Saffron Tincture

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and that’s largely because of the effort it takes to produce it: it takes 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound, which can cost upwards of $5,000. Along with myrrh, calamus, and cinnamon, it’s mentioned in the Songs of Solomon as one of the precious spices, and was used by both Ancient Greeks — who used it for healing wounds and relieving upper respiratory complains — and Egyptians, who primarily used it to address gastrointestinal problems. 

Saffron occurs in folk medicine across many cultures, and its uses range from treating fevers and colds to spasms and insomnia. Ayurvedic medicine recommends it for use as an expectorant and anti-asthma herb, as well as for its adaptogenic properties; it has a long history of use for elevating one’s mood, increasing libido, and improving memory. Most recently, studies have found it to be as effective for treating depression as many mainstream anti-depressants, including Prozac and Celexa, but without the side effects.   

Saffron is an herb that invigorates and strengthens the entire body, supports healthy brain aging, and promotes a balanced mood. It helps protect brain cells against oxidative stress and reduces inflammation throughout the body. It is high in antioxidants, which help the body neutralize free-radicals, and also contains anticancer properties. It is said that even just smelling saffron can help alleviate PMS symptoms. 

It is said to be a particularly effective aphrodisiac for people suffering from low libido due to anti-depressant use, both in men and women. For men it is said to improve erectile function, and for women, to help reduce sex-related pain and increase sexual desire and lubrication. 

The list of benefits really go on: recent studies suggest it can be effective in treating disorders ranging from coronary artery disease, hypertension, and dysmenorrhea, and help with learning and memory impairment. It increases glutamate and dopamine levels in the brain in a dose-dependent manner, and interacts with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal symptoms for people getting off of opiates. 

Saffron is one of our favorite herbs here, not just for its myriad medicinal uses but also its smell and taste. If you’ve ever had Tahchin, you know what we’re talking about.