Have you ever wished for a way to forget a painful breakup or traumatic experience? Many of us have experienced moments of emotional trauma that we’d like to erase from our minds.
While it may not be possible to wipe away bad memories entirely, there is a spice that can help make them less vivid, and even ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The Spice That Eases Depression and Anxiety
Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower Crocus sativus, and it is known for its delicious flavor and beautiful golden hue. However, Saffron has also long been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Modern research has shown that it can have notable effects on the mind and body, including easing depression and anxiety.
Several studies have found that Saffron has a moderate effect on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially in people with mild to moderate cases.
One study compared the effectiveness of Saffron to fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, and found that it is just as effective in reducing symptoms of depression in adults.
The Power of Saffron to Reduce Symptoms of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can cause intense feelings of terror and helplessness that can last for months or even years.
However, Saffron has been shown to help reduce some of the symptoms associated with PTSD.
A study published by the journal Phytomedicine showed that Saffron can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, which includes enhancing the memory-recall procedures in the brain.
Test subjects who received Saffron supplements for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in their symptoms of PTSD. The researchers believe that Saffron’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety is responsible for these improvements.
Saffron to Enhance Memory Formation and Retrieval
Recent research suggests that Saffron has the ability to enhance the formation of new memories and improve retrieval for events and experiences.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Saffron improved the memory of healthy adults who received saffron supplements daily for 22 weeks. In other studies, Saffron has been shown to improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease and those with age-related memory problems.
Saffron’s beneficial effects on memory may come from its ability to increase blood flow to the brain, which may help to improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that’s essential for forming and retrieving memories.
The Bottom Line
Saffron is a powerful spice that can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Additionally, it may enhance memory formation and retrieval.
While it may not be a cure-all for these conditions, it’s definitely worth adding to your diet if you’re looking for natural ways to improve your emotional wellbeing.