Alternative Health Blog

Don’t know about you but there never seems to be a reason to pass up a saffron dish on a Mediterranean menu. Now it appears there might be an even better reason than the spice’s delicate yet distinctive taste: A new study shows saffron can ease PMS symptoms.

Saffron has long been associated with expense, since it prices out at the highest to purchase among spices. It also has a solid reputation as an antidote for stomach pain and digestive problems, plus recent clinical trials point to saffron as a remedy for mild to moderate depression. Other studies suggest the ancient spice produced from flowers might effectively reduce tumor size and offset chemotherapy side effects.

Yet another positive health benefit is saffron might help regenerate brain cells lost to alcohol consumption. We, ahem, are always looking for practical applications to your healthstyle, particularly if a glass of wine is in your near weekend future.

The findings regarding depression have been linked to saffron’s ability to alter the brain chemical serotonin. A group of Iranian scientists wondered if saffron might also improve pre-menstrual cramps, bloating, irritability and fatigue in women because serotonin fluctuations are suspected as part of the PMS effect.

It turns out saffron supplements did indeed decrease symptoms in one group of volunteers when compared to a control taking a placebo capsule twice daily. The symptoms were self-reported as 50 percent less in the saffron group and 8 percent in the placebo group, according to the 2008 study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

What’s more, six of every 10 women in the saffron group were evaluated as showing improvement in PMS-associated depression, versus just one of every 10 women in the control group.

More research is needed, said the Iranian scientists. But, hey, nobody should be stopping women from opting for a dreamy paella or a blissful risotto this weekend at their favorite restaurant. Cooking at home? Saffron is perfect with rice and just a pinch or two will transform your dish. 

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.