Saffron During Pregnancy – Benefits & Side Effects

Pregnancy has the potential to transform your physical and mental well-being to a great extent. Saffron is great during pregnancy as it promotes positive emotions and possesses certain medicinal qualities that help deal with the symptoms of pregnancy.

What is Saffron?

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

Benefits of Saffron during Pregnancy

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

1. Reducing blood pressure

   Just 3 to 4 strands of saffron in milk would help to reduce the blood pressure in pregnant women. Saffron relaxes the muscles and acts as a uterine stimulant.

2.  Aids digestion

   Constipation, gas and bloating are very common complaints during the gestation period. Saffron promotes blood flow to the digestive system and increases metabolism. Milk is recommended for high protein and calcium, but may not be easily digested by everyone.

3. Curbs morning sickness

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

4. Soothing

   Our very own Kesar is a natural painkiller and has anti-spasmodic properties. It relaxes muscles and relieves joint/stomach pain.

5. Combats anemia

   Most women are anemic. Saffron is loaded with iron and essential for the formation of red blood cells. Regular intake of saffron in the food will boost hemoglobin in the blood.

6. Keeps heart diseases at bay

   Saffron has a magical property of protecting you against heart diseases. 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.

7. Promotes sleep

   Those are the nights spent tossing and turning or watching TV to sleep. Try having a warm cup of saffron milk or tea before bed. It works as a mild sedative.

8. Relieves sore gums

   A surge of hormones often causes sore gums during pregnancy. To get relief, you can use ground saffron to gently massage your gums. This helps to reduce the soreness and sensitivity.

9. Fights allergies

   You are more prone to allergies during pregnancy. Saffron infused milk will soothe a cough, asthma, allergies and relieve congestion. Applying the paste of sandalwood and saffron is said to bring down fever.

10.  Aids hair growth

    Hair fall is another concern during pregnancy. Saffron to the rescue! Apply a paste of liquorices, milk, and saffron to the balding spots and see the difference!

Side Effects of Saffron during Pregnancy

Even though a lot of health benefits are attributed to saffron, it’s not wise to assume that it will be best for you. Check below:

• Miscarriages:

Doctor’s advise against over 10 gm consumption of saffron per day. Saffron increases body’s heat which may lead to abortive conditions. It also triggers movements of the baby which are usually felt after the second trimester. It’s better to consult your obstetrician before consuming saffron. Yes, it’s that serious!

• Allergies:

If you experience dry mouth, anxiety, headache, and nausea then you may be hypersensitive to saffron. These are simply going to complicate pregnancy
Vomiting: Forced throwing up of food leads to acid disturbance in stomach and contractions