I found a better saffron article, it discusses the health benefits, side effects, history, and cooking applications of the herb. Apparently, it was even grown in many arab countries including Greece, certain Asian countries, and in Northern Africa. More here:
https://mydietgoal.com/saffron . Saffron is eve used in cooking and baking, making it really versatile and useful. High quality saffron is also expensive, unlike what you're saying, organic, biological, high-quality saffron strands costs around 60-70$USD per gram, not 5.5usd.