I have been suffering from stomach problems for a long time. A few days ago, my friend gave me a box of saffron and said it was a good herbal medicine for health. I want to ask if it is safe to consume saffron with stomach problems.
Can saffron treat stomach problems?
Saffron has certain benefits for the type of stomach problems caused by blood stasis and obstruction.
In traditional Chinese medicine, stomach problems are divided into different types, including liver qi stagnation, spleen and stomach qi deficiency, spleen and stomach yang deficiency, stomach yin deficiency, blood stasis and obstruction, liver and stomach heat, and food stagnation.
The type of stomach problem caused by blood stasis and obstruction is mainly characterized by fixed pain in the stomach area, sharp needle-like pain, aggravated pain after eating, etc. The treatment should focus on promoting blood circulation, eliminating stasis, promoting qi circulation, and relieving pain. Saffron has a sweet taste, mild nature, and strong ability to promote blood circulation and eliminate stasis. It can dredge blood vessels and meridians, maintain smooth blood flow, and to some extent alleviate pain caused by blood stasis.
Can people with stomach problems consume saffron?
Not all people with stomach problems can consume saffron.
Stomach problems are a general term for various diseases related to the stomach, and the symptoms are very similar, such as discomfort, pain in the upper abdomen, bloating after meals, belching, nausea, vomiting, etc. Common stomach problems include acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastric stones, etc. Due to the strong physiological activity of saffron, it can stimulate smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is not suitable for people with gastric or duodenal ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract to consume saffron.
What happens if someone with gastric or duodenal ulcers consumes saffron?
Saffron has a strong ability to promote blood circulation and eliminate stasis, which can stimulate the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, people with gastric or duodenal ulcers may experience aggravated stomach pain after consuming saffron. If consumed in large quantities, it may even cause ulcer rupture and bleeding, or increase the bleeding at the original site.
Who else should avoid consuming saffron?
1. Pregnant women
Saffron has strong physiological activity and can stimulate the uterus and promote uterine contractions. Consuming large amounts of saffron during pregnancy may cause abdominal discomfort or even miscarriage.
2. Women during menstruation
Saffron has a strong blood circulation effect and can stimulate the blood vessels of the uterus. Women during menstruation who consume saffron may experience increased menstrual blood flow or prolonged menstruation.
3. People allergic to pollen
Saffron is the stigma of the plant Crocus sativus and contains a large amount of pollen. People allergic to pollen may experience allergic reactions such as generalized red rashes and itching after consuming saffron.
What dietary precautions should be taken for people with stomach problems?
1. Regular diet
People with stomach problems should have regular meals and eat in moderation. They should eat at the designated time and avoid overeating to maintain regular gastrointestinal activity.
2. Suitable temperature
People with stomach problems should pay attention to the temperature of their food. It should not be too hot or too cold, as excessively hot or cold food may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause discomfort.
3. Chew slowly and thoroughly
People with stomach problems should chew their food slowly and thoroughly to reduce the burden on the stomach. Additionally, the saliva secreted during chewing also has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa.
4. Avoid spicy and irritating foods
People with stomach problems are advised not to smoke, as smoking can cause vasoconstriction in the stomach, affecting blood supply to the gastric wall and reducing gastric mucosal resistance. Additionally, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods should be consumed in moderation to avoid further gastrointestinal irritation.
5. Eat more vegetables and fruits
People with stomach problems can consume fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation to supplement vitamin C. Vitamin C has a protective effect on the stomach and can effectively enhance gastric function and alleviate discomfort.
