliable vendor.
Tips to use saffron:
Always buy threads and not powdered saffron as it is more concentrated and has a better flavor.
Always buy saffron from a trusted source.
Keep this spice in a cool, dark place away from humidity. However, avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Keep it in an airtight container.
Never buy refrigerated saffron as it is not pure.
Before using, soak it in a little warm water for about fifteen minutes. This will increase its taste and aroma.
Do not consume more than 1mg of saffron per day. Anything above that can be toxic and can have toxicity related side effects. Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid using this spice due to the high levels of chemical constituents like fragrance.
If you want to use it as a beauty product, buy saffron infused oil. Massage your scalp with this oil daily to get rid of dandruff and other scalp problems.
You can also use it to get relief from premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, and even coughs and colds.
Saffron tea recipe:
You’ll need the following ingredients:
2 teaspoons of dry saffron threads
1 cup of boiling water
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Take a small cup, add 2 teaspoons of saffron and then pour 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup with a plate in such a way that the steam can’t escape. Let it steep for about five to ten minutes.
Now, strain the mixture and add honey for taste. Stir well and drink while it’s warm.
You can add milk to this drink, if you want.
This tea has a bitter flavor, so you might not want to drink the whole cup at once. Diluting it with milk or water can make it easier to consume. Drink one or two cups per day, but never more than that.
Also, do not use it for more than two weeks continuously.
Precautions while using this spice:
Although saffron tea has several health benefits, it does have some side effects as well if taken in excess. Depending on the dosage and length of usage, these side effects can be minor to severe. Some common side effects include nausea, stomach aches, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, breathing difficulties and others.
Some serious side effects include diarrhea, high blood pressure, convulsions, and even death due to respiratory failure.
People with heart issues or other serious health conditions should consult a doctor before using this spice for medicinal purposes. Pregnant women and women in their menstrual period should avoid using this spice at all costs. If you are allergic to daisy or ragweed family plants then you shouldn’t use saffron either as it shares some of the same allergens.
People who have a history of mental illness, depression, or other psychological conditions should not use this spice as they can become agitated or even psychotic after using it.
As with all medicines, consult your doctor before using this spice. Also, use it only for short periods of time, and do not exceed the recommended dosage. Always keep this spice out of the reach of children, just in case.
Note:
The information presented herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. You are advised to consult your physician or other healthcare provider about any medical concerns you may have.
Sources & references used in this article:
Cardiovascular effects of saffron: An evidence-based review by M Kamalipour, S Akhondzadeh – The journal of Tehran Heart …, 2011 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ALPINIA GALANGA COMMON NAME by R Kumar, N Ahmed, S Lal – 2012 – Swadeshi Science Movement
Avicenna’s (Ibn Sina) the Canon of Medicine and Saffron (Crocus sativus): A Review by TOPBOFA GALANGA – neurohacker.com
Therapeutic Benefits of Saffron in Brain Diseases: New Lights on Possible Pharmacological Mechanisms by H Hosseinzadeh, M Nassiri‐Asl – Phytotherapy Research, 2013 – Wiley Online Library
A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water-Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease by R AWASTHI, GT KULKARNI – Saffron: The Age-Old Panacea in a …, 2020 – books.google.com
Therapeutic Benefits of Saffron in Brain Diseases: New Lights on Possible Pharmacological Mechanisms by JW Finley, S Gao – Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2017 – ACS Publications
Saffron and natural carotenoids: Biochemical activities and anti-tumor effects by B Sharma, H Kumar, P Kaushik, R Mirza, R Awasthi… – Saffron, 2020 – Elsevier
Globalfoodbook. com by A Bolhassani, A Khavari, SZ Bathaie – … et Biophysica Acta (Bba)-reviews on …, 2014 – Elsevier
