Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativa)

Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativa) is a member of the Iridaceae family, native to Central Asia, Southern Europe, and The Mediterranean Region. Traditionally, its flowers, bulbs, and resin have been used for infusions, culinary uses, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Saffron Crocus
Scientific Name	Crocus sativa
Plant Family	Iridaceae
Genus	Crocus
Species	sativa
Native Range	Central Asia, Southern Europe, The Mediterranean Region
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Bulbs, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Culinary Use, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Crocus sativa
Common Name: Saffron Crocus
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Crocus, Saffron Crocus, Common Crocus
Plant Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Crocus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 15 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface ranging from pale green to grayish green, lower surface uniformly pale green, and prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Sessile, yellow, zygomorphic flowers with three petals, two of which are modified into staminodes, and a single, erect, three-lobed sepal-like structure.
Stems: Terrestrial, erect growth habit, herbaceous, glabrous surface, simple branching pattern, tuberous root system, fibrous root system, rhizomatous structure, leaf sheaths forming a basal rosette, stemless or short stem with a single terminal inflorescence.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Culinary Use
Oil Infusion
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a moderate anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Sedative: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a gentle bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.
Capsule: Capsules contain measured amounts of dried, ground plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.