Saffron, also known as Crocus sativus, is a perennial flowering plant in the iris family and a common spice. It is a precious Chinese medicinal material with powerful physiological activities. Its stigma is used as a medicine in Asia and Europe, with sedative, expectorant, and antispasmodic effects. It is used to treat stomach diseases, regulate menstruation, measles, fever, jaundice, and enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Saffron is a perennial herb. The underground bulbs are spherical and covered with brown membranous scales. There are 9-15 leaves, which grow from the white bulbs and have no stalks. The leaf blades are narrow and long, measuring 15-20 centimeters in length and 2-3 centimeters in width. The leaf margins are curled and have fine hairs. The base is surrounded by 4-5 broad scales. The flowers are terminal, with a diameter of 2.5-3 centimeters. There are 6 sepals, inverted ovate in shape and pale purple in color. The corolla tube is 4-6 centimeters long and slender. There are 3 stamens with large anthers and arrow-shaped bases. There are 3 pistils, with fused ovaries and inferior positions. The style is slender and yellow, with three deep lobes at the top, extending outside the corolla tube and hanging downwards. The style is deep red in color, and the stigma at the top of the style is slightly swollen, with a funnel-shaped opening. The fruit is elongated, with three blunt edges, measuring about 3 centimeters in length and 1.5 centimeters in width. When the fruit matures, it starts to extend above the ground. There are many seeds, which are round and leathery in texture. The flowering period is from early to mid-November.
Saffron is distributed in southern European countries, Iran, and other regions. There is a small amount of cultivation in China.
Saffron is used to promote blood circulation, eliminate stasis, and relieve depression and congestion. It is used to treat depression and accumulation of qi in the heart, stagnant chest and diaphragm, hematemesis, delirium during typhoid fever, fear and confusion, menstrual disorders in women, postpartum blood stasis and abdominal pain, and bruises and swelling from falls.
① "Yin Shan Zheng Yao": "Used to treat depression and accumulation of qi in the heart, stagnant chest and diaphragm. Prolonged consumption brings joy to the heart."
② "Pin Hui Jing Yao": "Used to promote blood circulation, eliminate depression, regulate blood, broaden the chest and diaphragm, improve appetite, and nourish the body. Also used to treat delirium during typhoid fever."
③ "Gang Mu": "Promotes blood circulation and treats palpitations."
