Saffron is a very rare, exotic, and most expensive spice in the world. Its botanical name is Crocus sativus and is also commonly called the golden spice due to its reddish-gold color. It is grown in many parts of the world including several mountainous parts of Asia and Europe. The stamens of the flower are used for consumption. In India, it is also known as Zafran(ज़ाफ़रान) and Kesar(केसर).
The herb is in much demand due to its multiple benefits for health and also due to its aroma, flavor, and color for its use in different cuisines. It is generally advised to consume a pinch of saffron in pregnancy because it contains many beneficial properties.
Saffron must not be taken alone nor in higher quantities, as it can cause serious body heat. So consume a pinch of saffron with milk. The ‘Golden spice’ is also named ‘kesar’ or ‘zaffran’. It is highly in demand because of its unique flavor and aroma, which can be added to the foods on use. Kesar has been a prime ingredient in the majority of exotic Indian dishes.
Taking a large amount of saffron during pregnancy could cause miscarriage. Taking 15 to 20 grams of it could even cause death. Take it with the utmost care and never more than a few strands.
The saffron effect on the skin is known to all, but it cannot change the skin color, it can enhance the complexion. So several cosmetic brands have started using saffron in various face packs, fairness creams, and skin and body lotions.
Saffron is also found effective in controlling frequent mood swings and uncontrolled blood pressure in pregnancy. During pregnancy, it gets difficult to drink milk alone due to the effect of hormones on digestion and health. So saffron milk not only gives a flavored feel to the tongue but also adds an exotic color to induce the zeal to consume food.
Is Saffron Effective or Safe during Pregnancy
It is general advice by elders to drink a glass of milk with a few strands of saffron mixed in it. According to them, it ensures a fair and healthy baby, which is in fact, a myth. A baby’s complexion depends on the genes acquired from parents. Moreover, there is no food that can determine the complexion of a baby. Although, there is no harm in taking this herb while you are expecting it. In fact, saffron is helpful in stimulating proper digestion during pregnancy. The digestion is very slow in expecting moms, so they need some stimulating agents to enhance their ability to digest.
There are several other important properties of saffron. It can be taken anytime during pregnancy for the following reasons:
- Therapeutic: It is therapeutic, so when it is mixed with a glass of milk, it leads to healing and curing of many issues in the body
- Antispasmodic: It helps relieve renal colic joints and stomach pain. Ingredients present in this helps in curing muscle spasms and calming colic viscera
- Fights anemia: Saffron is said to contain iron which is important for red blood cells formation. Hence, it helps boost haemoglobin in pregnant women
- Helps in digestion: Saffron taken in moderate amounts, help in digestion and also increases appetite in an expecting mother. The digestive process in an expecting mother slows down, so, taking saffron with milk aids in digestion and helps boost metabolism. It also forms an extra layer that helps soothe the gastrointestinal acidity
- Controls blood pressure: three to four strands of saffron helps reduce the blood pressure during pregnancy as it helps relax the muscles and also acts as a uterine stimulant
- Mood swings: There are hormonal changes in a pregnant woman which can make her impulsive and cranky. Saffron helps those gloomy days by elevating the blood flow to the brain and produces serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that controls the jittery mood. Thus, the herb acts as an anti-depressant
- Cures morning sickness: Taking saffron with milk helps fight dizziness and nausea. Saffron tea can also be taken in the morning to tackle tiredness and makes one feel fresh
- Promotes sleep: Saffron helps promote good sleep as it is a mild-sedative. It is advised to take a glass of milk with saffron strands before going to bed at the night
- Reduces cholesterol: Saffron protects heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. It helps keep the arteries free from fat deposition, thus further reducing the chance of heart diseases
- Combat allergies: In pregnancy, the immune system becomes weak and it causes various allergies. So, a glass of milk with saffron avoid cough, asthma, allergies, and aids in congestion
- Fights hair loss: Hair loss is common in pregnancy in a some women. Applying a paste of licorice, saffron, and milk to the balding spots can show results within a few days
- Acne and Zits: This herb is known for its blood purifying properties. Due to these qualities, it helps in getting rid of acne and other skin related ailments
These are some of the important reasons to take saffron strands during pregnancy.
Medicinal Uses of Saffron
Saffron is widely used in Ayurveda and there is evidence that supports that it has been in use since the sixteenth century. Ancient Indians, Egyptians, and Romans used this herb for its medicinal value. Later on, it became valued for spice and dye. The herb yields a yellow dye which was used for dye and also to impart a yellow color to food.
Saffron has been used to cure variety of ailments like:
- Menstrual disorders
- Cramps
- Asthma
- Liver diseases
- Pain
- Aphrodisiac
- Anti-depressant
Saffron strands are also advised for curing male erectile dysfunction, infertility, baldness and cancer, but no scientific evidence is effectively proved in human studies.
Side Effects of Saffron in Pregnancy
There are plenty of benefits of Saffron. Moderate amounts of anything is good, but if you take more than prescribed amounts of saffron can cause many issues. Saffron is considered to be hot in nature, so a pregnant woman must not consume more than four strands in a day. Higher than the prescribed dose of saffron can cause the following issues:
- Miscarriage: Higher dose can increase the body heat and can lead to abortive condition. It triggers the baby’s movements after the second trimester, so you should consult your obstetrician before heading for saffron consumption
- Vomiting: Higher amounts of saffron can cause forced throwing up of food, acid disturbance and can lead to contractions
These points should be considered before consuming saffron while one is pregnant. Also, buy authentic saffron as it has often been found adulterated when sold loose. Buy a properly packaged saffron with a government-approved mark. Also, check the expiry date of the pack.
Things to remember before using this herb
- Always consult your physician before using it. Saffron may lead to uterine contractions on use in a few cases
- Research is very necessary before deciding on any kind of food consumption during pregnancy
- Add up to 5 strands of saffron to a glass of water to improve digestive abilities and not the skin color of the baby
- You may start drinking saffron mix milk from the first trimester of pregnancy
- If milk consumption is not possible, you may add a few strands of the saffron to rice, side dishes or soups
