Health Benefits of Saffron

​Saffron is most commonly known for its use in food, but it has nutrients and chemical compounds that have medicinal benefits too. Some of the most impressive benefits include saffron’s ability to improve respiratory health, optimise the digestive system, eliminate pain, improve sleep patterns, reduce bleeding, boost heart health, increase circulation, prevent diabetes, strengthen bones, and improve immune function.

​Listed below are 10 of the most positive benefits:

1. STOMACH AND INTESTINES
One of the oldest and most well known uses of saffron is for upset stomachs and excess flatulence. The sedative and anti-inflammatory nature of saffron helps to calm the stomach and reduce inflammation, which eases afflictions such as constipation, bloating, cramping, and serious conditions like gastric ulcers.

2. BREATHING
Saffron is commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory ailments such as cough, whooping cough, and to loosen phlegm (as an expectorant).

3. IMMUNE SYSTEM
Ascorbic acid stimulates the immune system’s production of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defence against illness, and also is crucial to the production of collagen, necessary for cellular production in the body. It also contributes to wound healing, muscle growth, blood vessel repair and tissue production.

4. CIRCULATION
The high concentration of iron means that saffron increases your red blood cell count, which thereby stimulates circulation and oxygenation of organ systems and the body’s extremities. Saffron can function as an effective energy booster and can increase your metabolism by increasing your blood circulation.

5. BLOOD PRESSURE
Saffron is an excellent source of potassium, which effectively lowers stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries, allowing blood pressure to decrease and relieving strain on the cardiovascular system. 

6. DIABETES
The significant levels of manganese in saffron can help the body optimise its blood sugar levels, which in turn can help resistance to diabetes.
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7. ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
The active compounds in saffron can affect the endocrine system (including the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, and adrenal glands). Saffron has been known to relieve mild depression and improve mood in those who regularly consume it, and has been hailed as a natural antidepressant in research studies.

8. BONE STRENGTH
Some of the minerals and organic compounds in saffron have been linked to optimised nutrient uptake, particularly of calcium, which helps prevent the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and other degenerative age-related diseases.

9. PAIN RELIEF    
The compound safranal in saffron acts as a sedative for many people. This can help to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep patterns, and generally soothe the mind and body.

10. CANCER
There are many antioxidants in saffron, many of which neutralise free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate or die. This boosts the general health of the immune system, but more specifically, can prevent cancer from developing or spreading in the body.

PLEASE NOTE     
Consuming saffron (or any spice) in high doses could cause harm, as the high concentration of active ingredients can have a range of effects on the body. Reported side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and appetite changes, but these are rare. However, in small doses, saffron is not known to have any side effects. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a trained herbalist.
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