Saffron as a Dye:

For millennia saffron has been used to color textiles and other items. It was traditionally reserved for nobles, political elites, and important religious figures to emphasize their social standing. Even in small amounts, the sativus stamens produced a bright yellow-orange dye but with increasing amounts of saffron used, a richer shade of red was achieved. This led to these richer shades indicating those who were of particular importance. Saffron threads give out an egg yolk-yellow color when steeped in liquid. Once the right concentration and color is obtained, the decoction is ready for use. Saffron dye was used to color fabrics to signify social status and religious functions. The noble people wore saffron-dyed articles of clothing. Phoenician and Carthaginian brides wore saffron-dyed veils. Buddhist and Hindu monks wore saffron-dyed robes. The Irish dyed their wool with saffron colorant. The Japanese painted their kimonos with it.

Saffron in Cosmetics

If you would like to enhance your skin care routine, try using saffron. Its active compounds work against inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and UV radiation. It also offers protection from UV radiation, a common cause of premature skin aging. Saffron is widely used in skin lightening cosmetics products. Since ancient times it has been a prized ingredient for nourishing the skin.

Besides being used to flavor special dishes saffron has been known to possess numerous beauty benefits; 1. It has been a time-honored ingredient in nurturing skin, making it blemish free and radiant. Read on to find out the beauty benefits of saffron. With its amazing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, saffron is an ideal ingredient for treating acne and breakouts. 2. Saffron can be an excellent natural ingredient for reducing pigmentation, brown spots and other skin blemishes. 3. Saffron has healing properties which can hasten the process of skin recovery applying saffron on wounds or injured skin will make them heal faster. Saffron also helps lighten the marks in the long run. 4. Pollution, harsh weather and external factors make the skin dull and lifeless. Regular application of saffron can breathe life into your skin, making it radiant. 5. Saffron is widely used in skin lightening cosmetic products. Since ancient times it has been a prized ingredient for nourishing the skin. Regular use of saffron will give you a health complexion. 6. The skin soothing and lightening qualities of saffron makes it handy for skin tan removal. 7. Saffron makes for an excellent skin toner providing a burst of nourishment and freshness to the skin. 8. Full of antioxidants, saffron can nourish the hair, making it healthy and shiny. Add a few strands of saffron to your hair oil.

Aristocratic women and courtesans of the olden days used saffron as cosmetics and skincare. Facial masks blended with saffron are applied by women to make their skin soft, smooth, and free from acne and pimples. Sandalwood and saffron blended with milk are used as a mask to leave the face smooth and radiant. Saffron powder also acts as an exfoliant and leaves the skin clear and bright. The saffron extract contains anti-bacterial properties that are also said to treat pimples, acne, and other skin diseases like psoriasis and leprosy.