What does it help with?

Calm & worry

In tests, saffron pills helped some grown-ups who felt very sad or worried. Bigger tests are still needed.

🟡 Scientists think so

What do the colored dots mean?

🟢 Scientists are sure Strong evidence (several good human trials)
🟡 Scientists think so Some evidence (small human studies)
🟠 Still being studied Early evidence (lab or animal studies only)
🔵 Grandma's wisdom Traditional use (not scientifically confirmed)

How we grade evidence

Careful if…

For kids OK in normal food Pills, powders & oils: ask a grown-up first

A few saffron threads in food are fine for kids. Saffron pills are only for grown-ups, with a doctor's advice.

Pregnancy

⚠️ Ask a doctor first

Mums expecting a baby should ask a doctor before saffron pills.
Large amounts

⚠️ Ask a doctor first

Saffron is very strong. Only a few threads go in food.

Natural does not always mean safe. Always ask a grown-up before trying something new, and a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement. Try the safety check →

What is it?

Saffron comes from a purple crocus flower. Each flower has just three red threads. People pick them by hand, one flower at a time.

It takes lots and lots of flowers to make a little saffron. That is why it costs so much! In Morocco, saffron grows near the town of Taliouine.

How people use it

In the kitchen

A few threads colour and flavour tagines, rice and soups.
Soaked in a little warm water first to bring out the colour.

Traditional uses

🔵 Grandma's wisdom — not proven by science

Used for centuries to colour food and cloth golden yellow.

Fun facts

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Just a few threads can turn a whole pot of rice yellow.
Saffron flowers bloom in autumn, and pickers start at sunrise.
Taliouine in Morocco holds a saffron festival.

Grow it yourself

Medium
Lots of sun
A little water
Grows in a pot
Flowers in autumn, a few months after planting the bulbs

In late summer, plant saffron bulbs in a sunny pot.
Put them about a hand deep in soil that drains well.
Water a little. Too much water makes the bulbs rot.
In autumn, pick the three red threads from each flower and dry them.

Quiz time!

Answer 3 questions. Get 2 right to win this plant’s badge for your garden!

Where do saffron threads come from?
Why does saffron cost so much?
Which Moroccan town is famous for saffron?

Your plant card

Print it, cut it out and collect them all!

Saffron

Crocus sativus

Superpowers: Calm & worry
Careful: Pregnancy, Large amounts
Growing: ⭐⭐

🤩 Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world.

For grown-ups: science, amounts & safety

Tap to open

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal supplement — especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, before surgery, or if you take medicines. Medical disclaimer

What the research says

Use	Evidence	Details
Calm & worry	🟡 Some evidence (small human studies)	A 2020 meta-analysis of 12 trials found saffron improved mild to moderate depression more than placebo and about as well as antidepressants, with no difference in side effects^[2]. A 2025 meta-analysis of trials comparing saffron with SSRIs found no significant difference for depression or anxiety, and fewer adverse events with saffron; larger studies are needed^[1]. Depression needs a doctor's care — do not stop prescribed medicine.

Who should be careful & interactions

⚠️ Ask a doctor first Pregnancy: Saffron use during pregnancy raises safety concerns; the few trials in pregnant women used small doses for a short time and excluded high-risk pregnancies^[3]. Avoid saffron supplements in pregnancy unless a doctor advises them.
⚠️ Ask a doctor first Large amounts: Doses above about 5 g a day may cause adverse effects^[3]; cooking uses only a few threads, and supplement trials used milligram doses.

Names & identifiers

Scientific name: Crocus sativus
Also called: Zaafran, Saffron crocus
Wikidata: Q15041677

Sources

Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Nutrition Reviews · 2025 · Research review · PubMed
Safety and Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · 2020 · Research review · PubMed
Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Molecular Mechanisms, and Toxicity of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Comprehensive Overview Antioxidants (Basel) · 2025 · Research review · PubMed

✅ Reviewed by sm_owner on September 26, 2026.

Last updated September 26, 2026. How we write and check our pages

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