Who should not drink saffron?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
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.
Saffron is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for pregnant women, women during menstruation, individuals with bleeding tendencies, those with weak spleen and stomach, or patients with hyperthyroidism. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Pregnant Women
Saffron has a strong blood-activating effect. If consumed by pregnant women, it may stimulate uterine contractions, interfere with normal pregnancy, and in severe cases, even cause miscarriage, posing significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Therefore, pregnant women must not consume saffron.
2. Women During Menstruation
During menstruation, the uterine lining is in the phase of shedding and bleeding. Saffron's blood circulation-enhancing effect may accelerate blood flow, potentially leading to significantly increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods, disrupting the normal menstrual cycle. It may also cause symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue due to excessive blood loss. Therefore, women during menstruation should not consume saffron.
3. Individuals with Bleeding Tendencies
People with conditions such as gastric ulcer bleeding, recovery phase of cerebral hemorrhage, or coagulation disorders (i.e., those with bleeding tendencies) may experience exacerbated bleeding symptoms or new bleeding episodes due to saffron's blood-activating effects, which can further impair coagulation function. This is detrimental to disease control and physical recovery. Therefore, such individuals should avoid consuming saffron.
4. Individuals with Weak Spleen and Stomach
Saffron is relatively cooling in nature. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach already have poor digestive function and low tolerance for cold foods. Consuming saffron may further burden the spleen and stomach, irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and cause discomfort such as bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, harming spleen and stomach health. Therefore, individuals with weak spleen and stomach are advised against consuming saffron.
5. Patients with Hyperthyroidism
Patients with hyperthyroidism naturally have a faster metabolic rate and often experience symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and emotional excitability. Saffron has certain stimulating effects, which may exacerbate the patient's excited state, leading to worsened symptoms like palpitations and insomnia, which are detrimental to disease stability. Therefore, patients with hyperthyroidism should not consume saffron.
Additionally, children's organs are not yet fully developed, and their tolerance to saffron is low, so they should also avoid consumption. At the same time, in daily life, if saffron consumption is necessary, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional first to ensure safety.
