Ayurveda's Perspective on Saffron for Skin, Hair and Body

For all of its health benefits, saffron is regarded as a miracle spice. Saffron is a prized herb and spice because of its distinctive golden colour, perfume, and earthy scent. In India, Persia, and Greece, the reddish-orange threads are employed in a number of ancient rites and culinary and medicinal procedures. Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific studies have emphasised the product's potential for treating skin conditions, purifying the blood, and promoting reproductive, mental, and menstrual health.

Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is made from the stigma of the colourful, lovely, and delicate crocus sativus flower. As a result of its labor-intensive, expensive, and time-consuming extraction method, saffron is extremely rare and expensive when compared to other spices. Antioxidants, vitamins A and B12, folic acid, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc are all present in saffron. The spice is worth the premium it asks for because it has numerous cosmetic, therapeutic, and medical uses. Thus, you had better use any saffron you were able to get your hands on.

Saffron and Ayurveda

Saffron, also referred to as Kesar or kumkum, has long been employed in traditional rituals. According to Ayurveda, saffron is known as Varnya and Kantida, which provide the skin a radiant, healthy, even-toned appearance. In addition, Saffron also has antiseptic qualities thanks to its Vrana characteristic.

The advantages of saffron are described in numerous Ayurveda texts. It has received a lot of attention as a component of many Ayurvedic treatments for a variety of issues. Ayurveda advises taking Kesar to elevate mood, achieve radiant skin, eliminate toxins, boost eye health, and promote reproductive and circulatory health. Saffron is mentioned in traditional medical records from the 16th to the 19th century that describe its use in a variety of analgesic formulations.

Advantages of Tridoshic Properties of Saffron

Saffron is acknowledged as being tridoshic, or able to balance all three doshas. It is thought that the spice possesses properties that can balance vitiated or irritated Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Saffron is a tridoshic, which means it usually suits everyone and has health advantages that prevent seasonal illnesses.

Vata dosha: Vata is the element of air. It controls nerves, pain, muscles, and thoughts. Saffron's analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities can assist control pain by balancing Vata dosha. Premenstrual syndrome is also aided by the Rasayana (anti-ageing quality or to get maximum yield out of the food to nourish all the body tissues optimally) features of saffron. Moreover, it can assist with managing depression and improving sleep quality by balancing Vata. Also, by minimising dryness, a balanced Vata can aid in reducing hair loss.

Pitta dosha: Pitta is the element of fire. The fiery-colored spice saffron, known for its Ushna (hot intensity), has a special effect on Pitta that is imbalanced. Saffron's Pitta-calming properties can aid in improving vision. To prevent skin rashes and a burning sensation in the stomach, however, those with severe Pitta must use saffron in moderate quantity.

Kapha dosha: Kapha is the element of earth. Ama (toxins in the body) is produced as a result of increased Kapha, which in turn causes weight gain. Saffron can aid in weight loss and lessen the creation and buildup of Ama by regulating Kapha. Saffron can aid those with vitiated Kapha dosha in improving their metabolism and digestion since it contains Agni, a heating element or digestive fire.

Saffron's Beneficial Effects on Hair and Skin

Glow and radiance: For a healthy, even-toned, warm, and radiant complexion, saffron is widely utilised in several Ayurveda remedies. Saffron is a fantastic skin tonic due to its Varnya and Kantida properties.

An enzyme that aids in the synthesis of melanin, tyrosinase, can be suppressed by crocin, the main ingredient in saffron, according to a human study published in 2013. In addition, saffron can aid in preventing tanning. For a natural glow, Ayurveda advises putting saffron on the face after soaking it in half a cup of raw milk. Similar to this, using a paste consisting of rose water, 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder, and a few strands of saffron will promote a healthy complexion. It's interesting to note that crocin is also the cause of saffron's colour.

Protection against premature ageing of skin and UV damage: Saffron is a useful component found in many cosmetic formulas and products. Saffron, which is high in antioxidants, can help shield the skin from UV rays because its exposure encourages the creation of free radicals, which results in oxidative stress. According to a 2018 lab study, the active ingredient in saffron, crocin, has strong antioxidant effects that can minimize oxidative stress by balancing out free radicals. Saffron can prevent premature ageing of the skin by blocking ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, according to another study.

Acne and other skin-related problems: Saffron has several beneficial qualities for the skin. Acne and psoriasis can be treated with saffron's Ropan (healing) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) characteristics, according to Ayurveda. According to a study, saffron is a great solution for treating acne-prone skin and making it look clear because of its significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities. Saffron's healing qualities can also aid in easing acne-related skin irritation and redness. Acne can be treated by applying a mixture of crushed tulsi leaves and saffron on the affected region. Saffron is also mentioned in Ayurveda as a remedy for wounds and skin infections.

Improve hair and scalp health: Saffron gives hair a smooth, moisturised appearance with a healthy sheen when utilised in numerous traditional therapies. Saffron's phytochemicals and antioxidants aid in treating damaged hair follicles, controlling hair loss and an oily scalp, encouraging healthy hair development, and halting hair loss. According to Ayurveda, saffron's ability to balance Vata enhances hair growth by minimising excessive dryness.

To promote hair growth, repair damage, lessen split ends, and regulate sebum production by sebaceous glands, oil can be made by heating 10 to 12 strands of saffron in 50ml of sesame oil. This oil can then be applied to the roots of the hair. Furthermore, saffron's capacity to increase blood circulation can hasten cell renewal, lessen hair breakage, and rejuvenate damaged hair.

Sexual, menstrual, and reproductive health: Saffron is used for its potent aphrodisiac qualities in addition to its culinary and cosmetic benefits. Saffron has aphrodisiac qualities as well thanks to the active ingredient crocin. Furthermore, saffron may be useful in treating erectile dysfunction and low sperm counts.

Ancient methods included treating infertility and age-related sexual dysfunction in both men and women by adding a pinch of saffron to milk to increase libido. In addition, saffron is advised by Ayurveda for women with irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, hormone regulation issues, etc. According to studies saffron has antispasmodic effects that ease menstrual flow and relieve period pain. It normalises menstruation, regulates hormones, and decreases PMS symptoms. A glass of warm milk with saffron added is advised by Ayurveda specialists in order to maintain optimum sexual health and a regular menstrual cycle.

Mood regulation and Depression: According to a study saffron can improve mood by lowering neurotransmitters in the brain. Another study also emphasised saffron's capacity to maintain an equilibrium in serotonin levels. It functions as a natural antidepressant and can help with anxiety and depression reduction. Furthermore, saffron lowers the chance of nervous system disorders due to its tridoshic properties. Ayurvedic professionals advise drinking saffron tea infused with cinnamon and cardamom to lift the spirits and combat melancholy.

Eye health: Several eye conditions can be treated with saffron. It has demonstrated tremendous promise in assisting in reducing the harm caused to photoreceptor cells by exposure to light. A rich source of crocin and crocetin, saffron can also help safeguard and repair retinal cells that have been harmed by oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration.

Conclusion

Saffron is one of the most adaptable spices and Ayurveda components due to its wealth of qualities, which include purifying, nourishing, strengthening, brightening, and aromatic effects. It's time to use saffron for more than just curries and biryanis—we should also use it for our skin and wellness.