Why Saffron?

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma, called threads, are harvested by hand and dried for use mainly in food. Saffron has been used medicinally for centuries due to its extensive medicinal properties. It is also used in perfumes and as dye. Saffron, native to the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and Iran is the most expensive spice in the world.

Saffron for Cooking

I love cooking with Saffron, its subtle flavor is earthy, floral and delicate. Saffron is used widely for culinary purposes in dishes like Spanish Paella, Italian Risotto and French Bouillabaisse as well as a plethora of Middle Eastern and Asian recipes. In the kitchen, Saffron Extract is to Saffron what Vanilla Extract is to Vanilla Pods; I created it to remove the steps from the cooking process, and for easy accessibility.

To use in recipes, simply add Saffron Extract directly to the recipe to taste towards the end of the cooking process. I’d recommend starting with two droppers for a recipe for 4. If adding to grains, like rice, I recommend adding 2 droppers of Saffron Extract to 1oz. boiling water and adding to just cooked rice. Add butter in at this point, stir, cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. You can also add Saffron Extract directly to your plate, to taste. Add 1 dropper to boiling water to make Saffron Tea.

Saffron Extract can be used in cooking, can be taken as a health food supplement and can be used as a potent skin salve. Just a drop mixed into your favorite face serum or cream goes a long way. In my home you'll find a bottle of UMI Saffron Extract in my spice pantry, in my medicine cabinet and on my vanity. Alongside Coconut Oil, Rosewater, Blackseed Oil and Honey which likewise carry a multitude of uses. 

Saffron for Mood

Saffron is renowned for its mood boosting properties. Saffron works as an anti-depressant by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Clinical research suggests that taking 30 milligrams of saffron daily may have similar effects to SSRI drugs used to treat mild-to-moderate depression. Saffron may also help reduce stress responses. In one study, participants who inhaled saffron aroma for 20 minutes experienced a decrease in anxiety and salivary cortisol levels.

Dr Daniel Amen, a leading brain doctor, in his recent book Raising Mentally Strong Kids - suggests giving kids 10 - 30mgs of Saffron per day for ‘Natural Strategies That Help All Types Of Depression’

Source:NIH

Saffron for Cardiovascular Health

Saffron's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels. One study found that saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease reduce their body mass index, total fat mass, and waist circumference.

Source: NIH

Saffron for Blood pressure reduction

A study found that saffron supplementation lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The longer the duration of the study, the greater the reduction in diastolic blood pressure. 

Source: NIH

A study found that combining saffron with resistance training may help improve blood pressure in the elderly. 

Source: British Pharmacological Society

Saffron for Sexual Function:

Saffron has been shown to have a positive effect on sexual health in both men and women, and is considered a promising treatment option for sexual dysfunction: 

Libido: Saffron can increase sex drive and libido. 

Erectile dysfunction: Saffron can improve erectile function. 

Sexual arousal: Saffron can increase sexual arousal and lubrication. 

Pain: Saffron can reduce pain related to sex. 

Mood: Saffron can improve mood and reduce anxiety and stress. 

Hormones: Saffron can balance sex hormones, particularly serotonin. 

Blood flow: Saffron can improve blood circulation, which is important for sexual arousal and performance. 

Inflammation: Saffron can reduce inflammation, which can positively affect sexual function. 

Source: NIH

Saffron for hormonal balance

Saffron may help with hormonal imbalances and other menstrual health issues by reducing PMS symptoms and regulating hormonal fluctuations.

PMS: A 2015 review found that women who took 30 mg of saffron daily had fewer PMS symptoms than those who took a placebo. Saffron's active ingredient, safranal, may help with serotonin levels, which are linked to PMS symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and emotional imbalance. 

Menstrual pain: Saffron may help reduce menstrual pain. 

Menopausal symptoms: Saffron may help with psychological symptoms of menopause, such as anxiety and depression.

Sources: NIH,Annals of Medicine and Surgery

Saffron for ADHD

Saffron may help with ADHD symptoms in kids and adults. Studies suggest that saffron may be comparable to or more effective than methylphenidate for treating ADHD symptoms. Saffron may be beneficial because it contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that may improve neuronal function. These compounds may also influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can help with mood stability and focus.

Sources: NIH,Science DIrect,Healthline

Saffron for Eye Health

Saffron has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that may help improve eye health and slow the progression of eye diseases.

Macular degeneration: Saffron may help improve visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including both dry and wet types. Saffron may also help stabilize "at-risk" photoreceptors, which are diseased but not yet dead. 

Glaucoma: Saffron may help decrease intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. 

Diabetic maculopathy: Crocin, a component of saffron, may help improve best corrected visual acuity and decrease central macular thickness in patients with diabetic maculopathy. 

Retinitis pigmentosa: Saffron may protect the eyes from the damaging effects of bright light, which can affect genetic eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. 

Sources: NIH,Medical News Today,News Medical

Saffron for weight management

Some evidence suggests that saffron may help with weight loss by reducing appetite and improving metabolism: 

Appetite suppression: Saffron may help people feel less hungry and snack less frequently. 

Metabolism: Saffron may improve glucose and lipid metabolism. 

Weight loss: Saffron may help reduce body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass. 

Cholesterol: Saffron may improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. 

Sources: NIH,Science Direct,NIH

Contraindications

Do not exceed 100mgs per day of Saffron, too much Saffron can be toxic.

Saffron is contraindicated in certain situations, including:

Pregnancy: Saffron can cause uterine contractions and bleeding, and may lead to miscarriage. 

Allergies: People who are allergic to saffron or related plants, such as Lolium, Olea, or Salsola, should not take saffron. 

Bipolar disorder: Saffron can increase excitability and impulsive behavior in people with bipolar disorder. 

Low blood pressure: Saffron can lower blood pressure, so it should be used with caution by people who are taking medications for high blood pressure. 

Surgery: Saffron slows down the central nervous system, so it should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery. 

Medications: Saffron can interact with many medications, including antidepressants, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and sedatives. 

Sources: NIH,Dr. Axe,Medical News Today,RX List,NIH

Miscellaneous Articles

Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, Webmd, Medical News Today, NIH, NIH

Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.