Saffron obtained from Crocus sativus is used for its anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. It is suspected that the crocin and safranal compounds isolated from the stamen may influence dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the brain, although the mechanisms are not clear in humans.

This was a simple study and found that daily saffron tea improved self-reported perceptions of happiness in menopausal women, a group who report higher levels of anxiety and mood changes. In this study, the saffron tea was not blinded, and it was not clear whether the control tea was made to a similar colour.

The study could have been enhanced to provide more valuable insight. Combining the happiness questionnaire with additional validated measures of mood would have strengthened the findings. Another study that looked at 30 mg standardised saffron extract taken for eight weeks in healthy adults with feelings of low mood and anxiety. These authors reported improvements to depression scores and improved social relationships at the end of the study (4). This study also included gathering responses to a laboratory stressor test, again, strengthening the study by adding to the self-reported information. They also measured salivary cortisol levels and urinary crocetin excretion.

Saffron is a joyful and uplifting herb and can easily be made into a herbal tea. Delam et al. published research in 2023 that suggests that this simple intervention could be used by women to support their mood after the menopause. More research is needed into the use of saffron in teas, with more nuanced understanding of the effect on mood and the underlying biological mechanisms.