Saffron is a highly valuable traditional Chinese medicine with certain effects in lowering blood pressure and blood glucose levels. So, can saffron lower blood sugar?
Does Saffron Lower Blood Sugar?
It has a certain auxiliary hypoglycemic effect.
High blood sugar is a condition where the blood glucose level is elevated due to the dysfunction of the two major regulatory systems in the body, namely the hormone regulation and neural regulation. Saffron has the functions of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, cooling blood, detoxifying, and relieving depression and anxiety. Its ethanol extract can promote insulin secretion and maintain the normal functioning of the pancreas, which can help to some extent in lowering blood sugar levels.
Is Saffron Effective in Lowering Blood Sugar?
The effect of using saffron alone is limited.
Although saffron has a certain auxiliary hypoglycemic effect, it is mainly used for the treatment of blood stasis-related conditions and does not have significant therapeutic effects on high blood sugar. Moreover, using saffron alone to lower blood sugar has very limited effectiveness. It is generally recommended to consult a doctor for the treatment of high blood sugar and follow their guidance for a dialectical treatment.
How to Use Saffron to Lower Blood Sugar?
Saffron Tea
1. Take 5-8 saffron threads and put them into a cup.
2. Add boiling water and steep for about 3 minutes.
3. Let it cool down and drink it. You can repeat this process 3-4 times and consume the saffron threads together at the end.
Saffron Porridge
1. Take 10-15 saffron threads and 100 grams of rice.
2. Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it with an appropriate amount of water.
3. Add saffron to the cooked rice porridge.
4. Stir the saffron evenly and cook for 5-10 minutes before consuming.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Saffron to Lower Blood Sugar?
1. Cannot Replace Hypoglycemic Medications
Saffron only has an auxiliary hypoglycemic effect and cannot completely replace hypoglycemic medications. During the use of saffron, hypoglycemic medications should continue to be taken, and blood sugar levels should be regularly monitored.
2. Avoid Excessive Consumption
The recommended dosage of saffron for medicinal purposes is generally 1-3 grams. If used in tea or porridge, 5-10 saffron threads are sufficient. It is not recommended to exceed 10 grams as excessive consumption may cause toxic reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Not Recommended for Daily Use
Saffron has strong physiological activity, and daily use may cause symptoms such as internal heat or nervous excitement. It is generally recommended to take a break from saffron for 1-2 days after using it for 3-4 days.
4. Not Recommended for Individuals with Gastric Ulcers or Bleeding
Saffron has the function of promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, which can stimulate the blood vessels and smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Its use may cause ulcer rupture or increased bleeding.
What Precautions Should Be Taken in Daily Life for High Blood Sugar?
1. Regular Blood Sugar Measurement
Since blood glucose levels vary at different times of the day, it is recommended for individuals with high blood sugar to regularly measure their blood sugar levels before and after meals to monitor their blood glucose levels and prevent unaware elevation of blood sugar, which can lead to complications of diabetes.
2. Control Diet
Individuals with high blood sugar need to strictly control their daily intake of sugar and fat. For example, foods high in sugar and fat, such as rice, pork, watermelon, and pear, if consumed excessively, can directly increase blood glucose levels.
3. Engage in Regular Exercise
As the saying goes, for individuals with high blood sugar, they need to "control their diet and exercise regularly." Therefore, besides dietary control, reasonable exercise is also necessary to promote the transformation and transportation of spleen, thus improving blood glucose levels. Activities such as running, Tai Chi, and walking can be performed.
