does saffron can help with Nausea?

Table of Contents

1. The Curious Case of My Queasy Tummy and a Tiny Thread
2. Nausea: The Great Equalizer (and How It Happens)
3. Saffron: More Than Just a Pretty (and Pricey) Face
4. Unpacking the Science: What’s in Saffron?
5. Saffron’s Potential in the Land of Queasiness
6. The Studies: Peeking Under the Microscope
7. Beyond Theory: Real People, Real Stories, (and Me)
8. Navigating Saffron’s Waters: Safety and Side Effects
9. Preparing Saffron: My Very Unscientific Experiments
10. The Verdict: Does Saffron Slay the Sea Serpent of Nausea?
11. The Journey, the Spice, and a Slight Sense of Calm
12. A Question Lingers: More Than Just Nausea?

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1. The Curious Case of My Queasy Tummy and a Tiny Thread

I’ve always been prone to travel sickness, the sort that makes amusement parks a personal endurance test, and anything that resembles a bus trip an act of reckless bravery. So, let me paint a vivid picture of me on the morning in question: eyes half-closed, the room tilting gently (I assume that wasn’t entirely my imagination). My stomach decided to stage a minor revolution. Not one of those fun “take to the streets” kind of revolution, but the bad type – full of existential questioning of every single meal choice I’d ever made, right down to that fateful donut from last week. It was during one of these existential debates, during the silent, contemplative moments when I wondered if I might not just lay on the cool tile forever – or perhaps morph into some sort of pale, green blob creature – that a thought, as tiny as a single saffron thread, sparked in my mind: Could saffron possibly help this?

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Look, I get it; I can hear the collective eyeroll. “Saffron? For nausea?” Most of the time, when people think of saffron, they imagine vibrant paella, or maybe those elegant Persian desserts, not someone with the stomach issues of a mildly-seasick whale. But it was a memory, the slightly whimsical, deeply kind pronouncement of a lady who looked like she should be growing herbs in the hanging gardens of Babylon, that propelled me toward my saffron stash. And so it was that the day shifted, from nausea-filled dread to, well, nauseas-tinged experimental research, as I turned to the enigmatic little spice for potential comfort.

2. Nausea: The Great Equalizer (and How It Happens)

Before we deep-dive into saffron, let’s just pause and collectively recognize that nausea is truly the Great Equalizer of the human experience. Whether it’s morning sickness, the post-boogie shakes, a rough tummy bug, or the dreaded motion sickness, the “ugh” that rises from the stomach doesn’t much care who you are or what grand ideas you might be currently trying to tackle. You are simply reduced to a groaning, vaguely nauseated version of yourself.

So what actually is this feeling that makes us reconsider our dietary and existential life choices so very suddenly? At its heart, nausea is our body’s alert system on overdrive, usually a reaction to something our nervous system finds threatening – like that slightly off sushi, or the unexpected twirls and swirls of an out-of-control carnival ride. The part of our brain called the “vomiting center” – not exactly a sophisticated or particularly appealing name, I know – gets all hopped up. This center is essentially like the alarm at Fort Nausea, blaring sirens through our nervous system, producing feelings like an empty stomach threatening mutiny, that sudden cold sweat, or a rising sensation that makes one reach for a pale bucket in despair. It’s a complex, usually efficient warning system that’s incredibly useful when faced with food poisoning or genuine danger. However, that being said, it sure doesn’t feel useful while it is happening and sometimes is very random.
 

3. Saffron: More Than Just a Pretty (and Pricey) Face

Now that we have collectively endured our nausea monologue, lets talk about a more delightful topic: saffron. Forget everything you think you know about this crimson gold. Yes, it’s eye-wateringly expensive, ( I mean, one does sometimes question if it really needed to cost more than small children) and yes, it looks amazing on a risotto. But the thing with saffron is that there is more to this mysterious spice than its aesthetic appeal, like the lead actor of a quirky indie film who turns out to have more than just an interesting face but incredible talent and potential, to continue on this slightly stretched analogy.

