ΚΡΟΚΟΣ
Crocus sativus
(Saffron)
Botanical info:
Saffron is a cormus perennial plant up to 30 cm tall, with linear leaves sprouting in spring and flowering mid-autumn. Though it has not been found in the wild, as its natural habitat are considered coastal sands and meadows. It is a Greek endemic introduced and cultivated in Turkey, Italy, and Spain.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Ulcers:
a. Mixed with copper slag for the treatment of old and new wounds.
b. In Nature of Women:
a. As a fumigant.
c. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. For the treatment of ulcers in the genitals.
d. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. For the treatment of uterus flatulence.
b. As a fumigant.
Other uses:
Saffron is the most valuable spice by weight. Depending on the size of harvested stigmas, 50,000–75,000 Crocus sativus plants are needed to produce about 1 pound of saffron; each flower only produces three stigmas. Stigmas should be harvested mid-morning when the flowers are fully opened. It is considered carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue and it is used as a diaphoretic for children and for chronic hemorrhage of the uterus in adults.