The “Sunshine Spice” that May Help with Seasonal Depression

Did you know saffron-based pigments have been found in 50,000-year-old paintings in Northwest Iran? Saffron conjures ideas of romance, royalty, and delicacy wherever it appears. But saffron is treasured for more than its colour and art of cultivation (it takes approximately 75,000 saffron flowers to produce one pound of saffron stigma); First cultivated in late Bronze Age Crete, it also appears as an important medicinal herb in many ancient texts, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

More recent research has explored the ways in which saffron’s golden hue is thought to bring a sunny disposition to those who take it therapeutically, particularly during the dreary winter months.

Standardized saffron extract was shown to improve symptoms of depression in healthy adults by decreasing negative moods and symptoms related to stress, as well as improving sleep quality, according to a study published in the journal, Complimentary Therapies in Medicine. Several other studies support this, suggesting saffron may offer help for those suffering from clinical depression or who simply need support during a temporary time of stress, such as during Winter, when low Vitamin D levels and restricted time outdoors can cause many of us to feel more unbalanced.  

While more research is certainly needed, other studies have yielded similar results comparing saffron to the drug fluoxetine, of which Prozac is a common brand name. In a meta-analysis of eight studies comparing the efficacy of saffron to fluoxetine, published in the journal, Psychology Research and Behavior Management, researchers concluded that saffron improved the symptoms of depressed study participants as effectively as Prozac, and with fewer risks and side effects.

How does it work?

Researchers found that saffron may work in multiple ways to boost mood and lessen the symptoms of depression: Not only does it appear to help balance neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers created by nerve cells); it also exerts a neuroprotective effect, which protects nerve cells from injury and degradation. Saffron may also have a balancing effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex feedback system involving a family of hormonal glands that regulate the body’s response to stress.

While 28 mg of standardized saffron extract (available at your local health food store) is what’s recommended to achieve clinical results, raw saffron threads are a perfect addition to your Winter recipes as well, adding a beautiful golden colour and depth of flavour to curries, soups, stews, warm drinks, and more.

My Ayurvedic Sleep Tonic uses a combination of saffron and ashwaghanda in a rich and sweet bedtime tonic that helps to calm the nervous system and improve our capacity for a good night’s sleep, which we all know is essential for feeling our best as we greet the coming day.

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of your favourite plant milk
• 1 pitted date
• ½ Tbsp ghee (or coconut oil, if vegan)
• ½ Tbsp raw honey
• Pinch of ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ashwaghanda powder (available at your local health food store)
• 2-3 saffron threads
• Dash of cinnamon

In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and the date until hot but not boiling, stirring to prevent scorching.

Add milk and date to a blender with the remaining ingredients, except for the cinnamon. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Pour into a mug, top with cinnamon, and enjoy before bed.

*Important Note: This content is for information purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. If you’re feeling depressed or suicidal, it’s important to reach out to a doctor, therapist, spiritual consultant, friend or loved one for support. And as with the treatment of any health condition, always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to incorporating herbs or supplements as a remedy. If you do choose to use saffron, always be sure to purchase a reputable brand, such as Genuine Health or AOR, to ensure you’re getting real, pure saffron.