Uses

Saffron has been used as a spice and coloring agent for centuries and has medicinal properties. It is by far one of the oldest herbs ever used for medicinal purposes in the history of mankind. Major uses of saffron include the following:

Culinary Uses
Saffron spice is used to add color, taste and aroma of the food. Considered to be the spice of Royalties, Indian saffron spice is used to be the chef’s most preferred choice for delicacies and culinary. Particularly in Mughlai and other continental dishes, saffron not only adds the beautiful golden hue but also the aroma and flavor of the preparation is significantly enhanced. It is also used in desserts as well as curries.

Moreover, saffron spice has traditionally been used in India and Europe to garnish delicacies on special occasions.

Medicinal Uses
Saffron finds many uses in Ayurveda, Unani, Chinese and Tibetan medicine. It is widely known as a stimulant, warm and dry in action, helping in urinary, digestive and uterine troubles.

In Ayurveda, saffron is used for curing chronic diseases such as asthma and arthritis. Dripping water of boiled saffron in nose is good for curing headache and insomnia. It is widely used for the treatment of cough and cold. Ayurvedic medicines with saffron as its ingredient are used to treat acne and other skin diseases. The paste of saffron can be used for dressing for bruises and superficial sores.

Furthermore, Saffron contributes as an excellent cure for stomach ailment and is an antispasmodic as well. It also has digestive properties and helps in relieving tension as well.

Since ancient time, saffron was considered to have strong aphrodisiac properties. It is also considered to be beneficial in specific gynecological ailments.

Even in modern pharmacopoeias, saffron is used to color medicines or as a cordial adjunct.

Commercial Uses
The unique coloring and aromatic properties makes saffron ideal for various bakery and confectionery preparations. Saffron is used as a flavoring agent in a number of dairy products like flavored milk, deserts, ice creams, butter and cheese. It is one of the crucial ingredients used in preparing products like wine, drinks, jellies, candies, cakes and cookies.

Saffron is an important ingredient of cosmetic products particularly in fairness creams. Further, owing to its unique fragrance, saffron is used in perfumes and body fragrance products.

Furthermore, saffron is a natural colorant and is used for coloring strings in weaving industry. It has a special significance in dye industry.

Religious Uses
When Budha renounced the world, his body was covered with special robe dyed in saffron. Ever since, Buddhist monk has adopted saffron as the colour that can help them achieve their goal of 'moksha'.Tibetan Monks use saffron for prayer and blessing, calligraphers have also used saffron as ink to write holy books like the Koran.

Saffron is omnipresent in almost all the religions. It is a colour that flutters over Temples and Gurudwaras. For sikhs, it means a rebellion against prevailing injustice, and for hindus- a religous fundamentalism. The precious spice is believed to bring power to religious practices. It is used in various temples in India like Tirupati, Somnath, Kashi Vishwnath etc. The devotees receive paste of saffron on their foreheads (Tikka) as a symbol of blessings, good luck and benevolence.

Saffron is one of the essentials for rituals performed to awaken Kundli. The colour of saffron plays a major role in 'Yantra', a graphic that symbolically represent aspects of tantric philosophy.

Calligraphers have also used saffron as ink to write holy books like the 'Koran'.