Saffron: Benefits, Effects and Contraindications Explained

I. Benefits

1. Promoting meridian circulation: It is known as "plant gold." The Compendium of Materia Medica records that it can "invigorate the blood, govern heart-qi depression, and also treat palpitations," while modern medicine has confirmed that it has effects such as invigorating the blood and improving myocardial blood supply. It contains a variety of glycosides that can significantly enhance the motility of the large coronary arteries and increase blood flow, so it can boost blood circulation, cool the blood and remove toxins, and relieve fatigue.

2. Fighting and preventing cancer: Substances it contains, such as crocetin and crocin, have relatively strong anticancer activity, showing a certain inhibitory effect on human papillomavirus, blood cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Its anticancer properties are currently a focus of scientists' research, and drinking it regularly is of great help in preventing the occurrence of cancer.

3. Beautifying the skin: Its effects of invigorating the blood and resolving stasis and of detoxifying and beautifying the skin are due to substances such as crocin, which can inhibit the activity of oxidative free radicals and xanthine oxidase, enabling cells and skin to slow oxidation and prevent aging, thereby achieving a beautifying effect.

II. Contraindications

1. Although saffron is good, it has certain side effects; consuming too much may cause blood breakage, that is, symptoms such as skin bleeding.

2. Pregnant women are not suited to drinking or taking it, because its blood-invigorating effect may increase the possibility of miscarriage.

3. Because it has a certain effect on the nervous system, it can cause a state of excitement and easily lead to allergy symptoms.