Saffron and women

Sara is 24 years old and suffers every month from serious premenstrual syndrome (PMS). She gets moody, has cramps and feels listless. All gynaecologists proposed her drug therapies, but Sara’s aware that these won’t offer long-term solutions. She can’t imagine taking pills or undergoing hormone treatments for at least the next 20 years.

Coincidentally, she found a study of researchers from Tehran University of Medical SciencesThe study suggests that saffron may have a highly positive effect on PMS reduction in women. However, there have been too few scientific studies so far, especially in Europe and the USA, to obtain conclusive findings on saffron’s effect on PMS.

Nonetheless, saffron is an extraordinary spice full of nutrients. It is (very) high in potassium and manganese and has a high content of the vitamins C, B6 and folate, and of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper. Saffron furthermore contains omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), fibre, proteins and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and magnesium contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal psychological function. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the regulation of hormone activity. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, vitamin C increases iron absorption.

How do we prepare saffron tea?

Take some saffron filaments and crush them with the back of a spoon so that they seem pretty ground. Pour hot water over it and you’re done. Let it steep for at least 20 minutes. The longer you let the saffron steep, the better. You can sweeten the tea with some honey or make it tastier with rosebuds or rosewater.

We recommend you to consume only up to 10 to 15 filaments a day which corresponds roughly to 0.1g saffron, as otherwise you might develop dizziness. You shouldn’t use more than 3g per person and month. During pregnancy, avoid entirely the consumption of saffron.