Saffron (Pure Spanish Mancha) (CROCUS SATIVUS)

Description:
Saffron comes from the Crocus Flower, a perennial flowering plant, belonging to the Iridaceae family. Saffron threads are the dried stigmas of the flower. Each flower provides only three stigmas, which are hand picked and dried. It takes over 14,000 of the tiny stigmas for one ounce of Saffron, making it the most precious spice in the world. Because Saffron has a rich color and intense flavor, it can be used sparingly. "Mancha" saffron is characterized by a deep red color and very few off color filaments, it is the best quality readily available on the market.

Origin:
Spain

Other Names:
Autumn Crocus, Bastard Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, Kesar, Kum Kuma, Nagakeshara, Parrot's Corn, Spanish Saffron, Thistle Saffron, Zaffran, Zang Hong Hua

Part Used:
Flower Stigma

Culinary Uses:
Saffron can be used in French, Spanish, and Middle Eastern dishes.Saffron threads should not be added directly to foods, they should be placed in a small amount of warm water until it takes up the strong yellow color and aroma, and the liquid then poured into the dish being prepared.

Medicinal Uses:
Saffron is used as a preventative for heart disease, as it prevents the build-up of cholesterol. It is also used to soothe the membranes of the stomach and colon. Saffron helps chronic coughs and chronic diarrhea.

Precautions and Adverse Reactions:
Saffron should not to be taken in large doses, nor should it be taken by pregnant women.

Magickal Powers and Correspondences:
Powers: Love, healing, happiness, wind raising, lust, strength, psychic powers.
Planet Rulership: Sun
Element Rulership: Fire
Gender: Masculine
Sign: Leo

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