Saffron is becoming a fast-growing health trend, well beyond its fabulous culinary history. And for good reasons. Its reported health benefits from medical researchers range from lifting depression and anxiety (by increasing serotonin levels), and improving your immune system, to strengthening the nervous system (modulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis). The health benefits don’t stop there, these are just three examples that relate to relieving stress-related conditions naturally. However, not all saffron products are created equal.
What is Rumi Spice Saffron?
Rumi Spice saffron is named after the beloved 13th-century Persian poet, Jalal al-Din Rumi, and the company is committed to empowering Afghan women and bolstering Afghanistan’s economy. Rumi began with a mission to cultivate peace in Afghanistan through the cultivation of saffron.
“I ask a flower, “How is it you are so wise so young?” Rumi
Saffron is extracted from the stigmas and styles of saffron, a flowering plant of the Crocus sativus family. The process of extracting the stigmas is painstakingly done by hand, making saffron the most expensive spice in the world. “Red Gold,” another name for saffron, is a target for unethical manufacturers who add red food coloring or otherwise compromise this highly sought-after spice.
Although saffron is widely cultivated in Iran, India and Greece, Afghanistan provides an ideal climate for this much-acclaimed spice. Afghanistan’s growing region is ideal for growing saffron. Rumi saffron is tested in accordance with ISO (International Standards Organization) and surpasses the highest standards for Category 1 saffron by over 25%. Rumi Spice has earned certification as a B Corporation, demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental ethics along with the highest standards of quality.
Why Do I Choose Rumi Spice Saffron?
I personally purchase Rumi Spice saffron for two reasons:
Rumi’s founding team consists of military veterans who all served in Afghanistan with the US Army, and who recognized that the successful future of Afghanistan was strongly tied to its independent economic sustainability. With over 80% of the Afghan population relying on the rural agricultural economy, this proved to be a huge win-win. The team partnered with farmers who traded poppy growing for saffron–a win for us all. Rumi Spice believes that connecting Afghan farmers with the global market is key to unlocking the economic potential of Afghanistan. I love the fact that Rumi Spice is a B-Corporation, and although I could buy saffron elsewhere, their ethical mission is very important to me.
2) I love to use my food as medicine whenever possible instead of taking pills or capsules.
I have found Rumi Spice Saffron to be of uncompromising quality and prefer using the whole threads to taking capsules or ground-up saffron. When I open a tin of Rumi Spice saffron, the aroma wafts up and the experience is delightful. I can see the individual threads–there is nothing else added to their product.
How To Use Rumi Spice Saffron
“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates
Culinary Uses are Medicinal Too
Saffron can be used as a culinary spice, as it has been used for millenniums. Recipes such as Seafood Paella just wouldn’t be as regal without the highly coveted saffron spice. Also, try letting a few threads marry into some ice cream or half and half.
Traditional Medicine
Saffron’s aromatic threads have been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. Some Western medical researchers concur, so why not spice up your love life along with your food? Add a small pinch to a cup of tea, water, or your saucy rice recipe.
Anti-Inflammatory
Saffron has been show to be an effective anti-oxidant and inflammation tamer. Saffron contains natural carotenoid compounds, which contributes to its health benefits.
Eye Diseases
One promising area of clinical research is in the area of saffron and ocular performance. Researchers found that visual acuity was shown to significantly improve with all tested dosages of saffron (daily dose range: 20–50 mg) within the short term, about three months. Saffron supplement usage appears to have promising potential as an effective and safe complementary therapy in some ocular diseases. As with many disease states, it may be beneficial for people to begin using saffron as a prevention or before disease symptoms set in.
Disclaimer: mentioning studies pertaining to saffron does not intend to give medical devices. You should always check with your healthcare provider before pursuing new health regimes. High doses of saffron can be toxic, and medicinal doses have not been fully established. Studies have shown that toxicity occurs when the dosage enters into grams instead of milligrams. Special caution should be used for people on blood thinners and pregnant women. Always use common sense and watch for any reactions you may have.
Some of the links on this review page are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission if you purchase the product through my link portal. There is no cost to you. This helps support the research that I continue to do in order to find the best products and services to help you Relieve Stress Naturally.
Rumi Saffron
$9.99 and up
Pros
- Highest Quality Worldwide
- No Additives or Dyes
- B Corporation, Social Mission
Cons
- A bit pricey, but authentic