Saffron, Benefits and Side Effects
Saffron is a plant. Dried stigmas (thread-like parts of flowers) are used to prepare saffron spice. 75,000 saffron flowers can be needed to produce one pound of saffron spice. Saffron is mainly cultivated and harvested manually. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the amount of labor involved in harvesting. Stigmas are also used to prepare the medicine.
Saffron is utilized for asthma, cough, whooping cough and to reduce inertia (as an expectorant). It is also used for sleep disorders (insomnia), cancer, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), intestinal gas (flatulence), depression, Alzheimer’s disease, fear, shock, spitting up blood (coughing up blood), pain, heartburn, and dry skin.
Ladies use saffron for menstrual kinks and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Males use it to contain early orgasm (early outburst) and infertility.
Saffron is even utilized to improve welfare in sex (as an aphrodisiac) and to cause sweating.
Some individuals involve saffron straight to the scalp for baldness (alopecia).
In food, saffron is used as a spice, yellow coloring and flavoring.
In production, the saffron extract is used as a perfume in perfumes and as a dye for fabric.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for…
Alzheimer’s disease
Some research suggests that taking a particular saffron product (IMPIRAN, Iran) orally for 22 weeks may improve Alzheimer’s symptoms, as may the prescription drug donepezil.
Depression
Oral intake of certain saffron extracts (Foodyek Co., Iran) improves symptoms of major depression after 6-8 weeks of treatment.
Some studies suggest that saffron may be as effective as taking a low-prescription antidepressant such as fluoxetine or imipramine.
Menstrual discomfort
Some studies show that taking a specific product containing saffron, anise, and celery seed (SCA, Gol-Daro Herbal Medicine Laboratory) reduces pain during the menstrual cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Some researches show that the consumption of special saffron extract (Cultivation and Development Department of the Iranian Institute of Medicinal Plants) improves the symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome after two menstrual cycles.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for…
Asthma
Some preliminary research suggests that drinking a herbal tea blend containing saffron along with anise, black seed, cumin, cardamom, chamomile, fennel, and licorice may reduce asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma.
Athletic performance
Some preliminary research suggests that taking a chemical from saffron called crosin may reduce fatigue in men during exercise.
Erectile dysfunction
Some preliminary research suggests that saffron consumption may reduce erectile dysfunction and increase the number and duration of erections.
Male infertility
Some studies show that saffron can improve sperm function in men. However, the research has been inconsistent.
Psoriasis
Some preliminary research suggests that drinking saffron tea daily, along with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, may reduce the severity of psoriasis.
Psoriasis
Some preliminary research suggests that drinking saffron tea daily, along with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, may reduce the severity of psoriasis.
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Cough
- Stomach gas
- Early male orgasm (premature ejaculation)
- Baldness
- Pain
- Other conditions
Side effects
Saffron is probably safe for most people when taken orally as a medicine for up to 6 weeks. Some possible side effects include dry mouth, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, changes in appetite, and headache. Allergic responses may appear in some individuals.
It is probably unsafe to consume large amounts of saffron orally. High doses can cause toxicity, including yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Vomit; dizziness; bloody diarrhea; bleeding from the nose, lips and eyelids; numb; and other serious side effects Doses of 12-20 grams can cause death.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is probably unsafe to take saffron orally in amounts greater than what is normally found in food. Large amounts of saffron can contract the uterus and may cause miscarriage.
There is not enough information about the safety of using saffron during breastfeeding. Remain on the secure flank and abstain from utilizing.
Bipolar disorder
It seems that saffron can affect mood. There is concern that it may cause irritability and impulsive (manic) behavior in people with bipolar disorder. If you have these conditions, do not use saffron.
Allergy to Lolium, Olea (including olive) and Salsula species: People who are allergic to these plants may also be allergic to saffron.
Heart conditions
Saffron may affect the speed and strength of the heartbeat. Consuming large amounts of saffron may worsen some heart diseases.
Low blood pressure
Saffron may lower blood pressure. Consumption of saffron may reduce blood pressure in people with low blood pressure.
Interaction
Medicines for high blood pressure (antihypertensives) Immunity Rating: Moderate Be careful with this combination.Talk to your health care provider.
Saffron may lower blood pressure. Taking saffron along with medications used to lower blood pressure may cause excessive blood pressure reduction.
Some high blood pressure medications include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozar), valsartan (Divan), diltiazem (Cardizm), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others. . .
High blood pressure drugs (calcium channel blockers) Interference rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Talk to your health care provider.
Saffron may lower blood pressure. Taking saffron along with medication for high blood pressure may cause excessive blood pressure reduction.
Some medications for high blood pressure include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Kalan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DinaCircus), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.
Benefits of Saffron for Skin Care
Using saffron on the face helps remove many blemishes and gives a natural glow. It also gently removes skin imperfections such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Here are some other saffron skin benefits from this Ayurvedic ingredient:
- Protecting the skin from the sun’s UV rays: The skin is the most sensitive part of the body. It is important to protect it from environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution.
- This rare Ayurvedic seasoning has biological antioxidants such as vitamin C, which covers the skin from environmental harm and complimentary extremists. Saffron countenance lotion, enhanced with important vitamins and minerals, cures the impairment induced by sunlight and combats the symptoms of early aging.
- Treats Hyperpigmentation: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays and hormonal changes may lead to an increase in melanin in the skin. This may cause hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Saffron’s skin-nourishing benefits come from the active ingredient crocin, which lowers melanin levels by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. This flower also has mild exfoliating properties that help remove impurities and brighten skin.
- Removes tan: Treating tanned skin means lightening the skin by treating the affected areas. Using saffron to whiten the skin brightens the skin and gives it a natural glow. It is especially important because it treats tanned skin without causing damage.
- Brightens the skin: The anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties of this flower improve blood circulation and improve the appearance of the face. It also stimulates the speed of skin regeneration by stimulating collagen production and increasing firmness.
- Fights Fine Lines and Wrinkles: This flower also helps reduce many signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, Kisar is good for the skin by suppressing skin inflammation and repairing damaged skin.