Saffron During Pregnancy: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

Pregnancy can potentially transform your physical and mental well-being to a great extent. Maintaining good health is paramount for the mother and the developing baby. Kesar, also known as saffron, has been cherished for centuries for its distinct flavour, aroma, and potential health benefits. It helps cope with feelings of anxiety, stress and stomach pain and is often recommended during pregnancy. Kesar for pregnant woman is beneficial, but like most things, kesar in pregnancy may also pose problems if not taken in moderation. Read on to understand the benefits, risks, and proper usage of saffron during pregnancy.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is the dried stigma of the crocus sativus flower. It is a thread-like structure that contains pollen located at the centre of the flower. The saffron plant bears four flowers, from which the styles and crimson-coloured stigmata are collected and dried. A single flower contributes only three strands of saffron, and it takes approximately 14,000 strands to produce one pound of saffron. A lot of effort and labour goes into harvesting these saffron threads, thus making it one of the most expensive spices in the world.

It is cultivated mostly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and in India, this flower is only grown in Jammu and Kashmir. This exotic spice is known by different names based on the languages used in India, like saffron, kesar, koung, zaffron, or kumkumapoovu.

Also Read: Consuming Fennel Seeds during Pregnancy

Saffron is regarded as ‘The Golden Spice’ because it not only adds a unique aroma and flavour to food but also aids in health issues like digestion by forming a protective coating in the digestive tract. The yellow-orange colour imparted to the food containing saffron results from the carotenoid pigment crocetin.

It is used in many beauty treatment creams, as it has specific medicinal properties and soothing effects on the skin. It helps the skin regain radiance and glow and helps maintain an even texture. Also, because of its antioxidant properties, it effectively slows down the ageing process. A common myth is that consuming saffron during pregnancy helps the baby have a fairer complexion.

Is It Safe to Consume Saffron During Pregnancy?

The safety of consuming saffron during pregnancy can depend on various factors, including the trimester and the quantity consumed.

1. First Trimester

While saffron during pregnancy’s first trimester is generally considered safe in small amounts as a cooking spice, there isn’t enough research on its effects on fetal development. Therefore, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid excessive consumption, especially in the early stages. It’s advisable to consult with a doctor before incorporating saffron into your diet during the first trimester.

2. Second Trimester

As the due date approaches in the third trimester, many women are curious about saffron’s potential to aid labour. Traditionally, saffron during pregnancy’s third trimester has been used in some cultures to stimulate contractions and ease childbirth. However, scientific evidence supporting this use is limited, and the safety of using saffron specifically for inducing labour has yet to be established (3).

Is Saffron Extract Safe in Pregnancy?

Saffron extract is highly concentrated and has been used in some Asian countries for various purposes, including depression, weight loss, fat burning, and reducing sugar cravings. However, there’s limited scientific research on its safety during pregnancy. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, avoiding saffron extract during pregnancy is generally recommended, especially considering its high concentrations of crocin and safranal. Pregnant women need to prioritise safety and consult with their doctor before using any supplements or herbal remedies.

Benefits of Saffron for Pregnant Women

Saffron is essential and highly recommended during pregnancy because of its medicinal nature. Its primary advantage is that it helps digestion by forming a protective coating in the digestive tract. When consumed in moderation, the benefits of kesar in pregnancy include the following:

1. Reduces Mood Swings

Pregnancy triggers several hormonal changes in your body, and that has a profound effect on your feelings. You may go from being cranky at one moment to being impulsive or emotional in another. For such times, saffron can come to your rescue. It acts as an anti-depressant and boosts the blood flow to your brain (1). Consuming saffron results in the production of the hormone serotonin, which elevates your mood. It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

2. Manages Blood Pressure

A woman’s heart rate can speed up by 25% during pregnancy, causing fluctuations in blood pressure. Saffron contains potassium and crocetin, which help lower blood pressure (6). This feature can be beneficial during pregnancy.

3. Calms Morning Sickness

Morning sickness often leaves you feeling dull and lethargic. Anecdotal evidence proves that saffron-infused tea usually helps combat nausea and dizziness.

4. Aids in Digestion

The majority of women suffer from stomach aches during pregnancy. Digestion slows down during pregnancy, and an expectant mother may require some stimulating agents to ease the process. Saffron is known to boost blood flow to the digestive system and thus helps to enhance metabolism. This, in turn, aids in better digestion (5). Saffron causes the formation of a protective coating in the digestive tract. This extra layer helps to soothe the gastrointestinal acidity and also lessens bloating.

