A healing elixir with anti-inflammatory and calming effects. 

THE HISTORY OF GOLDEN SAFFRON TEA  

The saffron spice comes from the flowers of the crocus sativus. The crocus is traditionally grown in Iran, India, Afghanistan, and Greece. The saffron crocus only flowers for about three to four weeks during the months of October and November. The flowers are handpicked and the saffron stigmas are then separated from the flowers and dried.

The saffron stigmas are also called threads and are dark red. This is what is considered the saffron spice. Each saffron flower produces about three stigmas.

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world because it has to be harvested by hand. It is a very labor-intensive process to harvest that cannot be automated. It takes about 450,000 saffron stigmas to make one kilogram of the spice.

Historically saffron has been used both as a medicinal herb and for its culinary purposes to add flavor and color to foods and drinks. Just like many herbs saffron can be prepared as tea as well. It can be enjoyed both hot and cold. 

GOLDEN SAFFRON TEA RITUAL 

The golden saffron tea is a great and simple recipe that you can turn into a daily ritual to help slow you down and nourish yourself. Saffron is known to have many health benefits. The most notable components in saffron are crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. The red color pigment in the saffron threads is made by crocin and crocetin. These components are known to have antidepressant properties, regenerate your cells, improve inflammation, and reduce your appetite. The safranal creates the taste and aroma of saffron. Research has shown that this component supports you in improving your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protecting your brain cells against oxidative stress. 

Whether it’s at the start, during or at the end of your day, the golden saffron tea is a great ritual to incorporate in your daily routine. A ritual is the form or guideline of behavior that you intentionally perform. Making your saffron tea and sipping it slowly can be a great daily self-care ritual.

The best way to do this is to make your saffron tea and not multitask while doing so. While you sip on your golden saffron tea, be as fully present as possible to experience the taste, scent, and temperature. Other things you could do to enhance your ritual are to light a candle at the beginning, take a few minutes to meditate, have a dedicated tea cup for your golden saffron tea, try to perform this ritual at the same time each day.   

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFFRON TEA  

Saffron has many health benefits. Drinking golden saffron tea as a daily ritual may help improve your mood. Research has shown that saffron helps in treating mild depression. The saffron stigmas are rich in antioxidants that aid your body against oxidative stress. 

Saffron is also a great alternative to medication in treating PMS symptoms. Many women suffer from PMS symptoms that could include mood swings, headaches, fatigue, bloating. A review in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology looked at herbal treatments for PMS. In this review saffron is listed as being an effective treatment for premenstrual symptoms. Researchers found that 15 mg of saffron twice daily is effective in relieving PMS symptoms. 

Crocin and crocetin are two of the elements in saffron which researchers believe may help your memory function and learning ability. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that saffron was able to improve learning and memory problems. This means that saffron has potential in treating diseases that affect the brain such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  

Serves 1 cup

Ingredients 

• 1 pinch of saffron (15 threads) 
• Hot water 
• Optional: 
• Green cardamom powder 
• 1 tsp honey 

Make the magic happen 

• Boil your water, pour in cup and add your pinch of saffron.
• Let it steep for 5 minutes. Your tea will turn golden and you can add a pinch of green cardamom powder and honey, if you’d like.
• Sip and enjoy!