Tiny yet precious, saffron, also known as Zanghonghua, has long been treasured in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for helping the body relieve stagnation and regain its natural rhythm.

In TCM, saffron is traditionally used to activate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis and calm the mind. It is often chosen when discomfort is linked to "stagnation," whether that means lingering bruises, amenorrhea or emotional distress.

On February 20, the international standard for saffron (ISO 21590: 2026 Traditional Chinese medicine — Crocus sativus stigma) was officially released. The standard was developed with the participation of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and two pharmaceutical companies in Sichuan Province.

The release marks international recognition of the quality standards for the medicine and establishes a unified global technical system for its quality. It also represents another major breakthrough in international standardization of traditional Chinese medicine.

The flower behind the remedy

The medicinal saffron is the crimson stigmas from Crocus sativus L., a member of the iris family.

Each flower produces only three stigmas, and every one must be picked by hand during a brief flowering season before being carefully dried. This labor-intensive harvest is one reason saffron has long been regarded as one of the world's most valuable botanical products. 

A note for use

Like many herbs that promote blood circulation, saffron is not suitable for everyone. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it should be used with caution during pregnancy. People who have recently undergone surgery or have active bleeding should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. As with all herbal medicines, saffron is best used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, who can determine whether it is appropriate for an individual's condition.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Editor: Chen Hongyu

Comic: He Yunhe

Cover: Liang Qian

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