Saffron and Depression

Saffron stamens are the part used for both cooking and medicine

Herbal remedies can be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs, for mild to moderate depression. In an examination of the previous studies on saffron, it was found that saffron is “superior to placebo” and “not inferior to antidepressants” for mild to moderate depression. https://www.thieme-connect.de/…/abstract/10.1055/a-0660-9565

St John’s Wort is more well known and also effective, and in some products is now being combined with saffron for depression. Yes, that’s the same saffron we use in cooking, that turns your rice bright yellow. It is the stamen of a beautiful crocus flower.

Herbs never have just one effect, like drugs are designed to do, and both of these herbal medicines have a wide range of wonderful uses. And very few side effects, unlike pharmaceutical drugs.

Even if one is not classically considered “depressed”, these herbs can help balance the nervous system, gladden the heart, and are wonderful for times of unrest and upheaval, and I often think of them for during menopause. They can help with rough sleep patterns.

What’s more, there is not really any risk in giving them a go, unless you are already on antidepressants. Then, while St Johns Wort is contraindicated, saffron can still be used.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider and the whole picture is always important. But its good to know these wonderful medicines exist, is it not?

St John’s Wort, or as one herbalist calls it, St Joan’s Wort.