Crocus sativus L. Saffron (pronounced /ˈsæfrən/, /ˈsæfrɒn/) (Persian: زَعْفَرَان) is a spice made from the stigma of the flower of the saffron plant. The spice is used in cooking as a seasoning and as a food colouring. It is native to Southwest Asia.

Kumkumapoovu ( transl. Saffron flower) is an Indian Malayalam-language soap opera that appeared on Asianet. It comprised 785 episodes.

Other Name(s): Autumn Crocus, Azafrán, Azafron, Croci Stigma, Crocus Cultivé, Crocus sativus, Indian Saffron, Kashmira, Kesar, Kumkuma, Saffron Crocus, Safran, Safran Cultivé, Safran Espagnol, Safran des Indes, Safran Véritable, Spanish Saffron, True Saffron, Zafran.

According to Macrobiotic nutritionist and Health practitioner Shilpa Arora, saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold. It consists of various healing properties and is warm in nature that helps reduce the risk of catching a cold.

If you have it every day, it can give your face a healthy glow. Drinking saffron water can improve the skin’s texture, lighten it naturally, and also take care of acne scars and other blemishes. * Drinking saffron water in the morning can be a good thing, especially for those who need their caffeine fix.

As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits ( 7 , 17 , 30 ). On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more can have toxic effects.

Pregnant women can start taking the recommended dosage of saffron at any time during their pregnancy. However, it is safer to avoid saffron in the first trimester. Ayurveda suggests the consumption of saffron only after the fourth month of pregnancy when you start feeling the movement of the baby in your womb.

Lightens Skin Tone Saffron helps in lightening and whitening skin tone. You can either, soak few strands of saffron in milk and can apply on your face and neck for few minutes and wash it off or you can add few strands of saffron in milk and drink it everyday to get better complexion.

Applying saffron strands soaked in milk will fade away the tan making the skin even toned. Saffron makes for an excellent skin toner providing a burst of nourishment and freshness to the skin. Add a few strands of saffron in rose water and you have an instant fragrant skin rejuvenator.

It possesses therapeutic properties, and the potassium in it helps with cell formation and repair. Saffron benefits skin because it contains many vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and soothes skin. It is antifungal and can be used to treat acne.