How long should I drink saffron?: A Guide to Safe and Effective Use

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies suggest that taking saffron as a supplement is possibly safe for most people for periods up to 26 weeks. So, how long should I drink saffron to achieve health benefits without risking side effects? The answer depends on your goals, but consistency and safe usage are key.

Quick Summary

The ideal duration for drinking saffron varies based on individual health goals and consistent, moderate usage. Safe consumption for several weeks to months helps achieve benefits like improved mood and reduced PMS, but high amounts are toxic and pregnant women should be cautious.

Key Points

Duration is variable: The length of time you should drink saffron depends on your health goals, with noticeable effects for mood and PMS often taking several weeks to appear.
Stay within safe amounts: High amounts are toxic and should be avoided.
Consider cycling: For sustained benefits, particularly with supplements, some sources suggest cycling intake, such as taking a break after a few months.
Exercise caution: Pregnant women and individuals with bipolar disorder, low blood pressure, or those on certain medications should exercise caution and consult a doctor before use.
Choose quality saffron: To ensure potency and avoid adulteration, purchase high-quality threads from a reputable and trusted source.
Consistency is key: Regular, daily consumption is more effective than sporadic intake for building up the active compounds and seeing results.

Saffron, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, has a long history as both a culinary delight and a medicinal herb. Known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can support mood, eye health, and more. But because of its strength, the duration and amount of saffron consumption must be managed carefully. For most people, consuming saffron in small, consistent amounts over several weeks or months is key to seeing therapeutic benefits, always staying well within safe limits to avoid potential side effects.

Understanding the Role of Duration in Saffron's Effects

Saffron's therapeutic effects, particularly for mood and PMS, are typically not immediate. They rely on the cumulative build-up of its active compounds, like crocin and safranal, in the body over time. Different health goals require varying timelines to see results:

Mood enhancement: Studies suggest that it may take some weeks of consistent, moderate daily intake to see noticeable improvements in symptoms of depression.
PMS symptom relief: For premenstrual syndrome, some research indicates that taking saffron daily for at least two menstrual cycles can help reduce symptoms.
General wellness and skin health: For benefits like improved skin texture or enhanced antioxidant protection, consistent daily consumption over a few weeks or months is often recommended.

For most therapeutic purposes, a period of continuous intake of several weeks is a common guideline, often followed by a break, or a cycling schedule such as "5 days on, 2 days off," to maintain effectiveness. Long-term safety data for high amounts is limited, but small culinary amounts are considered safe for regular use.

Recommended Daily Usage and Timing

For medicinal purposes, the key is moderation. Studies often involve specific amounts of saffron extract. This is significantly more concentrated than the small amounts used in cooking.

Here are some practical tips for maximizing the benefits of your saffron intake:

Use high-quality threads: Choose saffron threads over powder to ensure authenticity and potency. Look for a reputable source to avoid adulterated products.
Steep properly: Soak threads in a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water for 10-30 minutes to release their color, flavor, and compounds. This liquid can then be added to teas, milk, or dishes.
Be consistent: For therapeutic effects, daily consumption is crucial. Skipping days will prevent the active compounds from building up in your system.
Consider overnight soaking: For better absorption, some sources suggest soaking saffron threads in water overnight and drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Complement with a balanced diet: Saffron works best as part of a healthy lifestyle. Its antioxidant properties are enhanced by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Comparing Therapeutic and Culinary Use of Saffron

While saffron is revered in both contexts, the approach differs significantly. Understanding these differences helps to clarify expectations for consumption duration and effects.


Aspect	Therapeutic Use	Culinary Use
Usage Amount	Often involves standardized extracts as supplements.	A few threads per serving.
Duration	Up to 26 weeks for continuous effect, often cycled.	Regular, long-term use in cooking is considered safe.
Goal	Address specific health concerns like mood, PMS, or eye health.	Impart flavor, aroma, and vibrant color to dishes.
Format	Standardized capsules or concentrated water infusions.	Infused water added to rice, stews, desserts, etc..

Potential Risks and When to Consult a Professional

While generally safe in standard amounts, excessive saffron intake carries significant risks. Large amounts can be toxic.

Critical precautions:

Pregnancy: Pregnant women must avoid high amounts of saffron, as it can cause uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage.
Bipolar disorder: Saffron may trigger mood swings and manic behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Low blood pressure: Saffron can lower blood pressure, which may be risky for individuals already on medication for this condition.
Medication interactions: Consult a doctor if you are taking antidepressants, blood thinners, or high blood pressure medication, as saffron can interact with these drugs.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, so it is important to be aware of how your body responds.

Conclusion: Striking the Right Balance

Ultimately, there is no single answer to "how long should I drink saffron?" as it depends on your health goals and the form of saffron you consume. For most people, a period of several weeks to a few months of consistent, moderate consumption (such as a few threads in tea) is sufficient to see therapeutic benefits. As with any dietary supplement, prioritizing safe usage and high-quality sourcing is paramount. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant.

For more detailed medical information on saffron's uses, benefits, and warnings, refer to a reliable resource like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking saffron water daily is generally safe for most people, provided you stick to small, moderate amounts, such as a few threads infused in water. High amounts are not safe and should be avoided.

For a daily drink or tea, soaking a few high-quality saffron threads in hot water is a common recommendation. This is equivalent to a moderate amount suitable for regular consumption.

To enhance absorption and potentially aid with sugar cravings, many recommend drinking saffron water on an empty stomach in the morning. It can also be consumed in the evening to support sleep quality.

If you stay within recommended amounts and consult a healthcare provider for continuous use, drinking saffron for several months is considered safe. Long-term consumption of high amounts can be toxic.

For effects like mood improvement or PMS relief, it can take some weeks of consistent daily consumption to experience noticeable changes, as the active compounds need time to accumulate.

Pregnant women should not take high amounts of saffron, as it can cause uterine contractions. Consult a healthcare provider before using any saffron medicinally during pregnancy, and stick to small culinary amounts.

Look for high-quality saffron threads from a reputable supplier. Pure saffron threads should be deep red and trumpet-shaped. When soaked, they should release a golden-yellow color slowly, not an immediate deep red dye.