A friend recently gave me some saffron, but because I have anemia, I haven't dared to drink it. I would like to ask if it is safe for people with anemia to consume saffron.
Can people with anemia drink saffron?
Yes, they can.
Anemia is a common clinical symptom characterized by a decrease in the peripheral blood red cell volume below the lower limit of the normal range. It is typically manifested as dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, pale complexion, and pale color of the fingernails and lips.
Saffron is a Chinese herbal medicine with the effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving depression, calming the mind, cooling blood, and detoxifying. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as women's amenorrhea caused by blood stasis, irregular menstruation due to blood stagnation, and postpartum lochia retention. It does not worsen symptoms of anemia and can even help improve anemia. Therefore, it is safe for people with anemia to drink saffron.
Is it good for people with anemia to drink saffron?
It is somewhat helpful.
Saffron is well-known for its strong blood circulation-promoting effect, but it not only has the effect of promoting blood circulation but also has a certain blood-supplementing effect. The active ingredients in saffron can help increase blood flow in the blood vessels and promote blood oxygen supply to cells, to some extent improving symptoms of anemia.
How to drink saffron for people with anemia?
Saffron water
Instructions:
1. Put 5-8 strands of saffron into a cup.
2. Pour in boiling water, cover the cup, and let it steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking.
3. You can add more water 3-4 times during this period and eat the saffron threads at the end.
Saffron and Tremella Fungus Soup
Ingredients: 10-15 strands of saffron, 1 Tremella fungus, 10-15 Chinese dates, 50g lotus seeds, 10-15 wolfberries, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
1. Soak the lotus seeds for 3 hours in advance and soak the Tremella fungus until it expands.
2. Wash all the above ingredients and put them into a pot together with the Tremella fungus, Chinese dates, wolfberries, and lotus seeds.
3. Add water and cook for 30 minutes. Then add the saffron and simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
4. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar for taste.
Precautions for drinking saffron
1. Do not take an excessive amount
When drinking saffron, pay special attention to the dosage. The recommended dosage of saffron is 1-3 grams and should not exceed 9 grams. Otherwise, it may cause toxic reactions such as gastrointestinal colic, nausea, vomiting, hematuria, and even confusion.
2. Not recommended for daily consumption
Saffron has strong physiological activity and has certain stimulating effects on blood vessels and nerves. Daily consumption may cause adverse reactions such as mental excitement or excessive internal heat. It is generally recommended to take a break of 1 day after 3-4 days of consumption.
3. Not recommended during menstruation
For women, saffron should not be consumed during menstruation. Saffron has the effect of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis. Consuming saffron during menstruation may lead to increased menstrual blood volume and prolonged menstrual period.
4. Not suitable for pregnant women
During pregnancy, diet needs to be carefully managed. Saffron is a blood-activating herb that can stimulate the uterus and cause contractions, which may lead to miscarriage if consumed by pregnant women.
5. Not suitable for people with gastric or intestinal ulcers or bleeding
Saffron has a strong blood-activating effect and can stimulate the blood vessels of the stomach and intestines, which may cause ulcer rupture or increased bleeding.
What foods are good for anemia?
1. Red dates
Red dates have the effects of replenishing blood, calming the mind, invigorating the spleen, and nourishing the stomach. They contain various vitamins and amino acids that can replenish qi and blood and strengthen tendons and bones.
2. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, which is the basic element for the production of hemoglobin. It is a good choice for people with iron-deficiency anemia.
3. Dried mulberries
Dried mulberries, also known as "blood-supplementing fruit," are rich in iron and other nutrients. Every 100 grams of dried mulberries contains 42.5 milligrams of iron, making it an excellent food for replenishing blood.
4. Carrots
Carrots contain abundant carotene, which can help increase hemoglobin and improve blood concentration and quality.
5. Black beans
In traditional Chinese medicine, black is associated with the kidney and can help tonify the kidney, generate marrow, and replenish blood. It can also enhance the digestive function of the spleen and stomach. It is beneficial for those with kidney deficiency and blood deficiency.
