Saffron + Postpartum Depression

The first weeks after giving birth are inherently emotional, and it's normal for there to be tears, feelings of overwhelm, and fatigue. However, when symptoms are extreme and/or persist past the first few weeks we get into PMAD territory. In the United States somewhere around 1 in 5 birthgivers will experience some kind of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). 

Even if mothers do not meet the clinical definition for a PMAD, many new moms experience some type of mood challenge, and supporting perinatal mental health is a crucial aspect of postpartum care. An herbal ally that I often lean on is saffron. Saffron is a spice that comes from the saffron crocus flower (Crocus sativus). The tiny threads that are used around the world in cooking come from the central stigmas and style of the flower, as seen below. 

Saffron has been used for millennia by people throughout Eurasia. In the past decade it has been the subject of several peer reviewed papers investigating its efficacy as a treatment for postpartum depression.  In 2017 a study by Kashani et al. compared the efficacy of saffron and Prozac (aka fluoxetine) and found that saffron may be “a safe alternative medication for improving depressive symptoms of postpartum depression.” 

Another 2017 study from Tabeshpour et al. comparing saffron to a placebo found that the herb was more effective at decreasing scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition for mothers suffering from mild-to-moderate postpartum depression.

Although modern research is by no means a requirement to confirm the validity of ancestral wisdom it’s exciting to see herbal support enter the mainstream as an effective form of supporting new mothers and the nervous system. 

I mainly use saffron as an addition to my golden milk and CCF tea recipes but I’m curious about experimenting with some other ways of using it in the coming months including tinctures, body oils, and honey infusions… stay tuned.

Note: It is so important to have tools to support perinatal mood disorders that aren’t just writing a prescription for antidepressants. HOWEVER, when actually indicated medication is an incredible ally and I am in full support. Plus, the use of herbal allies alongside prescription medication may allow folks to respond more effectively and potentially to lower doses. 

Works Cited

Kashani, L et al. “Comparison of Saffron versus Fluoxetine in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Postpartum Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.” Pharmacopsychiatry vol. 50,2 (2017): 64-68. doi:10.1055/s-0042-115306

Tabeshpour, J et al, “A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of saffron stigma (Crocus sativus L.) in mothers suffering from mild-to-moderate postpartum depression,” Phytomedicine, vol. 36 (2017): 145-152, ISSN 0944-7113