Tree of Comfort ~ Saffron Wood
The Saffron Wood essence is helpful for tender-hearted souls who are easily bruised by life, and for those who feel their emotions very deeply. The energy of this tree offers comfort for hurt, loss, grief or tearfulness. Saffron Wood may assist with voicing one’s troubles or fears and may be beneficial for young children who suffer from home-sickness or who struggle to adjust to school. This essence may balance over-protective parents who are irrationally fearful for the safety of their children.
Affirmation: I trust in the wisdom of my heart. I trust in the process of life.
Corresponding Colour: Silver
Supportive Essence: The Black Bark may act as a supportive essence to the Saffron Wood essence, particularly if the Saffron Wood essence is being used to address a long-standing imbalance and an “awareness crisis” has arisen. An awareness crisis is an intensification of negative feelings or old patterns of being. It is the soul’s way of calling our attention to these old blockages that need to be acknowledged, blessed and released.
Botanical Info
The Saffron Wood
Cassine peragua
Family: CELASTRACEAE
Learning about how this tree grows in nature, brings further appreciation for its essence:
The Saffron Wood is a small tree that reaches about 5 metres in height. It grows on the coast, on forest edges and in wooded ravines and valleys. At Platbos it is found mainly on the forest margins as dense, low-crowning trees.
The leaves of the Saffron Wood are dark green and very leathery. Clusters of the tiny, cream-coloured flowers appear in Spring through to Summer. The berries that follow are a deep purple when ripe. The smooth bark of the Saffron Wood is a dark grey with a bright orange under-bark that shows through in patches.
The Saffron Wood has the following traditional medicinal uses: it is used to clean the digestive tract and to relieve chest congestion. The trees are believed to hold powerful magical and protective properties. Harvesting of any parts of a tree or plant must always be done in a kind, respectful and sustainable manner, and necessary permits obtained from the relevant authorities. Those purchasing natural plant remedies also have the responsibility to ensure that these products have been sustainably harvested as otherwise they too are contributing to the likely extinction of the plant and other animals in the ecosystem that rely upon it for their survival.
Saffron Wood are beautiful, hardy, drought -tolerant trees, well suited to small coastal gardens.
We welcome your feedback on the African Tree Essences: if you would like to share your experiences about this essence, please contact us.
References for Botanical & Traditional Medicinal uses mentioned generally in text for Platbos Tree Species:
Moll, Eugene and Glen.1989 Struik Pocket Guide Common Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers
Palgrave, Keith Coates 1984 Trees of Southern Africa (Second Revised Edition). Struik Publishers.
Palmer and Pitman. 1961 Trees of South Africa. Published by A A Balkema, Cape Town.
Pienaar, Kristo 1985 Grow South African Plants. Struik Publishers.
Schwegler, Mathia. 2003 Medicinal and Other Uses of Southern Overberg Fynbos Plants. Published by M. Schwegler, Farm Heidehof, Gansbaai
Van Wyk, Ben-Erik, Van Oudtshoorn, Bosch & Gericke, Nigel. 1997
Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications
Van Wyk, Ben-Erik, Van Oudtshoorn, Bosch & Gericke, Nigel. 2000 People’s Plants of South Africa. Briza Publications.
Venter, Fanie & Julye-Ann. 1996 Making the Most of Indigenous Trees. Briza Publications.
Disclaimer:
The African Tree Essences products do not claim to cure, heal, alleviate or prevent any illness or medical condition. Flower essences work holistically at a vibrational level providing emotional and spiritual support. The use of these products and/or services is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.