5. Gets Rid of Cramps

A pregnant woman experiences cramps ranging from mild in the beginning to near severe before delivery. Throughout the pregnancy, the bones and muscles stretch and shift to accommodate the growing baby, which can cause pains and cramps in the stomach and pelvic joints. Saffron is a natural painkiller. It relaxes the muscles, which helps to relieve stomach pain and soothe cramps (7).

6. Protects Against Heart Disease

Saffron has the magical property of protecting you against heart diseases (9). During pregnancy, women tend to consume more than the required amount of fatty foods to satisfy their increased appetite. This can have a detrimental effect on their cardiovascular system. The antioxidants, crocetin and potassium in saffron help reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

7. Cures Respiratory Illness

Saffron possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help dilate the nasal airways. It also reduces the swelling and inflammation in the lungs. As a result, you can breathe clearly. Saffron can also aid pregnant women with asthma by removing any blockage in their lungs and trachea.

8. Reduces Hair-Fall

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often result in increased hair loss. A widespread practice among many pregnant women is applying a paste of milk, saffron, and liquorice to reduce hair loss. The antioxidants in saffron nourish the hair, making it stronger.

9. Aids in Better Sleep

As the pregnancy progresses, sleeping becomes a challenge, with the mother tossing and turning all night to comfortably accommodate the growing belly, deal with the effects of hormonal surges, and reduce the discomfort of stretching bones. All these factors together cause cramps, pain and discomfort. During such times, you can have saffron-infused milk. Saffron contains mild soothing properties that help promote sleep and relax you (8). Drinking saffron with milk is known to improve your quality of sleep.

10. Heals Skin Problems

Many women claim that consuming saffron helps them fight common skin problems. These include pimple breakouts, melasma, and acne that arise during pregnancy. Saffron is a blood purifier and an effective solution to skin problems caused by impurities in the blood (10).

11. Helps Avoid Congestion Due to Allergies

Often, your immune system is compromised during pregnancy. You become vulnerable to infections and allergies, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Saffron helps ease your cough, asthma, allergies, and nasal congestion. Besides, applying a paste of saffron and sandalwood helps to bring down fever.

12. Helps Experience the Movement of the Baby

As per Ayurvedic scriptures, saffron increases your body heat, causing a rise in your body temperature. This, in turn, results in the baby’s movement inside you. It’s always a pleasure to feel your baby move in your womb.

When to Consume Saffron During Pregnancy?

Saffron is believed to boost appetite and help with digestion. However, you should consult your OB-GYN and dietitian before consuming saffron during pregnancy.

Consuming saffron during the second trimester is recommended and considered safe, mainly from the fifth month onwards. Healthcare providers should instruct expecting mothers on when to consume saffron during pregnancy so that they consume it in the right amounts.

Eating saffron during pregnancy increases body heat, which raises the frequency of uterine contractions. Having it at night is ill-advised, as your body will be running many processes during this time.

Saffron is believed to induce contractions and, in extreme cases, may cause spontaneous miscarriage. Doctors recommended that a dose of not more than one strand per day, as any more than that may prove to be risky and affect your baby, causing preterm labour or even miscarriage. Although it has high nutritional value, it is advisable to be aware of when to eat saffron during pregnancy to avoid harm or adverse reactions.

How to Consume Saffron During Pregnancy?

You now know that saffron is safe to be used in pregnancy but in a limited amount. Expectant mothers must be well informed about how to use saffron during pregnancy. Saffron is primarily consumed in two forms:

1. Soaked Saffron

This is the most common way of using saffron at home or by commercial cooks. The saffron threads are gently crushed and transferred into water, milk, or broth. They are left to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes before being consumed or added to a recipe.

2. Crumbled Saffron

This form of saffron is best used in nutritious soups and salad dressings. You can crumble the saffron strands with your fingers and use them directly in different preparations.

Once you have prepared the saffron, the next step is to utilise it in dishes. If you’re wondering how to eat saffron during pregnancy, worry not, as there are plenty of ways to consume it. Saffron forms an important part of Indian cuisine as it is used in dishes like kheer, lassi, biryani and many other traditional sweets. Here’s how to use saffron during pregnancy:

3. Saffron With Milk

Calcium is an essential mineral for the growth and development of your baby. On entering the fifth month of pregnancy, you may add saffron strands to your milk. Otherwise, you may grind the almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands and add the paste to your milk. You can drink the saffron milk in the morning.

