Saffron
Crocus sativus
The world's costliest spice, with surprisingly decent trial evidence for mild-to-moderate depression and PMS.
Traditional use (biblical-near-eastern, ayurveda): The world's costliest spice, with surprisingly decent trial evidence for mild-to-moderate depression and PMS.
The world's costliest spice, with surprisingly decent trial evidence for mild-to-moderate depression and PMS.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- The world's costliest spice, with surprisingly decent trial evidence for mild-to-moderate depression and PMS.
Evidence strength: limited human.
- See the evidence level above
- Safe in culinary amounts; medicinal doses can affect mood meds and bleeding; high doses are toxic and unsafe in pregnancy.
- Pregnancy (medicinal doses)
- High doses
Safe in culinary amounts; medicinal doses can affect mood meds and bleeding; high doses are toxic and unsafe in pregnancy.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.