Kesar Scientific Name
Crocus sativus
Kesar Other Names
English: Saffron
Spanish: Azafran
Hindi: Kesar
Sanskrit: Rakta, Kashmir, Balhil, Ghusrun, Kumkum
Spanish: Azafran
Hindi: Kesar
Sanskrit: Rakta, Kashmir, Balhil, Ghusrun, Kumkum
What is Kesar?
A fragrant spice, Saffron, aka Kesar in India is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world. This royal spice native to the Kashmir region of India and mainly obtained from the flower part of the plant. Most known use of Saffron is in flavorsome cooking. The fragrance, and it’s skin-glow bestowing properties makes it a common ingredient in beauty products.
In Ayurveda, Saffron is grouped the category of herbs called “Varanya Gana” that gives the skin a warm, glowing complexion. The spice is considered Tridoshic in that it balances all Doshas (kapha, vata and pitta). It is also known as a wonderful anti-oxidant to flush toxins out of the body and skin. It is a soothing, anti-inflammatory, and improves blood circulation.
Saffron is mood-enhancing and is most commonly used for treating mental disorders like depression, anxiety, Alzheimer disease. Additionally it is also found to relieve menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Saffron is also used for many other conditions, but more research is needed to support any other uses
Common forms of Kesar
Tablets, Capsules, Oil, Threads
Kesar is commonly used for:
- Angina (angina pectoris)
- Breastfeeding Problems
- Bleeding internal (hemorrhaging)
- Impotence
- Low libido
- Treating Alzheimer disease
- Treating Depression
- Relieving Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- Treating Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Relieving symptoms of menopause.
- Treating baldness.
- Preventing cancer.
- Treating Early male orgasm (premature ejaculation).
- Preventing “Hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).
- Treating Insomnia.
- Treating severe skin disorders like Psoriasis
Kesar Dosage
Capsule: 1 capsule once or twice a day.
Tablet: 1 Tablet once or twice a day.
Oil: 1-3 drops or as prescribed by the doctor
Tablet: 1 Tablet once or twice a day.
Oil: 1-3 drops or as prescribed by the doctor
Kesar Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Large amounts of Saffron have found to cause yellow appearance of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Additionally symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the nose, lips, eyelids, numbness, were also reported.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Saffron (kesar) can be taken during pregnancy but follow the dosage and duration as recommended by the doctor and self-medication should be avoided. Larger amounts of saffron can cause pre-mature contractions leading to a miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is likely unsafe. Doses over 5 grams or more can cause poisoning and over 12 grams can cause death.
Saffron/Kesar has blood-pressure lowering tendency and hence consult a doctor if you are already on antihypertensive medication.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Saffron (kesar) can be taken during pregnancy but follow the dosage and duration as recommended by the doctor and self-medication should be avoided. Larger amounts of saffron can cause pre-mature contractions leading to a miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is likely unsafe. Doses over 5 grams or more can cause poisoning and over 12 grams can cause death.
Saffron/Kesar has blood-pressure lowering tendency and hence consult a doctor if you are already on antihypertensive medication.