Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron crocus, or autumn crocus, is a species of flowering plant of the Crocus genus in the iris family Iridaceae. It is best known for producing the spice saffron from the filaments that grow inside the flower. The term 'autumn crocus' is also used for species in the Colchicum genus, which strongly resemble crocuses. However, crocuses have 3 stamens and 3 styles, while colchicums have 6 stamens and 1 style, and belong to a different family, Colchicaceae. Colchicums ...

crocus sativus

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Manic-Episodes

1. Manic Episodes

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Recognizable by intense energy, euphoria, and impulsive behaviors, manic episodes are a hallmark of bipolar disorder. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, offering potential relief during manic phases.

Depressive-Episodes

2. Depressive Episodes

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Persistent sadness, low energy, and changes in sleep and appetite characterize depressive episodes. Saffron (Crocus sativus) extract, known for its antidepressant properties, may help manage depressive symptoms. A simple saffron tea can be brewed for its potential benefits.

Mood-Swings

3. Mood Swings

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Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood fluctuations. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been studied for their potential in stabilizing mood swings. Incorporating fatty fish like salmon or omega-3 supplements may aid in managing mood swings.

Changes-in-Sleep-Patterns

4. Changes in Sleep Patterns

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&nbsp;Insomnia or hypersomnia can disrupt daily life during both manic and depressive phases. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a herbal remedy with sedative properties that may promote better sleep. Preparing valerian root tea is a simple way to induce relaxation.

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Difficulty-Concentrating

5. Difficulty Concentrating

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Cognitive function may be affected during bipolar disorder, impacting concentration and decision-making abilities. Ginkgo biloba, known for enhancing cognitive function and memory, may offer potential benefits. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially when taking other medications.

Irritability-and-Agitation

6. Irritability and Agitation

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Heightened irritability and agitation are common during manic episodes. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), with its calming properties, can help alleviate these symptoms. Preparing a soothing chamomile tea is a simple way to find relief.

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Social-Withdrawal

7. Social Withdrawal

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Depressive phases may lead to social withdrawal and loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), an adaptogenic herb, may combat fatigue and improve mood, potentially encouraging social engagement. Rhodiola supplements can be incorporated into daily routines.

Risky-Behavior

8. Risky Behavior

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&nbsp;Manic episodes may trigger risky behaviors like excessive spending and substance abuse. While not a herbal remedy, psychotherapy is an essential aspect of bipolar disorder treatment, aiding in the development of coping strategies and managing impulsive behaviors.

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

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Q: Can bipolar disorder be completely cured?

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A: Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, but with proper management and support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives.

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Q:&nbsp; Is bipolar disorder hereditary?

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A:&nbsp; Genetics play a role in the development of bipolar disorder, with a higher risk if a close family member has the condition.

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Q: Can lifestyle changes help manage bipolar disorder?

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A: Yes, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding substance abuse, and engaging in regular exercise can complement medical treatment.

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Q: Are there any triggers for bipolar episodes?

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A: Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include stressful life events, disrupted sleep patterns, and substance use.

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Q: Is it safe to use herbal remedies alongside prescription medications?

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A: It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they may interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

References

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Manic Episode Symptoms.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Saffron for Depression.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Swings.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Valerian Root for Better Sleep.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Function.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chamomile for Anxiety Relief.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rhodiola for Mood Enhancement.<a href="https://chat.openai.com/insert-link-here" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li></ul>

Understanding the symptoms of bipolar disorder is crucial for early detection and effective management. Natural remedies like St. John's Wort, Saffron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Valerian root, Ginkgo biloba, Chamomile, and Rhodiola may complement medical treatment and improve overall well-being. However, it is essential to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating them into a treatment plan.

8 Revealing Symptoms for Understanding Bipolar Disorder

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Why-Use-Herbs-for-Better-Digestion-and-Absorption

Why Use Herbs for Better Digestion and Absorption

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Long before we had drugs at our fingertips in the pharmacy, people all over the world relied on plants to treat some of their ailments, including digestive disorders.

