Click the blue text above to follow us
Click the headphone icon above,
to listen for free to the full text
This herb known as ‘soft gold’ can invigorate blood, resolve stasis, and calm the mind – especially beneficial for women is Cānghónghuā (Saffron), scientifically known as Xīhónghuā (Crocus sativus), one of the most precious medicinal plants in the world, often referred to as ‘soft gold’. In the market, it is priced by the gram, making each gram very valuable.
Its effects are also remarkable; soaking a few strands of Cānghónghuā (Saffron) daily can help regulate blood and enhance complexion.
Effects of invigorating blood and resolving stasis: Cānghónghuā (Saffron) can penetrate the blood level, unblock blood vessels, especially the heart vessels. It can clear the stagnant areas in the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and enhancing the heart’s blood supply.
According to the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), it states, “Cānghónghuā (Saffron) invigorates blood and treats palpitations, alleviating menstrual pain.” The Bencao Gangmu Shiyi (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica) also mentions its ability to invigorate blood, resolve stasis, and disperse depression.
Many people now have a dull complexion, and even develop spots on their faces. Looking at the veins under the tongue, which are prominent, indicates blood stasis.
Especially for women, if the body has long-term blood stasis, it may lead to rough skin, irregular menstruation, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or early menopause.
In such cases, using Cānghónghuā (Saffron) for regulation often yields good results.
Effects of resolving depression and calming the mind:
In the Qing Dynasty, Chen Shiduo’s Biànzhèng Lù (Differentiation Records) mentioned: “Xīhónghuā (Saffron) directs the fire from the palace to the kidney, paired with amber to calm the spirit and stabilize the soul.” The Yinshan Zhengyao (Essentials of Food and Drink) also records that it “is effective for heart depression, stagnant qi, and prolonged consumption brings joy to the heart.” This indicates that Cānghónghuā (Saffron) has excellent effects in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms.
For those who often feel restless, easily experience palpitations, or have trouble sleeping at night, Cānghónghuā (Saffron) can provide a good calming effect.
Here I must remind you that there is another herb called Hónghuā (Carthamus tinctorius), which, although similar in name to Cānghónghuā (Saffron), has very different effects.
Common Hónghuā (Carthamus tinctorius) is used in larger quantities, while only three to four strands of Cānghónghuā (Saffron) can exert significant effects.
How to use Cānghónghuā (Saffron) for health maintenance?
For daily health maintenance, simply soak Cānghónghuā (Saffron) in water, generally using 3-5 strands, and refill with water repeatedly; the flower threads can also be consumed.
If your constitution has significant stagnation, the dosage can be increased to 8-10 strands, but do not exceed this amount as too much can be detrimental. Besides soaking in water, you can also add a little Cānghónghuā (Saffron) when cooking porridge or rice.
Next, I will share two very practical daily health recipes:
Recipe One:
Ingredients: 5 strands of Cānghónghuā (Saffron), 50g of black beans, appropriate amount of brown sugarMethod: First, boil the black beans in water for 5 minutes, then add the brown sugar. Once the brown sugar dissolves, drain the water and add Cānghónghuā (Saffron) to steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
Effects:Specifically treats women’s irregular menstruation.
Cānghónghuā (Saffron) invigorates and nourishes the blood, which is slightly cool, while brown sugar is warming, helping to warm the uterus and mitigate the cooling nature of Cānghónghuā (Saffron). Brown sugar and black beans invigorate the blood, and their combination enhances the effects of invigorating and nourishing blood, especially suitable for women with menstrual issues due to blood stasis, such as scanty flow or painful menstruation.
Recipe Two:
Ingredients: 3-5 strands of Cānghónghuā (Saffron), 1g of green plum
Method: Steep them in warm water for 5 minutes, and it is ready to drink.Effects: Green plum can soothe the liver, relieve depression, and stimulate appetite. When paired with Cānghónghuā (Saffron), it enhances the effects of relieving depression and adds calming properties.
If you often feel down, especially sensitive in the evenings, this is very suitable for you.
Contraindications:
Due to the strong effects of Cānghónghuā (Saffron) in invigorating blood and resolving stasis, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those with heavy menstrual flow or bleeding symptoms.
If you are unsure about your condition, it is best to consult a professional physician.
Did you remember this?
I am Wu Qingguang, the Deputy Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.
I specialize in:
1. Difficulty falling asleep, tossing and turning in bed for over 30 minutes without sleeping;
2. Shallow sleep, waking up more than twice at night, or having difficulty falling back asleep;
3. Total sleep time is short, less than 6 hours;
4. Feeling lethargic during the day, difficulty concentrating, often feeling dizzy and fatigued;
5. Frequent dreams, waking up tired. No matter how long you sleep, you feel fatigued;
6. Palpitations, easily feeling anxious and restless, often experiencing anxiety and depression;
7. Anxiety, depression, menopausal syndrome, etc.
If you have related issues that have not been resolved for a long time,
Long press to recognize the QR code below, communication will be more convenient!
Finally, click the card below, 【Follow me】
Share with those who need it around you! Just a little effort can bring fortune to those who see it