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How is saffron used in medicine?
For depression: 30 mg of a saffron extract or 100 mg of saffron daily for up to 12 weeks. 15 mg of the saffron chemical crocin twice daily for 4 weeks. 14 mg saffron extract (affron, Pharmactive Biotech Products) twice daily for 8 weeks. For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 15 mg of a saffron extract twice daily.
Is saffron is a medicinal plant?
The spice saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. However, from time immemorial it has also been considered a medicinal plant because it possesses therapeutic properties, as illustrated in paintings found on the island of Santorini, dated 1627 BC.
What is saffron most commonly used for?
A native to Southwest Asia, saffron has had many uses such as seasonings, fragrances, perfumes, dye and medicine. In the kitchen, saffron is most commonly used in soups, stews, as well as seafood dishes such as bouillabaisse and paella. It is also a welcome addition to risotto and other rice-based dishes.
When should I take saffron?
It is a simple process. Take a few strands — five or seven — and soak in hot water for some 10 minutes. After that you can drink it, ideally on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Do this regularly.
What is the best way to use saffron?
Cooking with Saffron: In general, just use a pinch in soups and stews that serve 4 to 6 people. Saffron is especially good when used in cooking seafood dishes such as bouillabaisse and paella. It is also used in risotto and other rice dishes. Try adding some to your next beef stew or tomato-based sauce.
Is it safe to drink saffron everyday?
In standard cooking amounts, saffron does not appear to cause adverse effects in humans. As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits ( 7 , 17 , 30 ).
Does saffron increase weight?
May Reduce Appetite and Aid Weight Loss According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite. In one eight-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly more full, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group ( 20 ).
Does saffron interact with medications?
Medication Interactions. Since saffron may lower blood pressure, this effect may be compounded when combined with antihypertensive medications. Furthermore, saffron may interact negatively with calcium channel blockers.
Does saffron interact with cancer?
New research from a team of scientists based mostly in Italy suggests that saffron — a spice used in some Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes — may have an intrinsic ability to fight cancer . Specifically, they examined a component of the spice called crocetin, which they synthesized in their laboratory.
What is the recommended dosage of saffron?
Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 to 400 mg/day of pure saffron. Dosages of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 5 g doses.
Is saffron safe to take?
Saffron is generally viewed as safe when used as flavoring in food or as a medicinal supplement of up to 1.5 g daily. To avoid saffron poisoning or toxicity, do not take therapeutic doses of saffron in excess of 5 g daily, the website Drugs.com advises.