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Today, many of these same botanical drugs remain widespread for use in common symptoms of digestive problems. Bouts of nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dyspepsia, bloating, belching, flatulence or acute diarrhea, when occasionally or mild, can all be treated alone and with good effect.

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More serious or persistent digestive disorders, such as intestinal infections, chronic diarrhea, chronic acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), or peptic ulcers, among others, should be discussed with a qualified specialist. Although these digestive problems can also be treated with herbs, the results can be much more variable, and medical judgment is paramount and most important for a successful outcome.

Botanical-nervous-relaxants

Botanical nervous relaxants

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For a healthy digestive function, our bodies need to be in a relaxed state. When we are in a state of anxiety and stress, the "fight or flight" response is triggered. Then digestion always remains in the background to dealing with stress or stressor. When eating in this state, it is common to develop digestive disorders, be it diarrhea, constipation, or very severe abdominal pain.&nbsp;

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For those whose digestion is easily disturbed by an emotional disorder, botanical nerve relaxants can have a pronounced positive effect on the nervous system, which is naturally followed by relief in the digestive system. They do this by reducing the stress response an adaptive triggering of the sympathetic nervous system, accompanied by simultaneous shutdown of any other bodily function that is not needed in emergencies for survival. Essentially, these herbs help heal our nervous stomachs by making us calmer.&nbsp;

Six-herbs-for-better-digestion-and-absorption

Six herbs for better digestion and absorption

Mint-(Mentha-x-piperita-and-Mentha-spp.)-for-digestion

Mint (Mentha x piperita and Mentha spp.) for digestion

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The use of peppermint essential oil as a digestive aid probably dates back to ancient Greece. A few thousand years later, there is already a set of scientific studies that support its use, especially in the form of enteric coated peppermint oil capsules, for symptomatic relief of irritable bowel syndrome. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/apt.14519" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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The enteric coating of the capsule allows peppermint oil to pass undigested through the more acidic upper areas of the gastrointestinal tract to the lower intestine, where, as reported in the British Medical Journal more than 30 years ago, it has the effect of a mild smooth-muscle relaxant that serves to soothe digestive spasm, inhibits gastrointestinal contraction, relieves gas, and reduces pain and discomfort. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.ephysician.ir/index.php/browse-issues/2016/9/480-3024" target="_blank" data-ref="A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile)" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

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You can also use mint in other ways. It is not necessary to suffer from a digestive disorder to enjoy mint, at least in the form of peppermint tea. No adverse effects have been reported from mint tea and it may be the most widely consumed herbal infusion with one ingredient. Even the most delicate stomach will be grateful for a cup of peppermint tea after dinner, thanks to its delicate aroma, taste and all the beneficial effects on digestion.

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita,-M.-chamomilla,-Chamomilla-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, M. chamomilla, Chamomilla recutita)

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Chamomile is a plant nerve relaxant that is popular for use in digestive symptoms, used alone or in combination, such as herbal infusion, tincture or homeopathic.&nbsp;

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Chamomile has traditionally been prescribed in the treatment of both acute and chronic stomach distress, such as inflammation and spasms of the digestive organs. Although human research is limited, there are studies of dried chamomile flower extracts demonstrating antispasmodic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Along with the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile, these actions may explain its overall calming effect on digestion.&nbsp;

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Numerous chemical compounds, including apigenin, have been isolated from chamomile flowers. The pharmacological effects of this phenolic flavonoid are not fully understood, but it has been noted that apigenin has an affinity for GABA receptors in the brain where it can exert a natural inhibitory effect on the central nervous system.&nbsp;

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Generally recognized as safe and well tolerated, chamomile may, however, cause rare allergic symptoms in those who are sensitive to plants in the families Asteraceae, Umbelliferae, Amaryllidaceae.

