Uses of Crocus sativus L.
Note: The traditional knowledge examples given below are just an indicative/illustrative sample. Herbal practices similar to the ones given below may also have been received from other people from same/ different parts of the country.
Uses from NIF Database
Cough/cold
Take a pinch of kesar along with a glass of milk- Mohammad Abbas Zargar, Anantnag, J&K
Urinary disorder
Take the decoction of kesar and tea orally- Wajjat Ullah Shah, Anantnag, J&K
Wrinkle on face
Take kesar along with milk- Sita Kumari, Gopalganj, Bihar
General health
Take 200mg of kesar and 1g each of ginger, cloves and cardamom. Grind them together to form a paste. Take a spoonful of the paste along with milk- Prakash Soni, Karol Bagh, Delhi
Eye irritation
Crush and apply kesar in the eyes along with honey- Mohd. Jafruddin Nirala, East Champaran, Bihar
Uses described in Literature
Decoction of flower is given orally to cure asthma77; dried stamen acts as digestant ; it is believed to be acting as contraceptive79. ‘Kunkumadyam Thailam’80 is a classical ayurvedic product, which is useful on pimples, black heads etc. ‘Male Rejuv’81 has been effectively used to restore male vitality and energy. Seven patents have been found on its medicinal applications such as to stimulate hair growth82 and cure headache83.