Derived from the Crocus sativus flower, those brilliant little threads are actually the stigma of the flower – the reproductive bit, essentially. This, you see, already feels rather remarkable. We’re talking about a painstakingly collected bit of a plant that, once harvested, transforms simple food and is revered for both flavour and colour for centuries. This means people all over the globe from India to Spain, Italy to Iran, are familiar with its aromatic notes, the sweet notes that also comes with earthiness. Saffron’s long, complicated harvest and cultural significance contribute significantly to its hefty price tag; not surprisingly, this is a spice that has long been entwined with both commerce and power. I do think they’re charging the price they do to simply avoid us mere mortals to get access to that golden stuff.
But beyond its obvious culinary glamour, people, particularly traditional healers, have used this tiny spice for other reasons through history, ranging from skin and hair-related things to mood. Of course, as skeptical of a journalist, I have to wonder at times, how much of all of this is based on folklore, tradition, or on genuinely effective healing mechanisms. That thought alone was just a nudge to find some evidence regarding my little sickness adventure

4. Unpacking the Science: What’s in Saffron?

Right then, let’s wade into a touch of science. Just because I find scientific journal writing rather soul crushing it doesn’t mean that there isn’t useful stuff within those pages! Let’s find out if it’s all worth all those years of education that is usually done with some sleep deprivation sprinkled over the student’s daily life (for scientific accuracy). I just wonder if there’s some of them somewhere actually researching saffron now!
Saffron’s power is held within its various bioactive compounds.

Here are the main ones:

• Crocetin and Crocin: These give the colour and the spice’s red/orange tone as well as providing antioxidant properties.
• Picrocrocin: Gives the slight bittersweet taste, that hints a mild hint of metal, a sort of a ‘greenness’ when it comes to scent (but do not confuse that with ‘I am feeling green!’ nausea – there’s a subtle difference),
• Safranal: Responsible for that rich aroma and some neuroprotective effects, or so the smart folk in lab coats tell us.

I must admit, all those impressive, almost exotic names seem as if these substances are pulled straight out from science fiction; perhaps there is a tiny scientist in a hidden lair creating and naming all those wonderful ingredients and testing them on unsuspecting journalists? These compounds aren’t just sitting there looking pretty – or giving my paella a delightful color – but all working with our internal biochemistry. Crocin and crocetin have antioxidants characteristics (those help to fight off those free radical troublemakers in your body!), picrocrocin can boost the way your neurotransmitters are working in terms of boosting your moods or at least helping in managing the big ups and downs, and safranal appears to calm down and promote positive brain function – this may be very much connected with the “mood enhancing properties” as people often refers to it. All of those things look very promising (to put it very mildly) as an effective helper for the queasy stomachs out there!

5. Saffron’s Potential in the Land of Queasiness

This is, of course, where things take an interesting turn. The million-dollar question here is – are there any indications that this tiny thing might assist with the queasy business? Or was my encounter a simple moment of hopeful and very silly wishing? The current research actually hints that those neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory bits can assist with digestive complaints and perhaps this would be why a small group of researchers started to speculate in saffron’s ability to address the various faces of our collective unpleasantries! Let me add some more information that has to be used before we even have chance to move to testing. We’ve already mentioned that some of the compounds inside saffron do have neuroprotective effects which does also imply it can influence our nervous system, hence maybe this is how that magic is occurring in all of this situation. And of course, in these cases, as always when the body is throwing various random signals that seem so out of nowhere, the idea that perhaps soothing of these underlying imbalances in the nervous system would perhaps offer some relief. The real world however seems always be full of complications.

Also, worth mentioning is that a certain amount of sickness occurs by increased inflammation. Thus in these situations any substance that provides any degree of an anti-inflammatory can help reducing the feeling, hence the need to check on the possible mechanism with saffron too. With those things in our minds we start to realize that the old Iranian lady with a stand in farmers market may had a valid point in advising for saffron to sooth all sorts of imbalances of my bodily well-being.

