Production RegionsOriginally produced in south of Europe to Iran. A small amount is cultivated in China, in the regions of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Macroscopic FeaturesLinear shape, three-branches, about 3cm long, dark red, upper portion is relatively wide and slightly flat, apex edge has uneven teeth, inner side has one short crack, lower portion sometimes has remnants of one short yellow style. Light in weight, loose and soft texture. Lustrous but not oily, brittle and easily broken after drying. Distinctive odor, slightly bitter taste.
Quality RequirementsSuperior medicinal material is long, purplish-red, moisture and lustrous, lack of yellow style, acrid and cooling taste.
FunctionsInvigorates blood, resolves stasis, cools blood, resolves toxin, resolve depression, calms spirit. Apply to menostasis and abdominal mass, blood stasis postpartum, eruptions due to epidemic heat syndrome, melancholy and painful abdominal mass, terror and craziness.
OriginThe dried stigma of Crocus sativus L.(Iridaceae)