The Risks of Saffron and Its Side Effects You Should Know About
Saffron is one of the most flavorful and aromatic spices in the world, with the finest varieties grown in Iran. Alongside its well-known health benefits, it’s essential to understand the potential risks of saffron — including its side effects, safe consumption limits, and cautions during pregnancy — and to use it with care.
Best Way to Store Saffron
Saffron, especially after being ground, should be stored in a glass jar away from light and moisture. Its aromatic essence can evaporate over time if not stored correctly, which diminishes its medicinal effects, flavor, and quality.
Side Effects of Saffron You Should Be Aware Of
Excessive consumption of saffron can cause a drop in blood pressure and excessive thinning of the blood, which may lead to issues such as nosebleeds or uterine bleeding in women. Overuse of saffron is also not recommended for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage during the early stages of pregnancy.
In more severe cases, excessive saffron intake can also cause nausea, a slowed heart rate, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, nosebleeds, bleeding from the eyelids and lips, dizziness, fatigue, jaundice, and severe muscle contractions — with the most extreme cases reported as fatal.
Excessive consumption is also harmful to the kidneys, reduces appetite, causes headaches, and affects mental clarity. It can also increase anxiety levels during menstruation, and high intake can alter skin color over time.
Because of its warm nature in traditional Persian medicine, saffron may also cause diarrhea, dehydration, and blood in the urine when taken in excess.
Saffron During Pregnancy
Saffron consumption during the critical first three months of pregnancy, when the baby’s organs are forming, can harm the fetus. Consuming saffron during this period increases the hormone prostaglandin in the uterus, which directly stimulates the smooth muscles of the uterus, leading to a risk of miscarriage. Some small clinical studies have looked at whether low-dose saffron taken later in pregnancy might help prepare the cervix for labor, but the research is limited and the results so far are preliminary and inconclusive (Sadi R et al., “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. 2016;18(10):e27241, PMID 28180016; Alshdefat A et al., J Evid Based Integr Med. 2026;31, DOI 10.1177/2515690X261455162). This is not an established or medically endorsed use of saffron, and pregnant women should not use it for this purpose without first talking to their obstetrician.
How Much Saffron Can You Safely Consume?
Generally, up to three grams of saffron per month is considered safe for most adults. Consuming more than five grams of saffron in a single meal can cause side effects such as dizziness, reduced heart rate, and nausea.
Manufacturers of fake saffron use non-standard dyes and preservatives in their products. While these products contain saffron, the amount of saffron in them is minimal. The issue is that the texture and color of fake saffron resemble that of real saffron so closely that it is difficult to tell them apart. Therefore, the next time you buy saffron, make sure to buy from reputable brands.
Saffron and Weight Loss
Many weight-loss supplements also use saffron for its color and flavor. If you’re following such a diet, be cautious. Prolonged use of saffron may be dangerous. When using saffron supplements for weight loss, be sure that the duration of use doesn’t exceed six weeks. It’s always recommended to undergo saffron supplementation under a specialist’s supervision. Avoid adjusting the saffron supplement dosage without consulting your doctor or fitness coach.
How to Make Saffron Tea
Brewing saffron to make saffron tea is a unique experience. To prepare this tea, add 1/3 teaspoon of saffron to a pot of hot water along with some green tea. Allow it to steep and then enjoy the fragrant and flavorful saffron tea with rock candy or sugar.
