Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Saffron
Culpeper may have been right when he said saffron “strengthens the heart exceedingly.” The herb is indeed expensive, but it costs a lot less than some clot-dissolving drugs injected directly into the heart to treat heart attack (up to $2,000 per dose) or bypass surgery (approxiMatély $25,000). People who use enough saffron might actually save money in the end, because it may help control some risk factors for heart disease.
Cholesterol - Several animal studies show injected crocetin produces significant cholesterol decreases. Of course, people who ingest whole saffron orally may not receive the same benefit as animals injected with the herb’s active constituent. Population studies, however, support the herb as a protector against human heart disease. Certain populations in Spain have little heart disease (or stroke) despite a relatively high-fat diet. Some experts credit the liberal use of olive oil in cooking. But an article in the British medical journal Lancet argued for saffron-also used liberally in Spanish cuisine-as the more important protective factor.
Artery-Clogging Deposits - Crocetin also increases the amount of oxygen in blood. Some researchers suggest this additional oxygen slows the growth of the artery-clogging plaque deposits involved in heart disease.
Blood Pressure - Animal research in China shows saffron reduces blood pressure, and in the United States, crocetin is used to treat high blood pressure in cats. These findings suggest it may help control another important risk factor in human heart disease.
Women’s Health - Saffron may stimulate the uterus, lending some credence to its traditional use in menstruation promotion. Pregnant women should not use medicinal amounts. Other women may try it to trigger their periods.
Rx for Saffron
For potential heart disease prevention or menstruation promotion, use 12 to 15 stigmas (threads) per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Take up to 1 cup a day. Saffron tastes pleasant and richly aromatic, but it becomes bitter in large amounts.
Medicinal doses of saffron should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.