Traditional Uses of Saffron
Step by Step Instructions
Saffron fragrances
In ancient times the Egyptians perfumed their ceremonies with the sweet and pungent fragrance of saffron, the Romans bathed with water and saffron pistils and perfumed their homes with them; It is also said that the Greek god Zeus lay down in a bed of saffron flowers and that in the East sandalwood and saffron were used to obtain relaxing essences. Modern perfumeries use saffron because, in obtaining the formula of the best floral perfumes, it harmonizes as an average note with other essences and fragrances.
Natural saffron tincture
The natural color based on saffron was used to color the fabrics and connote the social status in every age and civilization that came into contact with the precious spice. Phoenician and Carthaginian brides wore saffron-dyed veils, just as they were dyed with saffron were the robes of Buddhist, Tibetan and Hindu monks. The coloring of Irish wool and Japanese kimonos also included the use of saffron-based dyes.
Use in homeopathy of saffron
Depictions dating back to the prehistoric era, found in the north-west of Iran, contain saffron-based pigments, testifying to man’s ancient relationship with this spice. Recently on the Greek island of Santorini, the ancient “Thera”, some researchers have found a 3500-year-old representation of a healing goddess who watched over medicine and the use of spice derived from the saffron flower. Today we know that top quality saffron has many beneficial properties as it is known that this spice is rich in vitamins B1 and B2 which help the metabolism and the exchange of oxygen between cells, as well as carotenoids (1000 times those contained in the carrot) which make saffron one of the most powerful natural antioxidants.
Saffron, a precious gift
Saffron can be a unique gift for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and religious events such as Christmas and Ramadan, because it is a precious spice, and as such it represents a real status symbol.