Who should avoid using saffron?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, saffron is not suitable for consumption by pregnant women, individuals with excessive menstrual flow, people with a tendency to bleed, patients with hyperthyroidism, or patients with hypothyroidism. Additionally, because children's organs are not yet fully developed, saffron consumption is also not recommended for them. Individuals currently taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare professional before consuming saffron to avoid potential drug interactions.
Generally, saffron is not suitable for consumption by pregnant women, individuals with heavy menstrual flow, people with bleeding tendencies, patients with hyperthyroidism, or patients with hypothyroidism. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are in a special physiological stage. Saffron has properties that promote blood circulation. Consumption by pregnant women may stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, which is harmful to both the fetus and the mother's health. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consuming saffron.
2. Individuals with Heavy Menstrual Flow
Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding already have significant shedding of the endometrium and increased blood loss. Saffron may further enhance blood circulation, potentially increasing menstrual flow and prolonging the duration of menstruation, which could easily lead to anemia or worsen physical weakness. Therefore, such individuals should try to avoid consuming saffron.
3. Individuals with Bleeding Tendencies
This group includes people with coagulation disorders, those experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcers, or those with frequent gum bleeding. Saffron may affect coagulation function, worsening bleeding symptoms—for example, exacerbating bleeding from peptic ulcers or increasing the frequency of gum bleeding—negatively impacting disease management and recovery. Therefore, saffron is not recommended for these individuals.
Patients with hyperthyroidism have an accelerated metabolic rate and often experience symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating. The properties of saffron may influence the body's metabolism, possibly worsening the discomfort symptoms in patients with hyperthyroidism and interfering with the stability of their condition. Therefore, these individuals should be cautious and are advised against consuming saffron.
5. Hypothyroidism Patients
Patients with hypothyroidism have a slow metabolic rate, and their endocrine system is in a relatively imbalanced state. Components of saffron may have a certain impact on the endocrine system, potentially disrupting the already fragile hormonal balance in hypothyroid patients, which is detrimental to disease control. Hence, saffron is unsuitable for consumption by these individuals.
In addition, children whose organs have not fully developed are not advised to consume saffron. Individuals currently taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare professional before consuming saffron to avoid potential drug interactions. Even for individuals in suitable groups, saffron intake should be controlled in terms of dosage, as excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects.
