saffron n also sabine, safran for sense 2. DINNEEN cróch na mbánta 'juice of sheep's droppings [for] measles'; cp OED savin 1 'juniperus,' NID savin 'used in folk medicine' for sense 2.
1 The dung of sheep, used in folk remedies.
M 68-11 To drive out measles saffron was used. This was sheep's manure steeped in milk... The manure was placed in a little cloth bag and steeped in the milk, and the mixture was drunk. C 69-25 Cure for yellow jaunders with the following ingredients: spring water, sheep's safferin, epsom salts and syrup. C 71-21 For yellow jaundice, you steep sheep saphrines and strain in spring water. Pineapple cubes are then strained and added to the mixture, which is taken internally.
2 A low-growing juniper; creeping savin; FACE-AND-EYE BERRY (Juniperus horizontalis).
1898 J A Folklore xi, 280 Juniperus sabina ... sabine, saffron. 1956 ROULEAU 37 Safran—Juniperus communis. C 68-23 Saffron is not very common. The old people used to use it for young girls who got pregnant before they were married. They used to steep the roots and have the girls drink the tea.