6. The Studies: Peeking Under the Microscope

Okay, okay, so we know that Saffron looks very, very pretty, with its bright colours and deep scents, but what about actual scientific investigation of that? No good, solid journal articles, even in a long feature with relaxed prose such as mine should not lack any investigation or validation of the ideas here discussed. It is really very important to make a distinction from “somehow may work”, and actual hard facts here. So I went and delved a bit deeper. And what did the scientists come up with in the process of investigating our wonderful spice? Well, the scientific community, it turns out, is beginning to investigate this connection between our digestive troubles and a simple tiny golden thread ( or three!)

As always, it must be reminded to my fellow readers to remember that “initial” findings don’t exactly translate directly to your actual bathroom experience of dealing with sea-sickness. While some in-vitro testing ( basically means “tests done in the glass”, typically with small sample or cells ) has indicated that there is actually a case in terms of saffron extract exhibiting a potential to calm gastrointestinal muscle contractions – and this is definitely one step further to finding a reason on how this may be a valid idea and even possibly helpful! However most research seems still stuck in early research stage and this calls out to caution when using anything as your main and first method when dealing with symptoms or issues such as those I had on the day that I turned to saffron for possible support!

Other initial trials have shown very tentative signs of saffron extract helping in reducing nausea, mainly related to chemotherapy or some surgery after-effects (the sort of thing one only has to hope it doesn’t have to experience ever!). While encouraging and promising this has yet to gain much bigger recognition and also requires more scientific inquiry and work in this field, particularly in more “real-world” settings and perhaps in large and complex demographic cases, than current research can currently provide for us, meaning – more tests! More evidence is needed (more science money needed!), more results must be checked. These are just simply not in the place, just yet for people like me or you who may feel a slightly offish feeling, so what to do in these types of circumstances is a really tricky question to address!
7. Beyond Theory: Real People, Real Stories, (and Me)

Right then, it’s great to read journals and dive into the realms of in-vitro tests. We all enjoy ( a bit) having our share of science and knowledge, but does any of it means anything outside those tests when you simply wish your nausea to kindly bug off! While some reports or studies of actual case studies suggest that some users found positive shifts ( mainly those who used it as a side tool), it can be extremely tough to make up my mind as it all so variable and sometimes too far away to consider it applicable in everyday settings, at least the circumstances surrounding our little personal queasiness experience. 
In real life, we deal with many external, internal and completely random situations that no testing can accurately encompass for an ideal representation to fit anyone on Earth!

Speaking personally, I remember, that I cautiously put a small amount of my very precious saffron into a mug of very hot water. It smelled as delicious as if I am making something I am actually wanting to ingest but in fact I just need the hot liquid to give me a calming scent and I don’t even know if I would actually end up ingesting it. As the liquid got that gorgeous golden hue, like it had just captured that rare magical hour right before the dawn or dusk. I began slowly to breath it and I did felt it as strangely calming and it just gave a temporary distraction in my feeling situation; which can I just tell you that can feel rather precious when a small movement sends your guts into panic mode!

Did my queasiness magically disappear? Not that suddenly, not straightaway, more in small intervals. What actually happened, was very unscientific. There was not clear start, end or proper definition for what had occurred on that odd morning. Maybe I really really wished to believe that this was indeed working. Or, maybe the subtle warmth of that liquid calmed my stomach or that lovely aromatic scent did shift the chaos occurring inside my brain. Whatever occurred was incredibly hard to measure scientifically. Was my situation a sign of hope in terms of sickness or it was just luck and other parameters doing their part? I really couldn’t tell with a true level of scientific and fact based knowledge. Perhaps it was the very human nature that longed to reach out and ask for assistance, while having absolutely nothing left that was useful in that moment, which then resulted in any mild improvement in my very, very bad morning of that particular day!