4. Saffron in Rice Preparations/ Soup

Saffron may be added to soups and rice dishes to enhance the flavour. One to two strands will impart colour and flavour.

5. Saffron With Water

You can put a strand of saffron in your glass of water and drink it. It will help in your digestion.

Side Effects of Saffron During Pregnancy

Saffron for pregnant ladies can be beneficial, but it has its share of side effects. Consumption of saffron in high doses can be hazardous for expectant mothers, as it leads to uterine contractions (4) and can cause the following issues:

1. Miscarriage

Saffron increases body heat and temperature, leading to increased uterine contractions. This can result in miscarriage during the early weeks of pregnancy (2). You should start consuming saffron only in your second trimester and after consulting your gynaecologist.

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of Eating Ragi during Pregnancy

2. Hypersensitivity

In many cases, pregnant women complain of experiencing anxiety, dry mouth, nausea and headaches on having saffron. If you are facing such problems, it is best that you avoid saffron.

3. Vomiting

Saffron can also lead to vomiting in some women. Vomiting doesn’t just make you feel miserable but deprives you and your baby of essential nutrients. So, ensure that you do not have such an adverse reaction to saffron. If you do, you must avoid consuming it.

4. Saffron Poisoning

Saffron poisoning may occur when a person consumes high doses of saffron, equal to or more than 12g. This is characterised by yellowing of skin, eyes, and mucus membranes, numbness, bloody diarrhoea, nose bleeds, bleeding lips, and more.

Also Read: Eating Radish during Pregnancy

5. Contractions

Increased intake of saffron stimulates the uterus, increasing the frequency of contractions. This can lead to premature labour.

6. Dizziness

Owing to the sedative property of saffron, consuming it in higher doses can result in a feeling of dizziness.

7. Allergies

Women who are sensitive to certain foods and have a history of being allergic to Olea, Lolium, and Sasola plants are at risk of developing further allergies when eating saffron.

8. Bleeding From Eyelids, Nose or Lips

Depending on the stage of pregnancy you are in and your experience of allergies and saffron consumption, there are possibilities of complications like bleeding from the nose, lips or eyelids.

9. Numbness

A high intake of saffron may also cause numbness in some women. Numbness is a tingling sensation in the hands and feet that can also occur in the eyelids and lips.

10. Jaundice / Diarrhoea / Haemorrhaging

Taking in a large amount of saffron often causes toxic reactions in the body, resulting in conditions like jaundice, bleeding and diarrhoea.

11. Blood in Urine or Stool

Discharge of blood in urine or stools can be a frightening sight for a pregnant woman. However, it could be a possible side effect of high saffron intake.

Also Read: Eating Pickles During Pregnancy – Health Benefits and Risks

Alternatives of Saffron While Pregnant

During pregnancy, some women may seek alternatives to saffron due to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or concerns about its safety. Exploring alternative options can provide variety while ensuring nutritional needs are met. Here are some alternatives to saffron for pregnant women:

• Red Raspberry Leaf: Red raspberry leaf tea, brewed from dried raspberry leaves, is believed to strengthen the uterus and potentially reduce labour pains (11).
• Ginger: Whether consumed as tea, added to meals, or taken in capsule form, ginger is renowned for its ability to alleviate nausea and aid digestion during pregnancy. 
• Peppermint: Peppermint tea, brewed from fresh or dried leaves, offers soothing relief from nausea and helps ease digestion discomfort. While generally safe, caution is advised with peppermint oil capsules, as they may exacerbate symptoms of heartburn or GERD in some pregnant women (12).

Other Things to Remember

Saffron is often sold in adulterated forms and can be harmful to pregnant women and their babies. It is essential to get original saffron and only from trusted sources. Some precautions or things to remember for consuming saffron safely during pregnancy are:

1. Buy Packaged Saffron

Local shops may sell these saffron strands in loose form. However, buying only packaged ones is best for preventive measures during pregnancy.

2. Go Through the Label

Before buying the saffron, check the expiry date of the packet and ensure that it is a certified brand.

3. Check for Originality

You can differentiate between pure and impure saffron by the colour itself. Pure saffron is crimson red and has a soft orange-red tip. If you find the saffron completely crimson, it is probably fake or adulterated.

