Saffron (Kumkum, Crocus sativus) — Ayurvedic Herbs

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an Ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of variety of physical and mental conditions. Saffron is called India’s royal spice, because of the exclusivity of the flowers of this herb that grows richly in Kashmir valley, but rarely in the plateau and plains. It is also estimated that it takes approximately 200,000 flowers to make a kilogram of saffron. Imagine the efforts one would require to produce saffron.

In Ayurveda, saffron, which is commonly called kum kum, kumkuma, kumkumam, etc, has a prominent position as a very special Ayurvedic herb. According to Ayurveda, saffron is capable of balancing all three doshas of tridosha. It also helps in providing nutrition to dhatus and release of ama or toxic bodily wastes. It is also an aphrodisiac and provides vitality to overall human system.