Saffron is a well-known "Tibetan medicine" both in China and abroad. It is famous for its blood circulation and blood nourishing properties. Saffron has the effects of promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling and pain, cooling blood and detoxifying, and relieving mental stress. Long-term consumption of saffron can improve the body's immune function. But are there any side effects of long-term consumption of saffron?
【Common formulas using saffron】
1. For treating menstrual blockage, dysmenorrhea, and postpartum back pain: 2g saffron, 15g salvia miltiorrhiza, 30g leonurus heterophyllus, 12g cyperus rotundus. Decoction and take orally.
2. For treating postpartum stasis: 6g cortex moutan, 6g angelica sinensis, 4.5g rhubarb, 2g saffron, 6g dried lotus leaf. Grind into powder. Take orally, 6g three times a day, with boiled water.
3. For treating menstrual disorders: 3g saffron, 150g black beans, 90g brown sugar. Decoction and take orally. (Formulas 1-3 are from the "Qingdao Herbal Manual")
4. For treating pain in the waist, chest, head, and neck: grind saffron, combine with sheep heart, cow heart, or deer heart, roast until red, apply on the affected area and consume orally. ("Pin Hui Jing Yao")
5. For treating bruises and injuries: 3g saffron. Decoction, add a little white wine. Use the solution to wash the affected area. ("Qingdao Herbal Manual")
6. For treating all kinds of bleeding: one saffron flower, one cup of clear liquor. Put the flower in the liquor, stew and take the juice. ("Gangmu Shi Yi", cited from Wang Shiyao's formula)
7. For treating delirium and palpitations: two parts of saffron. Soak in one cup of water overnight. Take orally. ("Gangmu", cited from "Yi Lin Ji Yao")
8. For treating otitis media: fresh saffron juice, fresh peppermint juice in appropriate amount, add a little alum powder, mix well. Drop into the ear. ("Qingdao Herbal Manual")
【Side effects of saffron】
The main side effects of saffron are abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even gastrointestinal bleeding and severe abdominal cramps.
Although saffron is beneficial for regulating women's bodies, excessive consumption can affect women's endocrine system, causing endocrine disorders and a series of side effects. For normal women, menstruation is usually very regular. Due to the abundance of various components needed by women, saffron can easily cause a shortening of the menstrual cycle and an extension of the menstrual period, seriously affecting women's health.
In case of saffron poisoning, some may experience confusion, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Respiration may be initially excited and then inhibited, leading to circulatory and respiratory failure. A small number of patients may experience dizziness, rash, and transient urticaria. Long-term consumption may also cause nervous excitement and disrupt sleep and other daily habits.
【Precautions for taking saffron】
1. Pregnant women should avoid taking saffron. Saffron is not only a contraceptive but also a folk abortion drug.
2. Avoid taking saffron during menstruation. Saffron promotes blood circulation and increases blood volume.
3. Patients with ulcers or bleeding diseases should use saffron with caution.
