For anxiety, menopause, ADHD and sleep, saffron has many benefits – but which are the best saffron supplements and who can take them? Experts advise
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Sleep anxiety, low mood, ADHD…. These are conditions that seem to be everywhere these days, with more of us than ever looking for support in the shape of medication or more natural solutions. Of the latter, there are plenty, with cherry juice , mushroom supplements and magnesium all vying for the ‘most nervous system-soothing’ crown.
But they are getting competition from another up-and-coming nutrient – saffron. Used traditionally for over 3,500 years in places like Persia and Egypt and backed by clinical studies showing it can help with sleep, depression, hyperactivity and perimenopausal symptoms, saffron is favoured by nutritional therapists and finding its way into supplement formulas for everything from sleep to longevity and libido.
One study even shows that saffron supplementation is comparable to the SSRI antidepressant fluoxetine . The right dose can help with ADHD and is safe for children – exciting as there are so few natural treatments for this that you can safely give to kids.
Unlike many ‘calming’ herbs that can make you drowsy, saffron “offers a gentle calming effect without diminishing alertness, making it a versatile choice for those seeking balance in their day-to-day,” says registered nutritionist Charlotte Faure Green . Charlotte herself has ADHD and specialises in treating anxiety and burnout with nutritional therapy. She’s passionate about the benefits of saffron, which she uses herself.
Kevin Leivers, pharmacist and founder of The Naked Pharmacy , came across saffron when his son could not sleep. “He was hyperactive and would wake up every two hours,” he recounts. Impressive research on saffron inspired him to develop several supplements based on its science-backed extract, for adults as well as for children. “It’s been transformational for my son, who is more focused and present both at home and school,” he says. “As a family, we all sleep better while my general anxiety levels are […]
Saffron – the new chill pill could help if you are anxious or can’t sleep
