What are the harms of saffron to women?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, although saffron may have certain regulatory effects on some women, improper use or consumption by specific populations may cause various health risks, mainly including disruption of the menstrual cycle, increased risks during pregnancy, gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal bleeding, and allergic reactions. Before using saffron, women should be aware of their own physical condition and avoid special periods such as menstruation and pregnancy.
Generally, although saffron may have certain regulatory effects on some women, improper use or consumption by specific populations may cause various health risks, including disruption of the menstrual cycle, increased pregnancy risks, gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal bleeding, and allergic reactions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Disruption of the menstrual cycle: Saffron has strong blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects. Non-menstruating women who consume excessive amounts or use it improperly may experience uterine contractions, leading to early onset of menstruation, significantly increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstrual periods.
2. Increased pregnancy risks: Pregnant women must absolutely avoid using saffron. Its blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects can strongly stimulate uterine contractions, easily triggering threatened miscarriage with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain; using it during the second or third trimester may lead to premature labor, and in severe cases, endanger the lives of both mother and baby.
3. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Excessive consumption of saffron tea may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea. Women with weak gastrointestinal function or pre-existing gastritis or enteritis may experience more pronounced symptoms.
4. Abnormal bleeding: Besides menstrual bleeding, saffron may also affect a woman's blood coagulation function. Long-term or excessive use may lead to symptoms such as gum bleeding and skin bruising.
5. Allergic reactions: Some women are allergic to active components in saffron. After contact or consumption, allergic symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, and hives may appear. In severe cases, life-threatening allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing and throat swelling may occur.
Before using saffron, women should understand their own health conditions, avoid special periods such as menstruation and pregnancy, strictly control the dosage, start with a small amount when using it for the first time, observe whether any adverse reactions occur, and ensure safe usage.
