More on PMS Pain Relief

Could the spice saffron help relieve PMS symptoms?

Women will go to the ends of the earth to find pain relief when it comes to a monthly period with cramps, bloating, mood changes, the works - but is their a key between saffron and relief?

Could it be that simple? How do I know what to choose when there are so many tips out there for how to relieve PMS. I’m all for the massage, acupuncture, heating pads and body wraps, but is there something I can take? Although saffron is fairly expensive, a little goes a long way.

According to a study by Iran’s Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, fifty women were evaluated who suffered from PMS - one group was given a placebo, the other group given two saffron pills, 15 mg. each. At the end, the women taking the saffron pills admitted that at least half of their PMS symptoms were gone, while only 8% of the placebo group said theirs were gone.

Another study showed that the effects of saffron were similar to those of antidepressants like Prozac and Tofranil. How? The spice is said to help the brain receive serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter.

What is Saffron?

According to Wikipedia, Saffron is a spice derived from the flower saffron crocus. It dates back more than 3,000 years ago. Cleopatra was said to use it in her bath to help make lovemaking more pleasurable. Egyptians also used it for gastrointestinal ailments, as well as scabies, cough, colic and wounds. With its deep color, it was also used for dyes.

Other natural relief from saffron:

Curing coughs and asthma
Colds
Backaches
Treating alcoholism
Treating skin diseases and acne
Used to reduce inflammation
Relief for urinary bladder and kidney infections
Enlarged liver
Recipes for PMS
Heart strengthening
Diuretic when soaked overnight in water and given with honey
Diabetic patients - when pounded with clarified butter (Ghee)

Saffron side effects

Although most people do not realize there are often side effects to taking an herbal supplement. Most of the time they are harmless, but sometimes they can become serious. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and decrease or increase in appetite when taking saffron. However, some develop more serious problems.

Allergic reactions like wheezing, swelling, rash, hives, difficulty breathing and itching
Asthma seems to worsen
Miscarriages
anxiety
Mood changes - hypersexuality, rapid speaking, elated mood, uncontrollable spending

Saffron poisoning signs