8. Navigating Saffron’s Waters: Safety and Side Effects

Okay, all of us, me included, can often get slightly caught up in the hope, potential and “what if’s”, forgetting one main thing of “safety, side effects” and basic due diligence, which means let’s quickly run through those areas for you my dear readers.  Saffron, like many natural substances, generally tends to be considered as safe ( in regular, or culinary level) levels of intake – or so the general idea, but ( as always in a journalistic endeavor) there may exist certain level of differences and potential pitfalls one has to keep a lookout for. It is quite usual to see very rarely mild negative reactions at a culinary-based use such as some tummy complaints. The rule number one should be always listening carefully to what one’s body has to say during these moments and also having caution, before diving into something like this just in a way of the “new trends”. There seems a degree of higher chance of side effects of adverse situations from cases of higher amounts – far above and beyond that anyone may utilize for cooking purposes and far greater to what can ever be done using cooking grade. In any circumstance when larger dosages are used always make sure that the care from appropriate professional individuals ( and never do random experiments, as a golden general rule!)

Pregnant women, it appears, must proceed with slightly extra caution as too much could lead to possible issues in their process so this must always be consulted with someone like an appropriate professional before diving to the deep ends with our special spice!. People already taking some types of medications can experience interactions and other unexpected effects – even though it’s something “natural”. So with all of those situations it does seems that due diligence, is just simply what is absolutely essential if anyone is ever experimenting in using saffron in their life, both in sickness or in the realms of day to day use. Common sense, basic research is usually the rule for that one.

9. Preparing Saffron: My Very Unscientific Experiments

How can saffron be incorporated into the battle against tummy troubles?
Right, as much as it seems fun, science still needs more actual results. For most part is better not to rely solely on that (until of course solid studies are found!), so we’re venturing into more whimsical “lets-just-have-fun” experimentation. Usually people will crush up threads in to warm water to make something like “tea”. This usually occurs before anything serious as many report that doing that really assist and allows saffron to offer its properties to full effect in the way this lovely spice has the capacity to, according to what it says on the label or as the nice lady in farmer’s market, had informed so beautifully, if anything with such positive charm could exist! 
Here is where is going to have all kinds of variances because there is such big cultural differences of how all this tiny and wonderful gold might be utilized! And I must make it clear, very emphatically – DO not rely on such experiences and experimentation if there’s a severe degree of sickness. You’d be much better contacting a physician as I stated multiple times already in this feature (journalistic style). For personal non life or death related circumstances of everyday mild cases (like mild queasiness in a long commute, for instance ) some hot beverages infused with saffron can usually feel just like gentle little hug. One that sometimes one deeply needs during times of a discomfort. So my “lab experimentation” occurred using water, teas, herbal and spices for support (a good choice ginger!), lemon ( or just lemon scents) and anything calming in smell (like lavender). I will always opt-out any sugar additions or anything artificial and unnatural ( the kind of things usually makes one to reach for the nearest bucket just in anticipation ). Sometimes I even use my humidifier but that’s my quirk and my experience for it. 

I’ll remind again, there’s really not yet been too much solid stuff regarding the most optimal method or application. As always caution, care, paying attention to one’s bodily signals it is still a crucial (if not always useful!) information at your disposal at any time in all sorts of human experience!

