What can saffron be steeped with for drinking?
Apr 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) nourishes the liver and kidneys and benefits the eyesight. When combined with saffron, it not only promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis but also nourishes the liver and kidneys. This combination helps improve symptoms such as poor complexion and blurred vision caused by liver and kidney deficiency and poor circulation of qi and blood. It also enhances the body's immunity and contributes to health preservation. Rose flowers have the effects of soothing the liver and relieving depression, as well as beautifying the complexion. They can be steeped in hot water together with saffron.
Saffron can usually be steeped in hot water together with wolfberry, rose petals, astragalus, honey, chrysanthemum, and other ingredients.
1. Wolfberry: Wolfberry nourishes the liver and kidneys and benefits the eyesight. Combined with saffron, it not only promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis but also nourishes the liver and kidneys. It helps improve poor complexion and blurred vision caused by liver and kidney deficiency and poor blood circulation. It also enhances immunity and provides health benefits.
2. Rose Petals: Rose petals help soothe the liver, relieve depression, beautify the complexion, and improve skin appearance. When steeped with saffron, they promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, regulate liver qi, and alleviate emotional stress. This combination is effective for menstrual irregularities and a sallow complexion caused by liver depression and blood stasis, and it can also make the skin more rosy and lustrous.
3. Astragalus: Astragalus tonifies qi, boosts yang energy, strengthens the defensive system, and consolidates the body's surface. Paired with saffron, it replenishes both qi and blood, making it suitable for individuals with qi and blood deficiency accompanied by blood stasis. It can alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, and blood clots during menstruation, enhance blood circulation, and improve overall body function.
4. Honey: Honey moistens the lungs, relieves coughing, lubricates the intestines to aid bowel movements, and nourishes the spleen and stomach. When steeped with saffron, it improves the taste of saffron while leveraging the benefits of both ingredients. On the basis of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, it also moisturizes the body, aids digestion, and prevents constipation, making it especially suitable for women and middle-aged or elderly individuals.
5. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum clears the liver, improves vision, clears heat, and detoxifies. When combined with saffron for steeping, it clears liver fire, promotes blood circulation, and resolves blood stasis, benefiting individuals with excessive liver fire and blood stasis. It helps relieve symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful eyes, dizziness, and blurred vision, and aids in clearing internal heat toxins, improving the internal bodily environment.
Although saffron can be combined with various foods or herbs for steeping to enhance its effects or improve taste, individual constitutions differ, and responses to these combinations may vary. While saffron offers many benefits, it should not be consumed in excessive amounts.