4. Saffron Grades

The grading of saffron is done based on their colour. The highest-graded saffron has the deepest tone and is the costliest. Also, the higher grade of saffron has the best aroma. You may enquire about the grade of saffron to select the best available one.

5. Artificial Colouring

Ensure that the saffron you buy does not have any yellow or white threads. If it does, it means that the pack is adulterated, made up by mixing it with other parts of the flower.

Also Read: Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy – Is it Safe?

6. Choose Saffron Strands Over Powder Form

Buy fresh saffron strands rather than in powdered form, as they may lose their antioxidant properties to a certain extent on being powdered. Also, it becomes easier to check their genuineness. To check for authenticity, you may immerse a few saffron strands in warm water. Original saffron takes about 10 to 15 minutes before its colour bleeds, whereas the fake ones bleed colour the moment you immerse them in any liquid or food.

7. Storage Techniques for Saffron

Storing saffron properly is essential to maintain its nutritional properties for longer. You will certainly want to store the saffron in a way that retains its properties because it is expensive. It must be stored in an airtight container in a cool place, hidden from sunlight. This helps the saffron preserve its flavour for at least six months. You may wrap the saffron in foil to ensure further protection. It is best to keep this airtight container in the refrigerator. You can add a ground sugar cube to prevent saffron from absorbing atmospheric moisture. As described above, you can use the saffron strands for up to three years if appropriately stored.

FAQs

1. Can saffron help with pregnancy-related mood swings?

Saffron is believed to have mood-enhancing properties and may help alleviate pregnancy-related mood swings for some women. However, individual responses may vary; consulting with a doctor for personalised advice is essential.

2. Can saffron consumption affect the colour or flavour of breast milk?

Some women may wonder whether kesar use in pregnancy can impact the colour or flavour of their breast milk. While there’s limited research on this topic, it’s advisable to consume saffron in moderation and monitor for any changes in breast milk composition.

3. Are there any precautions to consider when using saffron in pregnancy-friendly recipes?

When incorporating saffron into recipes during pregnancy, it’s essential to use it in recommended amounts and avoid recipes containing unsafe ingredients, such as unpasteurised dairy or raw eggs.

Saffron is a treasure trove of benefits, making it a valuable addition to your pregnancy diet. However, it’s essential to consult a dietitian or doctor to determine the right amount for consumption and to avoid any potential side effects. Enjoy kesar during pregnancy in moderation, and let its benefits enhance your health!

References/Resources:

1. Siddiqui. M. J, Saleh. M. S. M, Basharuddin. S. N. B. B, et al.; Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): As an Antidepressant; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266642/

2. Ajam. M, Reyhani. T, Roshanravan. V, Zare. Z; Increased Miscarriage Rate in Female Farmers Working in Saffron Fields: A Possible Effect of Saffron Toxicity; Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology; https://apjmt.mums.ac.ir/article_3047.html; June 2014

3. Sadi. R, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi. S, Mirghafourvand. M, et al.; Effect of Saffron (Fan Hong Hua) On the Readiness of The Uterine Cervix In Term Pregnancy: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5285732/

4. Poma. A, Fontecchio. G, Carlucci. G, Chichiriccò. G; Anti-inflammatory properties of drugs from saffron crocus; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22934747/

5. Javadi. B, Sahebkar. A, Emami. S. A; A survey on saffron in major islamic traditional medicine books; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3637900/; January 2013

6. Nasiri. Z, Sameni. H. R, Vakili. A, Jarrahi. M, Khorasani. M. Z; Dietary saffron reduced the blood pressure and prevented remodeling of the aorta in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764118/

7. Mokhtari-Zaer. A, Khazdair. M. R, Boskabady. M. H; Smooth muscle relaxant activity of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents: possible mechanisms; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599118/

8. Andalib. S, Vaseghi. A, Vaseghi. G, Naeini. A. M; Sedative and hypnotic effects of Iranian traditional medicinal herbs used for treatment of insomnia; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5611612/; October 2011

9. Kamalipour. M, Akhondzadeh. S; Cardiovascular effects of saffron: an evidence-based review; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466873/; May 2011

10. Hosseinzadeh. H; Saffron: a herbal medicine of third millennium; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3957135/; February 2014

11. Herbal teas during pregnancy and breastfeeding; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/herbal-teas-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding

12. Peppermint oil; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/peppermint-oil/

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Dry Fruits and Nuts in Pregnancy
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