Saffron: Mother nature’s prozac
Did you know that most herbs and spices have healing qualities? Yep! It really wasn’t that long ago that the food we ate also improved our health…imagine that! Much of the traditional food of our grandparents and great grandparents exerted supportive, healing effects, though it’s hard to imagine that’s true for those of us with British Isles ancestry…the healing power of potatoes is pretty limited.😆
ANYWAY, this is the first of my monthly spotlights on healing herbs and spices you can easily add to the meals you already make to increase the healing benefits….so, here we go:
This month I am focusing on Saffron, one of the world’s most beloved and expensive spices. The intensely flavorful red threads are actually stigmas of blue crocus flowers. Grown and (very) carefully harvested on family farms around the world, including here in the La Mancha region of Spain (my home at the moment). Saffron is the quintessential spice used to give Paella its unique flavor and signature color.
The paella picture here is one we made for Summer Solstice in New Zealand – cooking paella outside is a great way to celebrate the longest day of the year, and a new tradition in my home. It almost looks like a big golden sun 🌞…almost.
Affectionately referred to as Mother Nature’s Prozac, saffron’s healing properties are so powerful that it is now available as an herbal extract. Along with mood-boosting and neuroprotective properties (good for memory and cognition) saffron is used for Alzheimer’s, Atherosclerosis, Fatigue, High blood pressure, PMS, Male infertility, Erectile dysfunction, Cancer, Anxiety, Insomnia, Memory loss, Age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.
👉Research in the Journal of Natural Medicine showed that the compounds Crocin and Safranal contained in Saffron protect levels of brain chemicals (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) that boost and stabilize mood…theoretically working in the same way antidepressants do without the adverse effects. Very cool! Of course for this type of effect, one would need to take higher doses than the amount we cook with….however, the inflammatory and antioxidant properties of saffron certainly make it worth adding to your meals…the more the better.
Saffron is used in traditional Indian, Spanish and Iranian dishes. You’ll even find it in Italian risotto Milanese and French bouillabaisse.
Cooking with Saffron:
Luckily, a pinch is all you need of this exquisite spice – infuse it in a little hot water before adding to seafood, soup, rice dishes, or puddings and you will be transported to another world.
Saffron is great paired with almonds – how about rice pilaf with onion, garlic, almond, saffron, black pepper and butter? Yum.
Cooking up prawns or grilling fish? Try slathering on some saffron, salt and garlic infused olive oil before cooking.
Apple tarts with saffron custard anyone? Drizzled with honey? Yes please!
Saffron pairs well with cumin, mint and coriander and warming spices like vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It compliments dishes featuring chicken, couscous, lamb, nuts, polenta, rice, seafood and soups.
Whatever you do with it, be sure you luxuriate in it and enjoy the process…And let me know in the comments your favorite way to use Saffron, I’d love to hear!
Yours in health,
Camille Hoffman
Naturopath, Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist
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The views and nutrition, naturopathic and herbal recommendations expressed by Camille Hoffman and Hoffman Natural Health’s programs, website, publications and newsletters, do not constitute a practitioner-patient relationship, are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service and are for informational purposes only. The statements and content found in these programs, website, publications and newsletters have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The treatments described may have known and unknown side effects and health hazards. Each user is solely responsible for their own healthcare choices and decisions. Camille Hoffman advises the website user to discuss these ideas with a healthcare professional or physician before trying them. Camille Hoffman does not accept any responsibility for any positive or adverse effects a person claims to experience, directly or indirectly, from the ideas and contents of this website.