Saffron: Meaning, Benefits & Uses During Pregnancy

Saffron also known as Kesar, Zafran and Koung is known for its rich flavour and colour. But this exotic spice is also used for its medicinal properties in several Ayurvedic recipes. What’s more, there are numerous saffron uses in pregnancy as well owing to its therapeutic properties such as accelerating digestion and improving appetite.

In this article, we will discuss the uses of saffron during pregnancy, how and how much to consume and bust a few myths associated with saffron.

Saffron During Pregnancy

Saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, is highly recommended for consumption during pregnancy. It has been used for years to treat mild to moderate depression and also for its health benefits during pregnancy such as improving digestion, reducing high blood pressure, relieving nausea etc.

You may also like: Saffron: Benefits, Drawbacks, and More

What is Saffron?‍

Saffron is derived from the flowers of the Crocus Sativus, it is the dried thread-like stigma of the flower. Each flower contains only three strands of saffron and extracting it is a painstaking process, which is what makes it so expensive and rare. Fortunately, this golden herb is produced in India in the valleys of Kashmir. It finds a special place in Ayurveda because of its medicinal uses, especially during pregnancy.

Saffron‍ Uses

Saffron is used extensively in recipes like Biryani, Kheer and other sweets and even finds a place in beauty products. Additionally, it is said to provide relief from menstrual discomfort and PMS. Despite the lack of scientific research, saffron is said to help with male infertility, erectile dysfunction, cancer baldness and asthma. And most importantly, there are numerous saffron uses in pregnancy as well.

Saffron Benefits during Pregnancy

Here are some of the most important benefits of consuming saffron during pregnancy:

1. Improves Digestion

Constipation, bloating and heartburn are common woes of pregnancy, often caused by poor digestion. Consuming saffron regularly can help to alleviate these symptoms by boosting metabolism, improving blood flow and reducing acidity.

2. Reduces Blood Pressure

Several expecting mothers struggle with high blood pressure during pregnancy, which if left unchecked can lead to preeclampsia. Saffron contains crocin and safranal, which are proven to combat hypertension and reduce blood pressure. However, you must consume it in limited quantities as it may result in a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.

3. Fights Mood Swings

Mood swings are common during pregnancy besides irritation, anxiety and depression. Drinking saffron milk in pregnancy can help to treat mild depression and reduce mood swings by producing serotonin, a hormone known to raise spirits.

You may also like: How To Maintain Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

4. Relieves Morning Sickness

Morning sickness and nausea and frequent during the first trimester of pregnancy and can take away the joy of being pregnant. Saffron-infused tea when consumed in limited quantities can help soothe the digestive system and relieve morning sickness and nausea.

5. Reduces Muscular Pains

Muscular cramps in the legs and abdomen along with joint pain become frequent occurrences as women enter the third trimester of pregnancy. Saffron is enriched with anti-spasmodic and antinociceptive properties which help in reducing muscular pains, relieving excessive muscle contractions and relaxing the joints during pregnancy.

Is it Okay to Consume Saffron Milk When Pregnant?

Drinking saffron milk in pregnancy or introducing saffron to your diet in any other form is generally considered safe and beneficial. However, like all Ayurvedic herbs, it is essential to consume saffron in limited quantities. According to Ayurveda, pregnant women can consume 125 mg of saffron twice a day. Whereas clinical studies recommend doses of pure saffron up to 1.5 gm to be safe.

Does Consuming Saffron When Pregnant Make the Child Fair?

Contrary to the popular belief that consuming saffron milk during pregnancy can make the child fair, there is no scientific relation between saffron and the complexion of a child. The complexion of your child is determined by the genes of the parents and not by the consumption of any spice or food during pregnancy. An expecting mother should consume a healthy and nutritious diet so that her baby is born healthy.

How to Use Saffron in Milk?

Pregnant women can consume saffron in milk during pregnancy, ensuring that the quantity of saffron doesn’t exceed 1.5 gm in a day. The ideal way to consume saffron in milk is by preparing saffron milk:

• Add a few strands of saffron to milk and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
• Or add and stir a few strands of saffron to warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before consuming.

Which Month of Pregnancy Women Can Take Saffron?

Pregnant women can start taking the recommended doses of saffron at any time during their pregnancy. However, it is safe to avoid consuming saffron in the first trimester of pregnancy. According to Ayurveda, it is best to start consuming saffron from the fourth month of pregnancy when the expecting mother can feel the movement of the baby in the womb.

Saffron: Can it Lead to Miscarriage?

Saffron is extremely beneficial when consumed in limited quantities. However, consuming saffron in large quantities can lead to toxicity. According to studies conducted on rats, oral consumption of saffron can result in premature labor and abortion. When consumed in large quantities, saffron may be linked to human abortion as well.

The numerous saffron uses in pregnancy make it highly beneficial for pregnant women to consume. However, it’s best to consume saffron within the recommended doses during pregnancy to avoid any complications.

References

1. Sadi R, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Mirghafourvand M, Javadzadeh Y, Ahmadi-Bonabi A. (2016). Effect of Saffron (Fan Hong Hua) On the Readiness of The Uterine Cervix In Term Pregnancy: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial. Iran Red Crescent Med J.

2. Siddiqui MJ, Saleh MSM, Basharuddin SNBB; et al. (2018). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant. J Pharm Bioallied Sci.