 Saffron
Crocus sativus A vibrant, warming herb often used in the culinary world for soups, curry, and stews, it has also gained a lot of attention in the research realm. Here are some of the interesting things this herb can do! Low Mood, Depression, and Anxiety In a double blind, randomized trial, saffron was compared to the popular anti-depressant Prozac. Not only was it found to be just as effective but patients did not experience many of the common side effects of anti-depressant medications. Other similar trials have shown saffron to be superior to other commonly prescribed anti-depressant medications. It works well for improving mood, reducing anxiety, but also improving general health status. It is an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic [meaning it prevents blood vessel clogging!]. These functions are important because they help to address some of the underlying causes of depression such as inflammation, and oxidative stress but these functions also reduce the risk of long term cardiovascular disease which is often increased with major depression. Indigestion, Stomach Pains, and Inflammation We are what we eat, but more so, we are what we absorb. Good digestion is one of the keys to good health. Without it, we get bloating, cramping, gas, pain, irregular bowel movements - but even worse, we start to damage our intestinal tract. Poor digestion leads to inflammation in the gut, disruption of the helpful bacteria, and reabsorbing toxins that our bodies are supposed to get rid of. Saffron can certainly be a player in the digestive game. It acts as a carminitive and an anti-inflammatory which means that it helps to calm and soothe the digestive lining. It has also been shown to reduce spasms within the intestines, allowing for proper digestion and absorption of food. This allows for a calm belly, and a happy body! Blood Sugar & Diabetic Support Saffron has been shown to help regulate blood sugars by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin, over time, can become less sensitive with over exposure to sugar and sugar imbalances in the body. This process can turn into Type II Diabetes. Saffron not only improves insulin sensitivity, but it can also help to lower blood sugar levels making it helpful for pre-diabetics and diabetics. However, blood sugar dysregulation in general is a common theme in our over-processed, over-packaged, over-sugared way of eating; it's something I speak [and write] about often because it is such a powerful determining factor of our energy levels, mood, and overall health. Saffron, in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, can complement a blood sugar regulating plan. 3 in 1: Interestingly, low mood, poor digestion, and blood sugar dysregulation are a commonly found trio in my clinic! I love finding natural medicines that work on multiple systems of the body, and saffron certainly fits the bill! Give saffron a try in your kitchen to reap the benefits of this helpful herb on a daily basis, or speak to me, or your ND about whether saffron might be the right supplement for you! Yours in Health! Dr. Ashley
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