Benefits of Saffron: Why Saffron is More Than Just a Fancy Spice

Did you know that saffron is worth more per gram than gold? This beautiful little red thread isn’t just a luxurious culinary ingredient - it’s a precious spice with incredible benefits for your mind and body.

While saffron has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, modern science is finally catching up with its remarkable effects. Known as Kumkuma or Kesar in Ayurveda, saffron has a long history of use for improving mood and mental health, as well as supporting emotional wellbeing, digestion, skin health, brain function, immunity, and hormonal balance.

A traditional Chinese medicine text from the Mongol dynasty for example states that "...long-term ingestion of saffron causes a person's heart to be happy," and considerable modern research supports this traditional mood enhancing use of saffron. Interestingly, simply smelling saffron has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

So, keep reading for more information on this beautiful spice, and why it may just benefit you too.

Mood & Anxiety: Natures Anti-Depressant 

You’ve probably heard saffron called "nature’s antidepressant," and for good reason! Studies show it can help lift your mood, reduce anxiety, and ease stress. In fact, some research suggests saffron’s effects might be comparable to conventional antidepressants - without any of the side effects. Isn’t that incredible?

So, what makes saffron so effective? It all comes down to its bioactive compounds, like crocin and safranal. These work to balance chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, two key players in regulating your mood. Saffron is here to give them the boost they need.

But there’s more to saffron than just brain chemistry. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress - both of which can add to feelings of anxiety and contribute to cognitive decline. By calming your body’s response to stress, saffron can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.

Of course, we’d never suggest replacing your medication without consulting a doctor, but if you’re looking for a natural supplement to support your emotional wellbeing, saffron could be the perfect addition to your routine.

So, if the post New Year blues have you reaching for chocolate and wine, maybe give saffron a thought - it could be just the serotonin boost your body needs to feel a little brighter and lighter.

Hormones & Libido: Spice Up Your Life with Saffron

Saffron has long been cherished for its role in supporting women’s reproductive health, especially when it comes to regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating PMS symptoms. It’s believed to reduce bloating, improve digestion, and even enhance skin clarity, those all too common struggles that come with PMS.

Recent studies have shown its ability to ease menopausal stress, lifting mood and reducing feelings of depression in postmenopausal women. Menopause is a natural phase all women experience, yet it often comes with symptoms that are mentally and physically draining.

While menopause certainly has its difficulties, it’s also an opportunity for empowerment, a time to embrace a new chapter of life. With the wisdom of ancient traditions and the validation of modern science, saffron could be just the support you need to guide you on this journey with ease.

And there’s more! Saffron is also known to enhance libido and has been used as an aphrodisiac. Traditional medicine blends often include saffron for its positive impact on fertility, libido, sexual arousal and hormones. 

While not every traditional remedy is backed by science immediately, saffron’s centuries old reputation speaks for itself. Now, as modern research catches up, it’s becoming increasingly clear just how much this golden thread has to offer.

Brain Health: Protecting Your Mind with Every Thread

Did you know saffron can help protect your brain? Packed with antioxidants like crocin and safranal, saffron is being recognised for its ability to shield brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation - two major culprits behind neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

But it’s not just about protecting against serious conditions. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of brain fog, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue, saffron can also help with that too. By lifting your mood and calming anxiety, saffron indirectly helps protect your cognitive health, too. Stress and depression are significant contributors to memory lapses and cognitive decline, so tackling these can make a real difference.

Whether you’re looking to stay sharp as you age or want to combat the occasional “why did I walk into this room?” moment, saffron’s unique composition of brain boosting and mood enhancing properties could be the answer.

Weight Management: Finding Balance with Saffron

Stress and emotional eating - who hasn’t been there? Whether it’s a bar of chocolate after a long day or a glass of wine to unwind, emotional eating is a common way to cope with life’s constant stressors.

The good news? Saffron has been clinically shown to help curb those stress induced cravings. By boosting serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, saffron can help regulate your appetite and make you feel more satisfied. In fact, research suggests it can even influence hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and fullness, making it easier to stay in tune with your body’s natural cues.

It doesn’t stop there, though. Saffron also supports digestion, easing bloating and discomfort that can leave you feeling sluggish or heavy. With better digestion, you’re less likely to reach for snacks out of frustration or discomfort.

While saffron doesn’t directly speed up metabolism, its impact on appetite regulation, mood stabilisation, and emotional triggers for overeating makes it a fantastic tool for weight management and has been shown to reduce body weight in a number of clinical trials.

By helping you stay in tune with your body’s hunger cues and reducing the urge to snack, saffron supports a healthier, more balanced approach to eating. Plus, with all the other benefits it offers, from mood improvement to hormone balance, it's truly a win-win for your body inside and out.

How to Use Saffron in Everyday Life:

Ready to give saffron a try? You can incorporate it into your daily routine in many ways, whether through food, drinks, or supplements. 

For the best therapeutic benefits, research suggests a daily dose of 30 mg of saffron extract, as found in our Saffron Affron® Extract. Just one capsule a day (ideally taken in the morning) has been shown to help curb appetite, boost mood, enhance brain health, and support hormone balance. We’ve included it in our Calm Your Anxiety, Menopause and New Year Cleanse and Detox bundles. 

If you would like to experiment with a gorgeous saffron drink, try adding this warm, comforting saffron milk recipe to your daily routine:

Saffron Milk:

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 2 cups whole unhomogenised milk (or almond for a dairy-free option)

• 4-5 saffron threads

• 2-3 cardamom pods (lightly crushed) or 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

• 2-3 chopped pistachios or almonds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Saffron: Add saffron threads to a tablespoon of warm milk in a small bowl. Let it soak for 20 minutes to release its vibrant colour and flavour.

2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, gently heat the remaining milk on medium low. Add the crushed cardamom pods. Avoid boiling to keep the milk creamy.

3. Combine: Stir in the saffron infused milk and honey or maple syrup. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve: Strain out the cardamom pods, pour into cups, and garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds.

A Sprinkle of Saffron for a Happier, Healthier You

Saffron, the "sunshine herb," has been used for centuries to support emotional wellbeing, brain health, and hormone balance. And now, as science continues to back up its incredible benefits, this golden spice is finding its way into everything from skincare to supplements.

If you're considering support for your mood and hormones, why not try saffron for a month and see how it works for you? It could be just what your body needs, offering a natural boost that works on multiple levels to support your health. If you would like any further guidance, then please  reach out to the Kate Living team.

From reproductive health to brain support and mood regulation, saffron truly offers something for everyone. We’re excited for you to experience its amazing benefits for yourself!