Saffron Milk Tea: A Recipe for Depression and General Wellness (2025)

FAQs

What happens if you drink saffron milk every day? ›

Saffron helps relieve cough and asthma when taken along with honey. It is also beneficial in managing the problems of the reproductive system, such as, erectile dysfunction in men and menstrual pain in women. Taking Saffron with milk relaxes the nervous system which helps reduce anxiety and prevents insomnia.

Saffron tea also contains safranal, an antioxidant that may increase antibacterial and antiviral activity in your body. Safranal has also been found to improve sleep quality, which promotes good immune system function and better overall health.

How Much Saffron Tea Should I Drink? Research studies and recommendations by the European commission have indicated that a daily dose of 1.5 grams has been consumed by people without risks - potential toxic effects might occur at high doses of 5 grams or above.

Drinking saffron tea can help relax your mind and give you peace for better zzzz's. Drinking saffron tea is a soothing nighttime ritual: because sleep is related to our body's circadian rhythm, it's important to have daily rituals that cue our body and mind that it's time to sleep.

Pregnancy: Saffron is commonly consumed as a spice or coloring in foods. Taking saffron by mouth in amounts larger than what is normally found in food is likely unsafe. Larger amounts of saffron can make the uterus contract and might cause a miscarriage.

Using saffron supplements in the short-term seems safe for most people. They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache. Using saffron in high doses or for long periods of time may be risky. Some people are also allergic to saffron.

Dosing. Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 20 to 400 mg/day of pure saffron. Dosages of up to 1.5 g/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 5 g doses. Depression: 20 to 30 mg/day of saffron extract (stigma or petal) for mild to moderate depression.

There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression. A study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science found that a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the brain without changing the levels of other brain hormones, such as serotonin.

Drinking saffron water first thing in the morning helps you decrease the sugar cravings. How To Prepare Saffron Water? Take 5 to 7 strands of saffron and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink this water on an empty stomach every morning.

Studies on Saffron for Mood Support

Animal studies show the compounds safranal and crocin in the crocus plant may exert anti-depressant effects by keeping balanced levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (Hosseinzadeh et al., 2004). Studies in humans show there is a benefit to both anxiety and depression.

Why is saffron tea so expensive? ›

Since such a small part of the flower is used, it takes 75,000 saffron flowers to make one pound of saffron spice. The small amount of saffron spice per plant, along with the fact that harvesting must be done manually, leads to saffron's being majorly expensive.

Findings from over 20 randomised controlled studies have regularly shown saffron can be an effective and safe treatment for mild-to-moderate depression. In randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, it regularly outperforms the placebo, typically working in 4 to 8 weeks.

It is well known that milk infused with saffron has anti-inflammatory qualities that support joint health. A glass of kesar milk can be a lovely and healthful addition to your bedtime routine, nourishing and calming you for a good night's sleep, according to WebMD.

Once you have reached a gentle simmer, stir in your saffron powder, rose water (if using), and sweetener. Let the milk simmer for 2 to 4 additional minutes, stirring occasionally, until the color turns golden. Strain, serve, and enjoy while warm.

May improve mood and treat depressive symptoms

Saffron is nicknamed the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct color but also because it may help brighten your mood.

Morning Intake: For those experiencing morning lows, starting the day with a saffron supplement might elevate mood throughout the day. Evening Intake: If stress and anxiety peak during nighttime, taking a supplement before bedtime could promote relaxation and better sleep quality.

Including Saffron in Your Diet

To do this, soak a few strands of saffron in warm milk or water for about 10 minutes. Drink this mixture once daily. The best time to consume it is in the morning or before bedtime. This method helps in skin whitening and gives your skin a natural glow.

Buy Kesar for Kesar Doodh. The amount of kesar (saffron) to put in milk depends on your preference for taste and intensity. A good starting point is to use 2-3 strands of kesar per cup of milk. You can then adjust the amount to taste.

Saffron starts to work for depression as early as 1 week, and its benefits continue to build over the first two months. How does it work? Saffron promotes brain health through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.