Published on: 12/2/2015IST

Jyoti Negi Last updated on: 12/6/2017, Permalink

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Saffron, the king of spices, also known as ‘Zafran'(ज़ाफ़रान) and ‘Kesar'(केसर) is consumed by pregnant women owing to its medicinal benefits. Saffron has therapeutic properties and is consumed to aid digestion and improve appetite of pregnant women. But, like with any other herb, the key to taking saffron is moderation. Many myths and beliefs are also associated with consumption of saffron by pregnant women, and we will present you with the facts in this article.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is the dried stigma of Crocus Sativus flower, i.e. the thread like part at the center which contains pollen. Only three strands of saffron are obtained from a single flower! Saffron traditionally involves a great deal of human labor thus making it one of the most popular and expensive herb across the globe. In India, this golden herb is produced in the Kashmir valley and has always been in high demand. 

Uses Of Saffron

Saffron has been diversely used from flavoring Biryani, Kheer, sweets to beauty creams and in health supplements. Apart from aiding digestion, saffron is possible effective for women to get relief from menstrual discomfort and PMS. Saffron is also recommended for cases of male infertility, asthma, erectile dysfunction, cancer baldness etc though no scientific evidence enlists that saffron is helpful in combating them.

Saffron For A Glowing And Fairer Baby

With traditions, come myths and one around saffron advocates its consumption during pregnancy leads to fairer complexion of the baby. Stop! Don’t gobble those precious strands! Are you aware that over consumption of saffron – merely more than 10 gm a day can be fatal for you and your baby? There has been no research that proves having saffron and milk regularly in pregnancy leads to having a fairer baby, though saffron does have other benefits during pregnancy. Moreover, the complexion of the baby is in no way dependent on the intake of saffron by the mother. The complexion of the baby is only determined by the parent’s genes and is totally hereditary.

Saffron Flower In Pregnancy

Saffron flower and milk together can not aid in having a fairer baby, but can certainly aid digestion in pregnant women, which is slow during pregnancy. Saffron helps in forming an extra layer so as to soothe the gastrointestinal acidity.

Advantages Of Saffron During Pregnancy

Taken in moderation, a few strands a day, in milk or in meals, saffron can be found useful for pregnant women in the following ways:

1. Busts mood swings: Hormonal surges during pregnancy can make you cranky and impulsive. Saffron acts as an anti-depressant for those teary, gloomy days by boosting blood flow to brain which produces serotonin, a hormone which will definitely raise your spirit. Next time you feel jittery about your body image, grab a bite of saffron-dashed snack!
2. Reducing Blood Pressure: Just 3 to 4 stands of saffron in milk would help to reduce the blood pressure in pregnant women. Saffron relaxes the muscles and acts as a uterine stimulant
3. Aids digestion: Constipation, gas and bloating are very common complaints during the gestation period. Saffron promotes blood flow to the digestive system and increases metabolism. Milk is recommended for high protein and calcium, but may not be easily digested by everyone. Saffron helps in digesting milk too
4. Curbs morning sickness: These exquisite strands fight nausea and dizziness – your daily fiends during pregnancy. So ditch your usual English Tea and start sipping the amazingly flavored Saffron Tea!
5. Soothing: Our very own Kesar is a natural painkiller and has anti-spasmodic properties. It relaxes muscles and relieves joint/stomach pain. Say bye bye to those pesky cramps! 
6. Combats anemia: Most women are anemic. Saffron is loaded with iron and essential for formation of red blood cells. Regular intake of saffron in the food will boost hemoglobin in blood
7. Keeps heart diseases at bay: With those untimely hunger pangs and food cravings for ultimate junk like cheese burst pizza or double chocolate Belgian ice cream – you cannot ignore the tons of calories and fat going in the tummy! With high antioxidants, potassium and crocetin contents, saffron protects you and your baby’s heart by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. In short, keeps your arteries free from fat deposits
8. Promotes sleep: Those are the nights spent tossing and turning or watching TV to sleep. Try having a warm cup of saffron milk or tea before bed. It works as a mild sedative
9. Relieves sore gums: With your body becoming sensitive with pregnancy, brushing can become a daunting task. Grind the saffron strands and massage it on your gums to relieve pain and avoid any more blood with the brush
10. Fights allergies: You are more prone to allergies during pregnancy. Saffron infused milk will soothe cough, asthma, allergies and relieve congestion. Applying the paste of sandalwood and saffron is said to bring down fever. Go natural!
11. Aids hair growth: Hair fall is another concern during pregnancy. Saffron to the rescue! Apply a paste of liquorice, milk and saffron to the balding spots and see the difference!
12. Beats the zits: With hormonal imbalance, pimples and darkened skin is nothing new. Saffron is a blood purifier and will help combat these
13. Baby Movement:A pregnant woman can feel her baby move the moment she has a glass of saffron and milk. As the body heat increases with saffron, you can feel your baby move. However, never take large quantities of saffron and note that baby movements can be felt only after months

Apart from these, saffron is a natural antacid. It regulates blood pressure and keeps away kidney and bladder problems. This wonder herb contains nutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin A and C as well as folic acid which are essential for you and your baby’s health.

Side Effects Of Saffron During Pregnancy

Even though a lot of health benefits are attributed to saffron, it’s not wise to assume that it will be best for you. Check below:

• Miscarriages: Doctor’s advise against over 10 gm consumption of saffron per day. Saffron increases body’s heat which may lead to abortive conditions. It also triggers movements of the baby which are usually felt after the second trimester. It’s better to consult your obstetrician before consuming saffron. Yes, it’s that serious!
• Allergies: If you experience dry mouth, anxiety, headache and nausea then you may be hypersensitive to saffron. These are simply going to complicate pregnancy
• Vomiting: Forced throwing up of food leads to acid disturbance in stomach and contractions

Serious Side Effects Which Need Immediate Medical Attention

• Bleeding from nose, lips, eyelids
• Numbness
• Blood in urine/stools
• Feeling of vertigo i.e. loss of balance and dizziness, blackouts
• Jaundice

Buying Saffron In Pregnancy

Being expensive, saffron has often been adulterated when sold loose or without proper packaging. Always buy saffron that is packaged and carries an ISI mark. It has to be approved by the government and should be of a good brand. Never forget to read the label and the expiry date.

From Which Month Can I Have Saffron During Pregnancy?

Given the immense benefits saffron has, pregnant women can take it from the second trimester onwards, preferably from the 4th or 5th month. The Indian science of Ayurveda advises the consumption of saffron from the fifth month onwards as that is the time when the mother can feel the baby move. Saffron is believed to aid the baby’s movements as well. Just add a few strands of saffron in a warm glass of milk and feel the difference. You can also add some of these precious strands in cooking, but make sure that you do not exceed 10 gm in a given date. You can add some almonds, pistachios, a little bit of cardamom, some sugar and 4-5 strands of saffron. This milk is nutritious, filling, will aid digestion and uplift your mood. If you do not like milk, you can add a few strands of saffron to other side dishes or prepare rice with it. Consuming a few strands of saffron in water will aid in digestion during pregnancy.

You can use the antibacterial properties of saffron to down a healthy, glowing look. Blend saffron in your facial mask and experience the rejuvenated clear skin. All bodies are unique you might not be able to tolerate more than 4 gm. Try to get in touch with mothers who had saffron during pregnancy So, say hello to this luxurious spice and bask in its glory but be safe!