Easily recognized by its vivid hue and earthy aroma, saffron has been used medicinally around the world for more than 3,000 years. Today, science confirms saffron’s therapeutic potential for mental health and beyond. If saffron isn’t already in your spice cabinet or supplement drawer, you’ll likely want to add it after discovering these benefits.
Alleviates depression
Saffron shows exciting promise as a natural mood booster for people with moderate depression. The spice’s active compounds influence serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. These feel-good hormones help guide our brains toward positivity, offering relaxation and relief from stress. In an eight-week study, taking a daily saffron supplement helped 93 percent of mothers recover from symptoms of postpartum depression, while only 43 percent of mothers recovered without saffron.