American (Yellow) Saffron Tea
 
 
    Yellow saffron, also called American Saffron, is the saflower, a plant whose seeds produce the saflower oil commonly used in cooking.  Yellow saffron is not related to the expensive Spanish saffron. Yellow saffron (Carthamus tinctorius) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory (1, 2) and immunosuppressive properties (3).  The dried flowers can be made into a tea that is useful for healing the gastro-intestinal tract.

    For healing leaky gut syndrome, Yellow Saffron Tea should be consumed more than any other tea and taken later in the day or evening.  To 1/4 teaspoon of Saffron Tea, add a cup of boiling water and allow to steep about 15 minutes before drinking.

    Yellow saffron can also be used to make saffron water, which may be particularly helpful in cases of severe psoriasis.  It can be made by adding one teaspoon of yellow saffron to a gallon of pure boiling water.  Allow the saffron water to steep until cool.  Strain and place it in a glass or porcelain container and keep in the refrigerator.  It can be used as regular drinking water.  Drink as often as desired.
 

REFERENCES

1.  Xu SX.  Anti-inflammatory active constituents of Carthamus tinctorius. Chung Yao Tung Pao 1986;11:42-4.

2.  Akihisa T, Yasukawa K, Oinuma H, Kasahara Y, Yamanouchi S, Takido M, Kumaki K,                   Tamura T. Triterpene alcohols from the flowers of compositae and their anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemistry 1996;43:1255-60.

3.  Lu ZW, Liu F, Hu J, Bian D, Li FG. Suppressive effects of safflower yellow on immune functions. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao 1991;12:537-42.