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Melissa-officinalis

Melissa officinalis

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Often formulated in combination products, lemon balm, rosemary, and valerian as the next three herbs are good nerve relaxants that can help eliminate digestive cramps, relieve excess gas, soothe malaise, and reduce pain. There is somewhat limited clinical evidence to support their use, but based on observations and available research, these herbs are generally well tolerated and can be taken orally to help reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.&nbsp;

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Lemon balm, also known as melissa, is another member of the mint family, used internationally for centuries to relieve gas, cramps and dyspepsia, as well as to increase tranquility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rosmarinus-officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis

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Rosemary is known for its antispasmodic effects. Studies of the active ingredients of medicinal plants often show biochemical similarities between different species. Rosemary and lemon balm, for example, share a polyphenolic compound known as rosmarinic acid, which contributes to their beneficial effects.

Valerian-officinalis

Valerian officinalis

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Valerian is better known for its effects on anxiety and nervous sleep disorders and is often formulated with other herbs such as hops or lemon balm for use as a mild sedative. Historically, valerian has also been used for gastrointestinal problems, such as intestinal cramps and flatulence. 4

Fennel-(Foeniculum-vulgare)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) 

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Fennel, also called kopret, field dill, wild dill, pharmacy dill, fennel, false fenugreek, originates from traditional Ayurveda, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean medicine. Preparations from wild fennel leaves and seeds have been noticed as an aid in preventing and relieving the formation of gas and reducing bloating, heartburn and constipation.&nbsp;

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It is also believed that fennel promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulates appetite. Dill is generally considered safe, although it can rarely cause an allergic reaction. It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy. &nbsp;<a href="https://peerj.com/articles/10308/" target="_blank" data-ref="Effects of dietary fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, and carcass traits of broilers" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Swedish-bitter---a-well-known-remedy-for-better-digestion

Swedish bitter - a well-known remedy for better digestion

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There are many different formulations, passed down over the centuries by elders familiar with the local flora. Swedish bitter, probably the most famous here in the Western world, originated in Europe in the 16th century, where it was used for a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps. It is believed that one "original" recipe was tincture of aloe (Aloe vera), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora molmol), saffron, senna leaves (Cassia), camphor, angelica root (Angelica), rhubarb root (Rheum rhabarbarum) and other ingredients, in a mixture of several different spirits. Nowadays, there are a number of different preparations called "Swedish bitterness" that contain more diverse combinations of herbs from around the world.

Types-of-herbal-products

Types of herbal products 

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Since we encounter different concepts, it is important to clarify what is the difference between tea, herbal infusion, decoction and tincture. These are the different methods we use to prepare the essential oils and additional active ingredients found in medicinal plants.

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infusion - similar to a decoction, but generally more powerful, with plant materials being allowed to soak in oil or boiling water for a while.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tincture — an extract prepared by placing herbs or other plant material in a jar of ethanol or another form of alcohol, letting it stand for several weeks or more, periodically shaking, then strained. Sometimes vinegar or glycerin is used instead of alcohol.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Herbal infusion — herbal "tea" brewed in water from any plant material other than the real tea plant (Camellia sinensis)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Decoction — prepared by boiling ground or creased vegetable materials in water, then strained the result.</li></ul>

These are just a few of the many herbs with a long tradition of use in digestive disorders. Look for these herbs at your health food store or groceries, if you have a garden you can grow them there or buy them from the market. Keep in mind that herbs work differently for each person, and not only are they important for good digestion. It is most important to establish what is causing stomach disorders and symptoms in order to eliminate the causes of the problem. And as always, before using herbs for a digestive condition that plagues you, consult a qualified herbalist, naturopath, or other medical person at your discretion.

6 great herbs for better digestion and absorption of nutrients

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What-is-saffron?

What is saffron?

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It is known that saffron is offered in "threads" or stigmas, which are actually the stamens of a flower &ndash; crocus Crocus sativus &ndash; that thrives in the hot climatic conditions of the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. 1

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It is not the rarity of the flowers themselves that makes saffron so expensive, but their short range for flowering, low yield and the cost of human labor needed to collect the gentle reproductive parts. Here we are talking about hard work with tweezers, and not about magic machines for extracting stamens.

