Saffron, a spice extensively utilized in Center Japanese cooking, could provide advantages for psychological well being, together with easing signs of despair.
Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and founding father of Amen Clinics in California, informed Fox Information Digital that he repeatedly recommends saffron for its mood-boosting properties.
“I like saffron a lot,” he mentioned. “I’m Lebanese, and Center Japanese people prepare dinner with loads of saffron. And there’s really folklore in Iran: For those who’re too pleased, you need to have had saffron.”
Analysis helps Amen’s enthusiasm. Research have proven that about 30 milligrams of saffron per day could also be as efficient as sure antidepressants in randomized trials. Past temper assist, saffron has additionally been linked to improved reminiscence and focus.
A 2025 examine revealed in Opinions in Scientific Medication discovered that saffron may additionally considerably scale back premenstrual syndrome (PMS) signs after 8–12 weeks of use.
In the meantime, a assessment revealed by Cambridge College Press in Could 2025 analyzed 192 trials with over 17,000 members, highlighting saffron as one of the crucial efficient nutraceuticals for alleviating despair.
Amen additionally recommends combining saffron with different dietary supplements like zinc and curcumins (pure compounds in turmeric) alongside prescription antidepressants to probably improve outcomes.
Whereas cooking with saffron can add taste and a small temper raise, therapeutic doses are normally achieved by means of dietary supplements, obtainable as capsules, tablets, or powdered extracts.
As all the time, it’s crucial to seek the advice of together with your physician earlier than taking any saffron dietary supplements.
