DESCRIPTION: SAFFRON IS A SPICE MADE FROM THE RED-GOLD STIGMA FILAMENTS OR "THREADS" OF A CROCUS SPECIES THAT FLOWERS IN THE AUTUMN.  Its name is said to be a corruption of the Arabic word zafaran, which means "spice" and is also sometimes used to refer to the color yellow.  Although the Safran Crocus has been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean region, it was once reserved for kings and pharoahs.  SAFFRON IS STILL THE MOST EXPENSIVE SPICE DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF PRODUCTION.  Since each flower has just three stigmas, IT TAKES A LOT OF PLANTS TO MAKE EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF SPICE.  Fortunately, a small amount of saffron goes a long way in terms of flavor and color.
The dried flower stamens, known as "threads," are commonly used as a condiment in Indian, Greek, and Italian cuisine.

SAFFRON FOR GLOWING SKIN: SOAKE 4-5 STRANDS OF SAFFRON IN WATER FOR 2-3 HOURS.
 NOW, APPLY THIS MIX TO YOUR FACE AND MASSAGE GENTLY.  Wash it after 5 minutes.  The procedure can be repeated twice or three times each week for fairer skin.
 SAFFRON IS GOOD FOR PIMPLES:  PASTE SAFFRON (10 STRANDS) AND BASIL LEAVES (6-7 LEAVES).  APPLY THE PASTE TO YOUR FACE AND WASH AFTER TEN MINUTES.  This application is effective at preventing acne, blemishes, pimples, wrinkles, and other black spots on the face.  SAFFRON AS ANTIOXIDANTS: SAFFRON HAS MANY ANTIOXIDANTS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL IN THE CONTENDING OF FREE RADICALS, THEREBY HELPING IN THE PREVENTION OF DISEASES AND PROMOTION OF HEALTH.

SAFFRON CONTAINS BIO-CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS LIKE ZEA-XANTHIN, LYCOPENE, A- AND B- CAROTENE, which act as immune modulators and protect against cancer.
 SAFFRON FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT: ZAFRAAN HAS BEEN USED TO RELIEVE PAIN SINCE ANCIENT TIMES.  TAKING TEA OR MILK WITH SAFFRON CAN EASE PERIODS-RELATED PAINS.  Store in an airtight container in a cold, dark location.