Saffron: Health Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects, and Best Ways Use It

Saffron benefits you by improving various health conditions like asthma, insomnia, etc. It is a threaded plant part of the flower that is used to make saffron spice. It is primarily harvested and cultivated by hand. Being the world's most expensive spice, it provides enormous benefits. 

You can use it as a spice or coloring agent in making cosmetics, perfumes, etc. In addition, saffron is used in making a few medicines. 

Top 10 Health Benefits of Saffron

Here are the top 10 Saffron benefits:

1. Saffron is very useful for asthma patients as it has hot potency. It helps boost immunity by balancing Kapha
2. Saffron is beneficial for insomnia as it has properties to balance Vata, which helps reduce stress and sleeplessness  
3. Saffron is useful for Erectile dysfunction [1] as it works a Vajikarana and helps improve sexual drive. This is one of the most important saffron benefits of male
4. Reducing depression by balancing the Vata dosha is one of the major saffron benefits
5. Saffron helps give relief to menstrual pain by soothing the menstrual flow 
6. Saffron is beneficial in treating cancer as its compounds kill colon cancer cells and suppress their growth by leaving healthy cells unharmed
7. Saffron prevents heart diseases and reduces blood pressure as its regular intake dilates the blood vessels and eliminates blockage from your arteries. This also helps prevent cardiac arrest and strokes
8. Saffron has skincare benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Many cosmetic companies use saffron as it gives blemish-free radiance to your skin and makes your skin supple, soft, and glowing 
9. Saffron health benefits include treating arthritis. It is very useful for people with arthritis as it helps to increase cerebral oxygenation.
10. Saffron is useful for boosting the functioning of the brain. It is effective in curing memory impairment and learning. In addition, it shows improvement in Alzheimer's patients

Best Ways to Use Saffron

Saffron uses for skin care

One of the saffron benefits is its antioxidant properties that will help give blemish-free radiance to your skin by making it soft and hydrated. To get saffron benefits for the skin, just soak some thread (4-5 threads are enough) of saffron in cold milk for several minutes, then apply it on a clean and dry face, leave it for some time, then rinse away. Saffron also helps to eliminate blackheads and clogged open pores.

Saffron uses with milk

Milk is a perfect source of calcium and very healthy for you. Adding saffron to milk enhances the taste and flavor of the milk. In addition, saffron milk helps to brighten your skin complexion. 

If you want to make saffron milk, soak some thread into hot milk for 10-15 minutes, then add this soaked milk into the whole glass of milk and drink it. It is more beneficial if you use it at night before you sleep. 

Saffron uses for baking cakes

Saffron has its natural sweetness and flavoring, which enhance the taste of your cake and desserts, especially the ones that use vanilla as a base. 

When saffron and vanilla are mixed, they create some magic flavors in your dessert. 

Saffron uses for food

Saffron has a yellow colour to it. So when you add saffron to food, it not only enhances the taste but also gives a yellow tint colour, giving an attractive look to your food. 

In India, using saffron in rice is very popular. The saffron's aromatic fragrance will make the rice stand out more. Adding saffron will complement the taste and make it healthier and more aromatic to serve. 

Saffron uses for soups

A soup (appetizer) is light and easy to eat. However, if you want to enjoy saffron benefits through a fresh Mediterranean soup, you need to add some threads of saffron to it. In addition, saffron can coordinate with most of the dishes in your meal. 

Saffron uses to prevent hair loss

Saffron has antioxidant properties that help repair hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Saffron benefits for hair also include the prevention of hair damage. 

You can use some saffron strands or powder into almond or olive oil and gently massage the mixture into your hair and scalps for silky shiner hair. This oil will help to promote hair growth and combat hair fall.

Precautions When Taking Saffron

• During Pregnancy

Saffron can not be used during pregnancy for some months, as taking saffron in large amounts can cause a miscarriage. 

• Breastfeeding

Do not use saffron if you are a breastfeeding mother, as it can be harmful to both the baby and the mother. 

• Bipolar disorder

Saffron affects the mood of humans and can trigger excitability and impulsive behavior in people, especially those who have bipolar disorder.

Saffron Side Effects

Saffron is generally safe for use, but it can create some issues or side effects when not used in a proper way. Saffron may be safe when taken as medicine but can cause some possible side effects such as dry mouth, allergic reaction, headache, stomach problems, vomiting, nausea, etc. if you have these types of symptoms, consult with your doctor about it. 

How To Use Saffron?

Saffron can be used in many ways, but the most common method to use saffron is to soak some strands of saffron in water. 

• Take about 1 or 2 teaspoons of water 
• Soak the saffron strands
• Leave it for some time to let it releases its yellow colour
• After some time, when it releases its colour and flavor, use this saffron water in milk, a dish, a face pack, or as you want to use it

Saffron Recommended Dosage

Saffron ranging from 20-400 mg /day is enough and safe for use. 1.5gm saffron is suitable for daily use. 

Saffron dosage varies as per the ailment for which it is being used and the form in which it is undertaken. Traditionally, 20-400 mg /day in pure extract form is safe. 

• 20 to 30 mg saffron extract with water aids in relieving depression
• For hypertension, 400 mg saffron tablets are considered safe
• Adults can consume 20-100 mg of saffron extract daily to treat ailments 

For precision in dosage, always consult with the healthcare provider. 

Saffron With Milk

• It helps you improve your digestion and appetite 
• Saffron milk gives you healthy and glowing skin 
• Drinking saffron milk regularly boosts a person's immunity 
• It is healthy for your heart and boosts memory 
• It protects you against the flu 
• Drinking Saffron milk at night will help to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality Saffron milk benefits also include easing the flow during the menstrual period, and it will give relief from menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome 
• Saffron milk is beneficial for skin and hair too 
• Saffron contains Vitamin C, which can lighten pigmentation, sun tan, dark spots, and acne scars 

As we discussed above, saffron is a powerful spice high in antioxidants. In addition, improved mood, libido, and sexual function are some of thesaffron benefits, including many others. 

Additionally, you can use saffron for weight loss [2] and reduce PMS symptoms. It is safe to use and easy to add to your diet. Get doctor consultation, if you experience any side effects after consuming saffron.

With Bajaj Finserv Health, you can readily fix an online appointment and get a general physician consultation.