Saffron
Perfect for: Promoting relaxation and restful sleep
Botanical name: Crocus sativus
Botanical family: Iridaceae
Part of the plant used: Flower
Active substances: Proteins, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, carotenoid pigments (rocin, crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal)
Origin: Crete, Central Asia, India
Benefits:
Saffron has aromatic but also therapeutic properties. It is effective against mild depression or anxiety, earning it the nickname “vegetable lithium”. Saffron contains in particular safranal, studied for its positive effects on mood, anxiety and the maintenance of cognitive abilities (in particular concentration which can be altered in the event of persistent stress). Saffron is also used for its soothing properties, to treat insomnia related to excitement or nervous agitation.
Story :
Saffron is native to the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor and Iran where it has been cultivated for a long time. It was a sacred flower of ancient Crete, symbolizing the sun. Its use dates back to antiquity, it is one of the oldest plants in Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It appears in the oldest known medical treatise dating from the 16th century BC. JC: the Ebers papyrus. Called "red gold", saffron is known to be the most expensive spice in the world because the picking is done manually and over a short period of time. It takes no less than 75,000 flowers to make half a kg of saffron!
To be found in : The Balance
