Saffron Essential Oil, Undiluted (Crocus Sativus)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail (*CAUTION: Essential oils are NOT safe for internal use.  For external use only.  Do not apply directly to skin without first properly diluting with a carrier oil.) Saffron Essential Oil, Undiluted (Crocus Sativus) 1 Dram COMMON NAME :  Saffron SCIENTIFIC NAME :   Crocus Sativus OTHER NAMES :  Crocus, Karcom, Kesar FAMILY :  Iridaceae METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Venus, Mercury, Mars Day: Friday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 4th Heart Chakra (Anahata) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Tarot Card: Knight of Wands Sabbat or Holiday: Beltane / May Day (April 30 – May 1) ; the October Crescent Moon ; the Full Hunter’s Moon (October or November) ; the Great Rite / Sacred Marriage / Hieros Gamos Deity or God / Goddess Association: Eos, Persephone, Aphrodite, Venus, Ashtoreth   Parts Used:  Stigma / Stamen Description:  Saffron is a spice that for centuries was literally worth its weight in gold. The flowers emit a honey-like sweet fragrance. Used as a dye, spice, and perfume, saffron stigmas have been in great demand since ancient times. Although the saffron crocus has been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean region, it was once reserved for kings and pharaohs. Saffron is made from the red-gold stigma filaments or “threads” of an autumn-flowering species of crocus. Saffron is still the most expensive spice because it is the most costly to produce. Since each flower only has three stigmas, it takes a lot of plants to produce even a small amount of spice. It takes about 75,000 flowers to yield 1 pound of saffron. Its name is thought to be a corruption of the Arab word zafaran, which means “spice” and is sometimes also used to refer to the color yellow. The Arabs introduced saffron into Spain around the 8th century, and that country has been a major exporter ever since. Despite its cultivation in Moorish Spain, saffron was rare in Northern Europe until after the Crusades. But by the 14th century, it had become so popular as a dye, spice, and perfume that the spice merchants throughout the continent were known as saffron grocers. Saffron was a favorite of the ancient Egyptians. The nobility wore robes dyed with saffron, anointed themselves with saffron perfumes, ate foods spiced with the herb. Saffron has been used to treat light to moderate depression. Studies have found that it is as effective as Prozac for mild to moderate symptoms. Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that acts as an aphrodisiac and stimulates sexual desire. It can significantly improve mood, memory, and learning ability and protect the brain cells against oxidative stress. It is sometimes used to help symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that saffron may also help with eyesight. It is believed to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and decrease intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. Saffron may help with weight loss by reducing appetite. One study found that women who used saffron felt less hungry and snacked less frequently. A 2023 study found that 60 mg of saffron per day for 12 weeks significantly reduced BMI and waist circumference. Clinical trials have shown that saffron may help menstrual problems by reducing symptoms of PMS by up to 50%. There is also some evidence that saffron may help symptoms of menopause by improving mood, reducing hot flashes, and improving sleep quantity and quality. Saffron is used in aromatherapy for its alluring scent that promotes relaxation, alleviates stress, and uplifts mood. The aroma can also help alleviate insomnia and promote sound stress-free sleep. Historical Uses:  aphrodisiac, sexual desire, depression, anxiety, stress, moodiness, memory, brain function, cognitive function, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, neuroprotective, macular degeneration, glaucoma, eyesight, vision, reduce appetite, weight loss, obesity, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual problems, menstrual cramps, menopause, hot flashes, sleeplessness, insomnia, sedative Mystical Attributes:  This bright red, costly herb holds all sorts of mystical value. Saffron is useful for all spells related to new beginnings. Any crocus can be used in spells for love, friendship, settling disputes, and peace. Homer referred often to the Goddess Eos as saffron-robed. For centuries, saffron has been associated with wealth, power and rarity. Saffron is useful in spells aimed toward wealth and recognition, to bring strength. Saffron is also purported to be an aphrodisiac. It has a reputation of bringing cheerfulness and wisdom. Saffron is useful for lucid dreaming, astral projection, and past life regression. Rinsing bed linens in an infusion of saffron (or possibly a whole crocus) is said to help bring strength to the body while one sleeps. Mystical Intentions:  new beginnings, rebirth, renewal, love, friendship, making up after an argument, calming anger, peace, wealth, fortune, prosperity, money, rarity, indulgence, power, recognition, noticed at work, strength, aphrodisiac, sexual desire, sex magic, love, lust, passion, tantric magic, happiness, cheerfulness, joy, lucid dreaming, dream magic, astral projection, travel to other realms, past life regression Taste & Smell:  Saffron has a distinctive and alluring, sexy, earthy, leathery, musky, and spicy aroma. Some say it smells like sweet hay mixed with fresh cut grass and a hint of pepper. It has a subtle earthy-sweet flavor with a tinge of bitterness and delicate floral and honey notes. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Crocus sativus is commonly known as the saffron crocus. The spice saffron is derived from the flower (specifically the stigmas and styles). The finest saffron is made from the stigmas. The next finest grade is from the stamens. Saffron is native to Greece or Southwest Asia and was slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and was later brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania. Saffron crocus grows to a height of 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm). To protect the plant’s true leaves, it will sprout white and non-photosynthetic leaves known as cataphylls. These are membrane-like structures that cover the crocus’s 5-11 actual leaves as they bud and develop. The actual leaves are blade-like green foliage and are thin, straight, and approximately 1–3 mm in diameter. In autumn, purple buds appear and it takes until October, after most other flowering plants have released their seeds, for the crocus’ brilliantly hued flowers develop. When they do flower, the plants average less than a foot in height. At this time their color will range from a light pastel shade of lilac to a darker and more striated mauve. The flowers emit a honey-like sweet fragrance. Emerging from each flower is a three-pronged style. Each of these prongs is terminated with a vivid crimson stigma 25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in) in length. The plant reproduces via corms. Corms are bulb-like, starch-storing organs, that form underground. After blossoms fade, they are dug up, separated, and replanted each year. Since they are actually sterile, C. sativus’ purple flowers will not produce viable seeds. The plant’s reproduction requires human assistance via the replanting of the plant’s corms. A corm will survive for one season, though it will produce via this vegetative division up to ten “cormlets” that can be planted and will grow into new plants in the next season. Saffron grows best in sunny, semi-arid lands. It can survive cold winters, tolerating frosts as low as −10 °C (14 °F) and can even endure short periods of snow cover. Irrigation is required if grown outside of moist environments. Saffron prefers friable, low-density, loose, well-watered, and well-drained clay soils with high organic content. The stigmas and styles of the flower are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use. Lay your stigmas flat on a bit of waxed paper in a warm place to dry. Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Be aware it should be used as quickly as possible, the spice does not store well. It should be used (or replaced) within 12 months. Contraindications & Toxicity: Ingesting high amounts of saffron is unsafe. 5 grams or more can cause poisoning. 12-20 grams can cause death. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Ingesting saffron my increase the risk of miscarriage. Saffron may interact with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. Saffron may trigger mood swings, excitability, and impulsive behavior in people with bipolar disorder. Those with sensitivity to saffron may have allergic reactions or other reactions including nausea, anxiety, dry mouth, nose bleeding, and numbness of the eyelids and lips. Saffron slows the central nervous system. Do not use within two weeks before surgery. Using saffron may decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine and can increase the effects and side effects of caffeine. Diabetics should not use saffron. Using along with diabetes medications can cause blood sugar to drop too low. Saffron may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing and should not be used along with sedative medications.   Constituents: Crocin Picrocrocin Safranal Terpenoids Anthraquinones Amino acids Alkaloids     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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