Crocus sativus

Crocus sativus
Family:Crocus sativus; Abortifacient; Anodyne; Antispasmodic; Aphrodisiac; Appetizer; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Narcotic; Sedative; Stimulant.
Common name:Saffron
Saffron is a famous medicinal herb with a long history of effective use though it is little used at present because cheaper and more effective herbs are available. The flower styles and stigmas are the parts used but since these are very small and fiddly to harvest they are very expensive and consequently often adulterated by lesser products. The styles and stigmas are anodyne antispasmodic aphrodisiac appetizer carminative diaphoretic emmenagogue expectorant sedative and stimulant. They are used as a diaphoretic for children to treat chronic haemorrhages in the uterus of adults to induce menstruation treat period pains and calm indigestion and colic. A dental analgesic is obtained from the stigmas. The styles are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use they do not store well and should be used within 12 months. This remedy should be used with caution large doses can be narcotic and quantities of 10g or more can cause an abortion.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 02:40 []