7 Powerful Health Benefits of Saffron Tea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Saffron tea is an exotic floral tea with some impressive health benefits, as well as a steep price tag!

What is Saffron Tea?

Saffron tea is an herbal tea brewed from the dried stigmas (styles) of the saffron flower, a crocus from the lily family scientifically known as Crocus sativus L. These plants take up to three years from seed to flower, and each plant has 3-4 flowers, which each bear 3-4 stigmas. A large volume of these delicate stigmas are needed to produce the saffron spice, but they must be collected by hand. As a result, saffron remains one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron tea, in its traditional form, does not contain caffeine. However, commercial saffron tea bags are usually a mix of saffron, black tea, and spices and do have caffeine. [1]

Nutrition Facts

Saffron tea is prepared with 4-5 of the saffron strands or threads before they are dried or ground into powder. There is a high concentration of certain active ingredients and compounds in these strands, including anthocyanin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, B vitamins and various other carotenoids and antioxidants.

Saffron tea, saffron spice in tins, and a black teapot on a table

Did you know that saffron is known as ‘kesar’ in India? Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Saffron Tea Benefits

The most important saffron tea benefits include its likely ability to enhance mood, relieve PMS, enhance skin, improve eyesight, boost memory, reduce the risk of cancer, and protect heart health, among others.

Antidepressant

Numerous studies have shown that the use of saffron is able to affect the hormonal balance in the brain, which can have noticeable effects on mood, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Drinking a cup of this tea in the morning can stabilize your mood from the start. [2]

Memory Booster

The impact of this tea on the brain also include antioxidant effects. This can reduce the deposition of plaque in the brain and lower your risks of neurodegenerative diseases. [3]

Anticancer Potential

The anthocyanins, and carotenoids like crocetins found in this spice, and subsequently in the tea, are able to neutralize free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. This can lower the levels of chronic inflammation and subsequently reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary heart disease. [4]

Vision Health

Beta-carotene is well-known for its ability to protect vision by preventing macular degeneration and delaying the onset of cataracts. [5]

Blood Pressure

A number of studies have found that this tea is able to lower blood pressure, while also reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, further keeping you safe from atherosclerosis and heart attacks. [6]

Skin Conditions

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of this tea can help clear up skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema.

PMS Treatment

The hormonal effects of saffron tea can help menstruating women experiencing painful cramps or mood swings.

How to Make Saffron Tea?

Making saffron tea at home is quite easy, provided you can find authentic saffron that doesn’t empty your bank account. There are no counterindications when this tea is drunk in moderation, so you can have 2-3 cups per day.

Saffron tea, saffron spice in tins, and a black teapot on a table

Saffron Tea Recipe

An aromatic tea that is warming and luxurious! 
3.34 from 3 votes
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Course: Tea
Cuisine: Indian, Asian
Keyword: Saffron Tea
Appliance: Saucepan, Kettle
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Author: Raksha Hegde

Ingredients

  • 4-5 saffron strands
  • 1 cup water filtered
  • 1 tsp crushed almonds optional
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom optional
  • honey optional
  • milk/coconut milk optional

Instructions

  • Boil water in a kettle or a saucepan. 
  • Place the saffron strands in your favorite teacup. If you are using almonds or cardamom, you can add that too.
    An open jar of saffron and a spoon filled with saffron on a table
  • Pour hot water over the saffron strands.
  • Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes before drinking.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of honey for flavor, if desired. For a more exotic version, you can add raw milk or coconut milk to taste.
  • Enjoy your saffron tea! 
    Saffron tea, saffron spice in tins, and a black teapot on a table

 

Saffron Tea Side Effects

There are few known side effects of this exotic tea, but some people do have a sensitivity or an allergy to this spice.

  • In terms of toxicity, no known cases have been reported when consumed in culinary proportions.
  • As always, pregnant women should speak with their doctor before adding any new herbal remedies to their health regimen.
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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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