Can people with gout drink saffron tea?

Dec 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, patients with gout can drink saffron-infused water in moderation. However, saffron has no therapeutic effect on gout and should only be used as a daily health beverage, with usage based on individual constitution. In daily life, gout patients should primarily focus on limiting intake of high-purine foods, drink plenty of warm water to promote uric acid excretion, and develop healthy dietary and lifestyle habits to maintain overall health.

Generally, patients with gout can drink saffron infusion in moderation. However, saffron has no therapeutic effect on gout and should only be used as a daily health beverage, with usage based on individual constitution. Specific analysis is as follows:

The primary benefits of saffron are promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, as well as relieving depression and dispersing stagnation. These effects are unrelated to the abnormal purine metabolism that causes gout. Saffron does not increase or decrease blood uric acid levels and therefore cannot treat gout. There is no clear contraindication between saffron and gout, and moderate consumption usually does not cause adverse reactions. However, excessive intake may increase metabolic burden on the body, and individuals with sensitive spleen and stomach may experience discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea. Thus, it's important to control the amount consumed. Gout patients with a heat-prone constitution or those prone to bleeding should avoid drinking saffron infusion, as it may exacerbate internal heat or increase the risk of bleeding.

In daily life, gout patients should focus on limiting intake of high-purine foods, drink plenty of plain water to promote uric acid excretion, and maintain healthy dietary and lifestyle habits to support overall health.