Kumkuma

KUMKUMA

Kumkuma/saffron (Saffron crocus) believed to be originated in Iran is a commonly used seasoning and food colouring agent. It is one of the most expensive spices. Phytochemicals contributing to peculiar appearance and fragrance of saffron are picrocrocus and safranal. Today Iran is the largest producer and supplier of saffron. The commonly cultivated saffron, Crocus sativus is a perennial plant originated in Crete or Central Asia. Dr.Gupta’s IAFA is producing good quality Kumkuma for our followers to get the best results.

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THERAPEUTIC USES OF KUMKUMA

Kumkuma is a powerful antioxidant. So, it can be used to delay aging, improve skin health, and prevent diseases.
This herb also show antidepressant, brain protective action which can be made use of in curing mental disorder and neuro disorders.
Kumkuma is also known for its anticancer properties attributing to its strong antioxidant function.

Moreover, kumkuma helps to aid weight loss, reduce appetite, reduce symptoms of premenstrual disorder, act as an aphrodisiac, may reduce heart disease risk, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia etc.

HOME REMEDIES

Saffron is a good skin moisturizer, antisolar agent and a strong antioxidant. Applying paste made of 2-3 Saffron strands with 1 teaspoon Sandalwood or multani mitti and two teaspoon of milk and washing off with cold water is a good option to improve skin health. This remedy can be repeated three times a week.

Drinking saffron water (made by adding few strands of kunkuma to 1 glass of lukewarm water) regularly is an excellent drink for elevating menstrual disorders, improving energy and vitality.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

Total fat 9%
Cholesterol-0%
Sodium-6%
Potassium-49%
Dietary fibre-15%
Protein-22%
Total Carbohydrate-21%

DAILY DOSE

30mg per day is the accepted daily dose of Kumkuma

AYURVEDIC ASPECTS

Saffron is commoly called as kumkuma, kashmeera, rudhira etc in Ayurveda

Flower style and stigma of kumkuma is its used part. It is an important constituent of many ayurvedic medicines like Manasamitravataka, Mahapadma taila, Arimedadi taila, Maharajaprasaranyadi taila, eladigana taila etc. It is grouped under eladi gana and rakta varga.

Properties of kumkuma include katu, tikta rasa ,snigha guna ,ushna virya and katu vipaka.

Doshic action – tridosha hara
Therapeutic action – varnya (improves complexion), rasayana (rejuvenating), raktastambaka (arrests bleeding).
Purification procedure – bhavana in cow ghee.

Purified kumkuma is beneficial in treatment of Vomitting(chardi), Cough(kasa), Wound(vrana), Facial hyperpigmemtation(vyanga), Head pain-crushing(siro ruja), Eye diseases(netra roga), Throat diseases(kantha roga),Psoriasis(sidhma), Retrogate intestinal movements(udavarta), Obstructive uropathy(mutraghata), Sun exoposure headache(suryavarta), Hemicrania(ardhavabhedaka)

SIDE EFFECTS

Limited quantity of saffron can be taken daily for a period of 26 weeks without any side effects. Some of the minor known side effects of kumkuma intake include drymouth, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea etc. hypersensitivity reaction after intake of kumkuma is also known. Taking layer quantity of kunkuma by pregnant and lactating women is not recommended.

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Safranal
Carotenoids
Zeaxanthin
Carotenes
Picrocrocin

CONCLUSION

Saffron is a widely used therapeutic herb owing to its significant health benefits. It is an important constituent of many classical Ayurvedic medicines, showcasing excellent therapeutic efficiency. It can be incorporated to diet as Saffron water or along with golden milk for improving immunity and overall health. Though quite expensive, and highly adulterated, good quality kumkuma is available which can be imbibed to diet and medicine.

Dr.Gupta’s IAFA is producing good quality Kumkuma for our followers to get the best results.

Reach us for natural friendly rejuvenation!!!

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist