Saffron (kesar) Ayurveda

What it is

Stigmas of Crocus sativus.

Traditional use (claimed)

Mood, menstrual pain.

Evidence

Small trials suggest effects on mild depression; evidence is limited.

Safety

Large amounts are toxic and can cause miscarriage; frequently adulterated.

Quality concerns

Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.

Interactions

Antidepressants, blood pressure medicines.

Avoid if

pregnancy (medicinal amounts)

Regulation in Nepal

Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.

Regulation in India

India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

Regulation in UAE

UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.

सम्बन्धित अवस्था

Informational only; not a treatment recommendation.

entry_health_condition_depression