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What are the functions and effects of saffron?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
As a precious traditional Chinese medicinal material, saffron has various effects and functions, mainly including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, relieving depression and calming the mind, cooling blood to detoxify, assisting in regulating menstruation, and improving microcirculation. Meanwhile, contraindications and precautions for its use must also be noted. For example, it is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, individuals with excessive menstrual flow, and those with a tendency to bleed. When used by the general population, the dosage must be strictly controlled and used under professional guidance.

Generally speaking, as a precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb, saffron has various functions and effects, mainly including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, relieving depression and calming the mind, cooling blood to detoxify, assisting in regulating menstruation, and improving microcirculation. The details are as follows:

1. Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis: Saffron has a sweet taste and neutral property, with a strong effect on promoting blood circulation. It is suitable for symptoms caused by blood stasis such as stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, and abdominal masses. It promotes normal circulation of blood and qi by unblocking blood vessels and dissipating stasis.

2. Relieve Depression and Calm the Mind: Saffron enters the heart and liver meridians, helping to relieve liver qi stagnation, soothe the mind, and alleviate symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, chest tightness, and frequent sighing caused by emotional distress or excessive worry.

3. Cool the Blood and Detoxify: Saffron has a blood-cooling effect and is suitable for symptoms such as skin eruptions and bleeding (e.g., hematemesis, epistaxis) caused by heat entering the blood in febrile diseases. It also helps clear internal heat toxins. By clearing heat, cooling the blood, and detoxifying, it alleviates discomfort caused by excessive heat in the blood.

4. Assist in Regulating Menstruation: For menstrual irregularities caused by blood stasis, such as delayed menstruation, scanty menstrual flow, severe dysmenorrhea, or amenorrhea, saffron can help unblock uterine blood stasis and regulate the menstrual cycle through its effect of promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, thereby reducing menstrual pain.

5. Improve Microcirculation: Saffron promotes systemic blood circulation, particularly improving microcirculation effectively. It is suitable for conditions caused by poor microcirculation, such as dull complexion, limb numbness, and dry skin.

Attention should also be paid to its contraindications and precautions during use. For example, it is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, individuals with excessive menstrual bleeding, and those with a tendency to bleed. The general population should strictly control the dosage and follow professional guidance when using saffron to ensure safe and effective medication use.

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Can patients with leukemia drink saffron?
In general, leukemia patients can drink saffron, but it is not recommended to consume it excessively. The amount of saffron should be strictly controlled—only a small quantity should be used to steep in water each time, avoiding excessive intake that may cause discomfort. Patients must consult their attending physician beforehand, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or those with thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders, to prevent potential bleeding risks.
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Who is saffron suitable for consumption?
Under normal circumstances, saffron is suitable for individuals with irregular menstruation, poor sleep quality, weakened immunity, those seeking beauty benefits, and those requiring cardiovascular health maintenance. In addition, patients with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should consume saffron cautiously and preferably consult a healthcare professional before consumption. Moreover, saffron intake should be moderated, as excessive consumption may cause discomfort.
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What should saffron not be consumed with?
Under normal circumstances, saffron should not be consumed together with foods such as crabs, hawthorn, strong tea, alcoholic beverages, garlic, etc., nor should it be taken with medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, clopidogrel bisulfate tablets, heparin sodium injection, and dipyridamole tablets. Before consuming saffron regularly, one should confirm whether they are taking any of the aforementioned medications or consuming related foods.
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What can saffron be combined with for making tea?
Under normal circumstances, saffron can be steeped in hot water along with other ingredients such as wolfberry, rose petals, honey, red dates, and longan. Additionally, when preparing saffron with other ingredients, it is important to control the amount of saffron used, typically 1-3 grams per serving, to avoid excessive intake. If gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions occur after consumption, usage should be discontinued immediately.
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Is it safe to drink saffron-infused water during menstruation?
In general, whether one can drink saffron-infused water during menstruation mainly depends on individual physical condition and the specific circumstances of the menstrual period. Additionally, due to the unique physical state during menstruation, if unsure whether it is suitable for oneself, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Moreover, even if consumption is appropriate, one should also pay attention to the amount and frequency of intake to avoid adverse effects on the body.
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Who should not drink saffron?
Saffron is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for pregnant women, women during menstruation, individuals with a tendency to bleed, those with weak spleen and stomach function, or patients with hyperthyroidism. In addition, children's organs are not fully developed, and their tolerance to saffron is lower, so they should also avoid consuming it. At the same time, in daily life, if saffron consumption is necessary, it is advisable to first consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety.
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Can saffron that has been stored for 6 years still be consumed?
Under normal circumstances, whether saffron that has been stored for six years is still safe for consumption mainly depends on the storage conditions and the current state of the saffron. Additionally, even if the saffron appears and smells normal, its active ingredients may have diminished over six years of storage, resulting in reduced flavor and effectiveness. If you choose to consume it, it is recommended to start with a small amount. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use immediately.
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What pairs best with saffron?
Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question of "which ingredients saffron pairs best with." Depending on individual needs, saffron can be combined with ingredients such as honey, goji berries, red dates, rose petals, and chrysanthemum. Additionally, individuals with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should consult a healthcare professional before consuming saffron in combination with other ingredients.
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