Saffron-Cardamom Coffee/Tea: My Herbal Ally for Depression
2020 seemed to be the year where mental health started finally getting the attention it deserves. As a culture, we’re realizing on a very personal level the consequences of becoming physically and socially isolated from our communities and support networks. A key part of our humanity is based on touch and connection. What happens when we go without that? With the interruptions of daily family routines due to constantly changing government mandates, the constant unknowns of where we will be spending our time (or if we will even have a job)- all on top of the stressors of daily life- it’s fully understandable that I’ve been seeing a significant rise in depression and anxiety in my patient population.
I too have been struggling.
Though we have the privilege of security and support in many ways, I’ve been on my own journey of navigating maintaining mental wellness this year in particular. Suddenly, in my first trimester of my second pregnancy, a dark cloud took residence over me. I found myself crying on the daily (though it was an effective release for me at the time, it was an unusual occurrence for me). That shield that I had built throughout my childhood that would keep me from feeling the difficult feelings began to thin. I began to feel everything so deeply.
Unlearning these emotional-suppression techniques has been something I’ve been working on through my parenting journey- reparenting myself, making room to feel the full spectrum of feelings. Yet this journey made a quick transition. I knew on a logical level that it was important for me to sit with emotions and let them flow through, just as I encourage my toddler to do, however I also sensed a shift on a physiological level. It took me about a month to figure out what was happening- I was experiencing oxytocin-withdrawal symptoms.
My experience with weaning-related mood changes
Before conceiving, I was breastfeeding my nearly-3-year-old toddler still about 6 times a day. Imagine having a massive oxytocin rush that many times a day! It’s no wonder I felt like I was on a complete high for at least 2 years into my postpartum period. And why it makes so much sense- on a biological level- why gradual/natural weaning can be so critical for an easeful transition. Within the first couple of months of my second pregnancy, I experienced a sudden and drastic drop and elimination of my milk supply.
Hormonally-speaking, going from 6 nursing sessions to zero in a matter of months was a shock to my system. Oxytocin, the hormone of love, nurturing and connection, although released when simply cuddling with my son, was nowhere near where it used to be. Like comparing a simple hug to an orgasm- they just don’t compare. I was mourning the way we used to connect and the fact that my body- as wise as it was in prioritizing nutrition and energy for my second babe- had cut off this connection so soon. I understood the reason why on a logical level but my system had yet to catch up.
In addition to slowing down, reducing my creative endeavors, focusing on maintaining a balanced diet, and relying on my movement, meditation/prayer, and sauna practices I realized I could use some herbal support as well.
With a long introduction, this is where saffron comes in.
Saffron and Postpartum Mood Disorders
A double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 60 new mothers with mild-to-moderate postpartum depressive disorders. Based on the BDI system of objectively ranking severity of depression, after 8 weeks of treatment, 96% of the saffron group (15mg/BID) were in remission compared to 43% of the placebo group. For an herb that is safe in breastfeeding and pregnancy, and has minimal to no side-effects, it’s a great option for mamas who are needing some extra support but are not interested in attempting pharmaceuticals.
However, saffron can be used for herbal treatment of anxiety and depression for non-pregnant/postpartum folks as well. See the citations shared at the end of this post.
Of course, if you’re interested in incorporating this therapeutic option in your mental health care plan, please consult a qualified healthcare provider who can help you determine if this herb would be a good fit for you.
In my own personal therapeutic use of saffron, I began gradually working my way up to 10 threads a day over about a week since I experienced a mild headache as my system accommodated to this new treatment.
Where do I get saffron?
Quality saffron can be found at your local Persian or Mediterranean market. Locally, I recommend Sahand Persian Grocery in Kirkland or Oskoo Market in Bellevue. I highly recommend buying the unadulterated threads as saffron is often diluted or paired with poor quality ingredients when it’s in a dissolved form. If you don’t have a local market that carries it, consider supporting this small farm, Peace and Plenty Farm, in my hometown that grows it and sells online.
If you’re interested in using this as a supplement, I like the product Mood-Stasis by Designs for Health, which you can access in my online dispensary here.
Recipe: Saffron-Cardamom Coffee/Tea
My daily mental wellness treatment, supporting me through the transitions of motherhood.
Ingredients
12 oz freshly-brewed coffee or cardamom black tea
10 threads of saffron, ground
1 green cardamom pod, freshly ground (about 1/8th tsp) (omit if using cardamom black tea)
1/4 cup milk of your choice (I use grass-fed raw milk)
1 tsp D’vash Date Nectar (optional)
Preparation
Heat a small stovetop burner on medium-low. In a small saucepan, add the ground saffron and cardamom with the date nectar to the milk.
Slowly stir until the milk becomes lightly heated and infused with the herbs and date syrup, only a couple minutes. Especially if using raw milk, be careful not to overly heat so as to not damage the active enzymes and beneficial bacteria.
Optional: froth the milk with a frother or immersion hand blender.
Pour the mixture into your coffee or tea and enjoy!
Citations
