Kitchen Spice

Saffron

SanskritKumkumaBotanicalCrocus sativusAlso calledKesar, Keshara

Precious golden threads Ayurveda treasures for a bright mood, glowing skin and a soft, nourishing warmth in milk and sweets.

Each saffron thread is the stigma of a small purple crocus, picked by hand. It takes thousands of flowers to make a single ounce, which is why saffron has always been one of the most precious things in the spice box.

In Ayurveda, kumkuma is used for things that glow. It colors milk and rice a deep gold, and the tradition links it with bright skin, a lifted mood and a warm, open heart. It is also thought to carry other herbs deeper into the body, so a few threads often go into rasayana recipes.

You need very little. Three or four threads, soaked in a spoonful of warm milk or water, will color and scent a whole dish.

Ayurvedic Properties

RasaTastes
  • Pungent
  • Bitter
  • Sweet
ViryaHeating or cooling
Heating
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Pungent
AgniEffect on digestion
Gently supports agni

A few threads warm and gently support digestion.

GunaQualities
  • Oily
  • Light
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: decreases
  • Pitta: decreases, in moderation
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Saffron is often described as tridoshic. It is gently warming for vata and kapha, and in the tiny amounts used in cooking most teachers consider it fine for pitta as well, especially when taken in milk.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support a bright, steady mood and an open heart.
  • Traditionally used to support clear, glowing skin, both in food and in face masks.
  • Traditionally used to support a comfortable monthly cycle.
  • Traditionally used to support restful sleep when taken in warm milk at night.
  • Traditionally used to support the delivery of other herbs into the tissues.

How People Use It

  • MilkSoak three or four threads in a spoonful of warm milk for a few minutes, then stir into a cup of warm milk with cardamom.
  • FoodCrumble a few threads into warm water and add to rice, kheer, soups or stewed fruit for color and fragrance.
  • TopicalA few threads soaked in milk or rose water can be added to a simple face mask. Patch test first, since saffron can stain.
Try This

Saffron Cardamom Milk

A golden, fragrant cup for a gentle end to the day.

  • 1 cup whole milk or almond milk
  • 3 to 4 saffron threads
  • 1 pinch ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon chopped almonds or pistachios (optional)
  • Honey or maple syrup to taste
  1. Warm 1 tablespoon of the milk and let the saffron soak in it for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns golden.
  2. Heat the rest of the milk gently until it steams, then stir in the saffron milk and cardamom.
  3. Pour into a mug and top with the chopped nuts.
  4. Let it cool slightly before stirring in honey, then sip slowly.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Saffron in normal cooking amounts, a few threads at a time, is generally considered safe.
  • Avoid saffron in amounts larger than food during pregnancy. High doses may stimulate uterine contractions, and research on its safety in pregnancy is limited. Little is known about larger amounts while breastfeeding.
  • Very large amounts of saffron (several grams) can be toxic.
  • Saffron supplements have been studied for mood and may interact with antidepressants, blood pressure medicines or blood thinners. Talk with your doctor before taking saffron extracts.
  • Because it is so expensive, saffron is often faked or mixed with other materials. Buy from a source you trust.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using saffron as more than a spice.

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.