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Crocus sativus
Saffron
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Crocus sativus plant species is found in S. Europe - Greece to W. Asia. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Saffron.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Crocus sativus
Common Name:  Saffron
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  The plant is poisonous[21]. The plant is perfectly safe in normal usage but 5 - 10 grammes of saffron has been known to cause death[65].
 
Mature Height:  0.1   Mature Width:  0.1
 
Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild location[90].



Medicinal Information:  Saffron is a famous medicinal herb with a long history of effective use, though it is little used at present because cheaper and more effective herbs are available[4, 7, 254]. The flower styles and stigmas are the parts used, but since these are very small and fiddly to harvest they are very expensive and consequently often adulterated by lesser products[7]. The styles and stigmas are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative and stimulant[4, 7, 21, 174, 176, 218]. They are used as a diaphoretic for children, to treat chronic haemorrhages in the uterus of adults, to induce menstruation, treat period pains and calm indigestion and colic[4, 254]. A dental analgesic is obtained from the stigmas[7]. The styles are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use[4], they do not store well and should be used within 12 months[238]. This remedy should be used with caution[21], large doses can be narcotic[240] and quantities of 10g or more can cause an abortion[218].

For further Crocus sativus gardening information
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


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