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Like many of the most complexly flavored food products in the world - chartreuse, truffles, etc. - the exact taste of saffron is difficult to describe. It tastes like saffron that can't be compared to any other. You can say its taste is smokey, intoxicating or bright, slightly bitter or semi-sweet, but for this purpose you must first try it.

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Despite all this complexity, however, saffron goes remarkably well with a wide variety of other foods, from rice and pasta to vegetables to meat (and even dessert).

What-are-the-benefits-of-saffron?

What are the benefits of saffron? 

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Antidepressant-action

Antidepressant action 

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Enough evidence has been accumulated to make sure that saffron has remarkable antidepressant effects superior to placebo. Some studies have tested saffron against reference drugs, such as selective serotonin reabsorption inhibitors, and found that the effects were comparable, although saffron still has less evidence and less real-world experience than many drugs.&nbsp;

Antistress-action

Antistress action  

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In addition, saffron appears to have an anti-stress effect, although the evidence for this is still insufficient and more research is needed in specific anxiety disorders. Some preliminary research suggests it may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, various inflammatory conditions, and improved sleep, but much more research is needed to be sure of its efficacy for these purposes.

Powerful-antioxidant

Powerful antioxidant 

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Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. They act as antioxidants molecules that protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. The remarkable antioxidants in saffron include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crocin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crocetin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Safranal</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kaempferol</li></ul>Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for the red color of saffron. Both compounds can provide the following benefits:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Have antidepressant properties</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protects brain cells from progressive damage</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Control inflammation</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reduces appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aids in weight &nbsp;loss <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26468457/" target="_blank" data-ref="The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Safranal gives saffron its distinctive taste and aroma. Research has shown that it can help improve mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect brain&nbsp; cells from damage. 3

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Finally, kaempferol is found in the petals of saffron. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anti-cancer properties, and antidepressant activity. 4

Saffron can help you improve your mood and overcome anxiety. In a review of 5 studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebo at treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression. 6 Still, larger studies on people with more participants are needed before experts can recommend saffron as a treatment for depression.

Anticancer-action

Anticancer action

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Saffron is high in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, including the development of cancer.

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In in vitro studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or inhibit their growth, leaving healthy cells unharmed. 6 This effect also applies to cancers of the skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other types of cancer cells. 7

Aphrodisiac

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Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties especially in people taking antidepressants.&nbsp;

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For example, taking 30 mg. Saffron daily for 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function compared to placebo in men with erectile dysfunction associated with antidepressants. 8

Control-of-appetite-and-weight-loss

Control of appetite and weight loss 

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There are several studies according to which saffron can help curb appetite. In one 8-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly fuller, ate less often, and lost significantly more weight than the women in the placebo group.

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In another 8-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index, waist circumference, and total adipose tissue. 9

Relieving-PMS-symptoms

Relieving PMS symptoms 

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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the menstrual cycle begins.&nbsp;

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Studies have shown that saffron can help treat PMS symptoms. In women aged 20-45 years, taking 30 mg. Saffron daily was more effective than placebo at treating PMS symptoms such as irritability, headaches, appetite, and pain syndrome. 10

Prevention-of-heart-disease

Prevention of heart disease 

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Animal studies and in vitro tests have shown that saffron's antioxidant properties can lower blood cholesterol and prevent blockage of blood vessels and arteries.&nbsp;

Lowering-blood-sugar-levels

Lowering blood sugar levels 

Saffron is a unique spice that has been used for centuries in both culinary and traditional medicine. It is made from the stigmas of the purple flower called Crocus sativus, which blooms for only a few weeks each year. Saffron is native to Southwest Asia and the majority of the global supply comes from Iran, and its remarkable benefits are assured by both various studies and folk medicine. In some of these areas, however, more research is needed to show its efficacy and reveal the potential of saffron for various health problems.