Is it safe to drink saffron during menstruation?

Generally speaking, whether saffron can be consumed during menstruation depends on the menstrual flow. Women with light menstrual flow, dysmenorrhea, or poor discharge of menstrual blood can consume a small amount during their period after understanding its properties. However, women with normal or heavy menstrual flow are advised not to consume saffron during their period. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If a woman usually has a light menstrual flow accompanied by dysmenorrhea, dark-colored menstrual blood, or blood clots, moderate consumption of saffron may help promote the smooth discharge of menstrual blood by leveraging its blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, thereby alleviating dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis, improving poor menstrual discharge, and relieving menstrual discomfort.

However, if a woman usually has a normal or heavy menstrual flow, consuming saffron during menstruation may intensify its blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, potentially increasing menstrual flow, prolonging the menstrual period, and even causing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue due to blood loss. In severe cases, it may also affect the stability of the menstrual cycle and negatively impact overall health.

During menstruation, a woman's body is in a special physiological state. If considering saffron consumption, it is important to first understand one's menstrual flow and condition to avoid blind consumption. Additionally, women should keep warm, avoid consuming cold foods, and maintain regular作息 (作息 translates as "rest and activity patterns" or "sleep-wake cycles") during menstruation.