One of the most expensive spices, saffron or kesar is better known as the food of the royals. It is abundantly found and used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine – both in sweet & savoury preparations. Saffron has many medicinal properties and it can be used to treat depression, asthma and painful menstrual periods.
There are quite a few health benefits for kids that are associated with this gorgeous orange-red spice. Babies as small as 6 months can be given a strand of saffron mixed with their mother’s milk.
Cures Stomach Ache:
Stomach ache and gastric problems occur commonly in children – be it due to eating out, overeating, long gaps between meals or eating foods that don’t suit them. Saffron possesses astringent properties that aid in detoxification and help relieve stomach aches. Saffron mixed with warm milk, calms their muscles and imparts a feel-good factor.
Remedy – Saffron mixed with a little lemon juice or ghee helps treat diarrhoea.
Better Vision:
Saffron is full of compounds that are essential for good eyesight in children. It is an important ingredient for making the traditional kohl (kajal), which is commonly applied in the baby’s eyes to improve their eyesight. It also has a high dosage of crocetin and crocin that help cure conjunctivitis and improves retinal blood flow.
Remedy – To soothe irritated eyes, mix honey with crushed saffron and apply it to the eyes.
Strong Bones:
Saffron boosts calcium absorption and in turn, helps in building strong bones in babies. So add a pinch of saffron in milk and give to babies.
Immunity:
Cough, whooping cough and respiratory issues commonly occur due to seasonal changes or allergies. Saffron is very effective in treating respiratory problems and improving respiratory function. Saffron stimulates anti-allergic receptors which it is used in the treatment of asthma problems and bronchitis. Saffron, as a medicine, can be used for children who have chronic asthma. It can very useful in fevers, as it consists of crocin that helps in bringing down the high temperature.
Remedy – Mix 1 pinch of nutmeg powder + a few strands of saffron and a few drops of water together to make a smooth paste. Evenly spread this mixture on your child’s forehead to help relieve cold/cough.
Gums & Oral Hygiene:
Since babies don’t brush, their mouths need to be disinfected to ensure oral hygiene. Massaging the baby’s gums with saffron daily helps to keep the mouth and tongue clean, and reduces inflammation and soreness of the mouth.
Anti-inflammatory:
Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
Remedy – Saffron mixed with bitter gourd juice helps treat respiratory ailments
Skin Conditions:
Saffron-infused water when applied to the skin soothes rashes and burns. It also is effective for people who have skin issues.
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Other than that we have a tasty recipe where saffron has been used. Give it a try!
Saffron Chia Poha Breakfast Pudding
Ingredients
Chia Poha Pudding
- 1Cup Yogurt, plain (you may need more)
- 5 Tbsp Chia seeds
- 5-6 strands Saffron
- 2 Tbsp Poha/ Flattened rice Washed and drained
Quick Gooseberry Compote
- 1 Cup Gooseberry
- 1 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Honey/sugar/ maple syrup
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 Tbsp Saffron soaked milk Use any milk of your choice.
- Strawberries, Cocoa nibs, Hemp seeds Use any fruits/nuts/seeds of your choice.
Method
Chia Poha Pudding:
- Combine the yoghurt, saffron, chia seeds and poha in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes till you make the compote.
Compote:
- Cook the gooseberries with water on medium heat in a thick-bottomed pan for about 5-7 minutes, till the fruit softens and starts releasing its juices.
- Add more water if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom.
- Stir in the sweetener of your choice. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Now stir the pudding well. Add more yoghurt to make the consistency thinner if you like.
- Stir in a tablespoon or so of the compote. Top with the saffron-soaked milk and fruits, nuts, and seeds of your choice. Enjoy!!
Note:
Do get the brown or red rice poha as they are far superior in quality to the regular ones.
You can use any seasonal fruit for making the compote.
Parul Gupta
Mansi Zaveri
Tanya Lemos
