Saffron is a member of the lily family and has been used medicinally as far back as 500 BC in ancient Kashmir. The active constituents in saffron are found in each flower's three stigmas which are harvested by hand. As a consequence of this laborious harvesting method, saffron is the world's most expensive spice. About 8,000 flowers are needed to collect just 3.5 oz. of the saffron stigmas, according to the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Be sure to consult a medical practitioner prior to using saffron medicinally.
Alleviate Alzheimer's Disease
Adding saffron to your diet may help reduce plaque build up in the brain stem, which is a cause of Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2010 study led by Shahin Akhondzadeh of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and published in "Psychopharmacology." Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia characterized by memory loss and confusion. Saffron is thought to reduce the rate of cognitive decline during the disease's onset, according to a November 2010 story by Chris Kilham on the Fox News website.
Relieves Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Eating food spiced with saffron can alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome including emotional instability, sore breasts, depression and fatigue, according to "Yoga Journal." About 75 percent of menstruating women experience premenstrual syndrome. It may take at least two months of consuming five saffron threads daily to see relief from PMS symptoms.
Treats Depression
Some clinical studies have shown saffron to be a safe and effective antidepressant, according to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Saffron was compared to antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, and was shown work just as well in treating depression.
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