10. The Verdict: Does Saffron Slay the Sea Serpent of Nausea?

Well then, time to face the music: Does Saffron, a culinary golden marvel, become a superhero, capable of fighting off the wretched feeling in our tummies? Is this spice something to rave about as a valid answer to dealing with that moment in your life or perhaps one of those very very wishful experiences? In short, well… It’s rather ambiguous if the small effects, the very light assist or change has any relation with a random moment or from anything inside this glorious spice, at this point! At the time of writing of all this beautiful experience, no one out there, from my search is yet in the position of really making such absolute statement based solely in research that can convince any real critical analysis or even very rational personal opinion about it, for the average common sense experience with that.
The main question still stays ( even more at this point ) without an ideal proper answer, because that kind of testing doesn’t just magically occurs, no matter the number of writers you read who did experiments during their bad mornings or sea sicknesses in their various life journeys or during journalism experience such as me. However, what did make a difference in those really unpleasant and uncomfortable moments – is my very personal choice to reach for something. Just any something. Because often human situations are just like that – the most silly actions can trigger an unexpected reaction. When human hope gets infused with expectation or when small things like a scent, the tiny warm liquids that we all do choose as the “I-am-dealing-with-a-very-annoying-situation” coping tool may trigger positive small events or sensations! So saffron’s experience for nausea seems to stay stuck with the words of hope for that magic!

So in regards of “Saffron does it works!“, no I wouldn’t go there with any certain claim of scientific certainty and you know, for all we may know this was just my imagination and silly hoping! Yet the simple fact that is out there, for our everyday experiences seems it can add to one small change in our day and life in regards to managing mild uncomfortable queasiness issues, until real solutions with scientific basis appears!.

11. The Journey, the Spice, and a Slight Sense of Calm

Reflecting on it, my queasy journey into saffron is an allegory of how we often look at traditions in regards of the current “trendiness”. We also see how these types of cultural phenomena’s (especially now) all mix and meld with very valid modern methods with valid science but still leaves lots to wonder – as many of my scientific research made me to be even more certain on what can be called absolute, objective truth versus simple beliefs! Saffron will still carry on in being the beloved golden thread with many varied ways to incorporate itself into humanity (mainly food related, but it seems in other unexpected areas as well!).
From a tiny almost imperceptible discomfort on my body it propelled an unexpected path. A strange mix of historical lore with small glimmers of what “may be possible” from research based insights with me playing (un)consciously scientist/lab test and journalist on my own daily small and trivial ( at most cases ) moments! Sometimes, its enough to be curious enough to simply ask a question about the most odd idea and try it for yourself, knowing that the results may not even match the intended effects, which in itself is very valid aspect of existing. 
And on that day it made me feel ever so slightly, calmer. Is there science for it, maybe not (at least as far as I could check!) Or, just very possibly is an anecdote on “placebo”. A mere placebo can be powerful and in its own way – completely and absolutely human.

12. A Question Lingers: More Than Just Nausea?

Ultimately, the mystery of whether saffron conquers the “nausea dragons” may remain something only for future scientist and labs to figure out for our future benefit. While we may all do research for a long long time still with all our will, heart, mind or journalistic ethics, not one of us, at the time of writing this ,can confirm with a degree of accuracy to it that that will be enough to make such determination on how a small dose, if anything can be useful or has anything that does actually shifts one way or the other.

Is saffron, a little helper for times of distress? Or, is it mostly a way to deal with small upsets and to cope by engaging with “something to do when you don’t really feel it!” during such uncomfortable episodes in human life, particularly during days when those may pop at your most unexpected moments? As a fellow seeker, researcher and human, I’d say it is likely to be always more of human element that we choose what gives a mild feeling that can potentially change for better our often unpredictable bodily experiences, while dealing with those very annoying human sensations of life. Maybe saffron offers not just something for an “off” stomach, but a reminder, as tiny, fragile and glorious as the threads itself. So as those, are those who need comfort.  That during our queasy mornings, those are always welcome, in some of many surprising ways in those rare odd life-based journeys.

So, dear fellow curious friends – maybe, just maybe saffron can play a bit of a supportive helper to address that feeling or at least make you more distracted for some short precious moment. And, just like it occurred to me when that feeling, suddenly appears unexpectedly, while everything inside your life is actually ok!  For that moment, alone maybe, this has all of this has its very small worth it – no science or perfect conclusion is required. At least in the eyes of some writer ( and reader?) who just tried with all hope in a difficult day, by simply holding and trusting the threads of her magic spice!