Botanical Overview
Crocus sativus (Family: Iridaceae) is commonly known as Saffron or Saffron crocus. The parts used medicinally are the stigma and styles of the flower. Native to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia, it is cultivated notably in Iran, Spain, Greece, Morocco, and Kashmir (India).
Energetics
Crocus sativus is considered warming and drying in nature. It has bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes, with an ascending and outward directionality. Energetically, it is tonifying, primarily affecting qi and blood.
Primary Actions
- Mood enhancer
- Antidepressant
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Mild to moderate depression
- Menstrual cramps
- Digestive complaints
- Sexual dysfunction
- Mild asthma
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Depressive disorders
- Menstrual disorders
- Functional dyspepsia
- Asthma
- Oxidative stress-related conditions
TCM
- Blood stasis
- Pain due to menstrual disorders
- Qi stagnation
Syndromes
- Blood deficiency
- Qi stagnation
- Menstrual blood stasis
Ayurveda
- Depression
- Menstrual pain
- Respiratory issues
- Weak digestion
Syndromes
- Vata and Pitta disorders
- Blood deficiency
- Mood imbalance
Unani
- Mental fatigue
- Menstrual irregularities
- Digestive weakness
Syndromes
- Melancholia
- Gastric disorders
- Reproductive system disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemicals include crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder: 30-100 mg daily standardized to crocin content
- Saffron stigma tea infusion: 1-1.5 g/day
- Tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol): 0.1-0.3 mL 1-3 times per day
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe within culinary and medicinal doses. High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, and uterine contractions; thus, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and bleeding disorders. Caution advised when combined with anticoagulant or antidepressant medications due to potential interactions.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Sun
Elemental ruler: Fire
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph: Crocus sativus L., stigma and styles
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Crocus sativus (saffron): a comprehensive review – Bilia AR et al.
- American Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Crocus sativus (Saffron) Monograph
- The Practitioner’s Encyclopedia of Flower Remedies – Grieve M.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Guide: TCM Materia Medica: Crocus sativus