Everything About the Side Effects of Saffron
Saffron is a popular spice and is generally safe for most people, whether it’s added to food, steeped as tea, or taken as a supplement. In large quantities, though, saffron can cause some undesirable effects — from mild digestive discomfort to blood-thinning effects and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Below, we break down what to watch for and who should be more cautious.
Saffron’s Blood-Thinning Effects and Heart Health
For individuals with thin blood, saffron may pose certain risks. While thin blood can improve heart functioning, excessive saffron consumption may cause discomfort such as nosebleeds due to its blood-thinning properties.
Saffron and Stomach Sensitivity
For some individuals, consuming saffron may cause stomach upset. This could be a result of compounds like crocin and safranal present in saffron, which may not be tolerated by every individual.
Possible Adverse Effects of Saffron for Men
Potential side effects of saffron for men include:
- Lowered heart rate
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Possibly experiencing bleeding around the eyes and lips
- Nausea and discomfort
- Drop in blood pressure
- Nosebleeds from blood thinning
Saffron’s Impact on Women’s Health
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when consuming saffron. Its components may not be suitable for a newborn’s delicate digestive system during breastfeeding.
Effects of Saffron on Blood Pressure
If you have low blood pressure or are on medication to manage it, saffron may exacerbate the issue by further lowering your blood pressure when combined with certain medications.
The Impact of Saffron on Kidneys
Excessive consumption of saffron can potentially affect kidney health. Overuse might cause side effects such as loss of appetite, headaches, fatigue, yellowing of the skin, and dizziness.
Is Saffron Safe for Children?
In moderate culinary amounts, saffron is generally considered safe for children. Some traditional use and preliminary research point to possible benefits such as supporting eye health, bone strength, or fever reduction, but robust clinical evidence in children is limited, so these shouldn’t be relied on in place of medical care. It’s recommended to avoid giving saffron to infants under six months old, and you should always consult a pediatrician before introducing saffron into a child’s diet.
Saffron’s Safety for the Liver
Saffron does not appear to harm the liver in typical culinary amounts. Some early clinical research also points to possible liver-supportive effects, though the evidence is still preliminary and saffron is not a substitute for medical treatment of liver disease:
- Some early research suggests saffron compounds may support liver health markers, including modest improvements seen in small studies of fatty liver disease, though this is not a substitute for medical treatment of liver conditions (Hasani M, et al. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2021;15(6):102311)
- Has shown anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and early human studies
- May support the body’s natural detoxification processes, though this effect is not well established in humans
Anyone with an existing liver condition should talk to their doctor before using saffron as a supplement.
Final Thoughts
Though saffron is a beneficial spice, overconsumption can lead to side effects. It is important to consume saffron in moderation to enjoy its health benefits while avoiding potential risks.
