SAFFRON. 243 



diseases, measles, fevers, and eruptive skin complaints. 

 The infusion made of ^ ounce to a pint of boiling water, 

 if taken warm, is said to restore the menstrual discharge, 

 and will produce diaphoresis. 



Distinctive character The commercial article con- 

 sists of the florets separated from the flowerheads, 

 either loose or compressed into small circular cakes. 

 The florets are cylindrical, slender, orange, nearly -J inch 

 long, with five linear teeth. The taste is feebly bitter, 

 and the odour not unpleasant when recent, but faintly 

 valerianic on keeping. 



SAFFRON. Crocus sativus, Linn. 



N.O. Iridacea, 



Syn. Crocus, Alicante Saffron, Valencia Saffron, 

 Gatinais Saffron. 



Part used Flower pistils. 



Action Carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue. It 

 has been used with benefit in amenorrhcea,dysmenorrhoea, 

 hysteria, &c. It arrests chronic discharges of blood 

 from the uterus. Used as a diaphoretic, especially for 

 children. The infusion of i drachm in a pint of boiling 

 water is given in wineglassful to teacupful doses. 



Preparations Powdered Saffron : Dose, 12-40 grains. 

 Tincture B.P. : Dose, 5-15 drops. 



Distinctive character The drug consists of the 

 three filiform, deep orange-red stigmas attached to the 

 upper part of the style, the whole about i-i inch long. 

 The stigmas are tubular and slit open at the upper end, 

 and toothed at the apex. Taste, aromatic, but charac- 

 teristic. Odour, pleasant, and also characteristic. 

 Saffron, if pure, should not contain anything different in 

 form from the above description ; should not throw down 

 a deposit when placed in water, and should not fizz or 

 decrepitate when burnt. 



