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@Cari aka “Rinse & rePeat” —
Are you still growing saffron crocus? It was awhile ago, I think, when you had a quote from Ray Peat when you wrote to him about saffron and some other herbs.
I have been reading about different supplements for eye health. In addition to the better known ones such as lutein and astaxanthin, I came across a mention of saffron. It made me think of your saffron bulbs. While there are saffron capsules listed for sale on some sites, I imagine fresh saffron threads would be better?
Yeah I found in the RPF an email exchange with Ray Peat talking about saffron….
[Are orange blossom, rose water, saffron and hibiscus tea safe/beneficial?]
Ray Peat: “I think they are safe; I have enjoyed all of them at different times. Hibiscus tea is recognized as a treatment for high blood pressure, and saffron has been used successfully for treating many problems.”Cool! Thanks for finding it!! I am gong to plant some saffron crocus in the fall. Just using some in recipes is more my style than swallowing saffron supplements anyway.
Oh, and I also read that yellow nasturtium flowers can be added to salads as mildly beneficial for eye health. So I just ordered some Alaska Gold nasturtium seeds. 😀
Is not Saffron a serotonin agonist?
I can’t say what the negatives are with saffron, but I have only had it three times in my life, so I am growing it for fun. Only three tiny strands come out of each flower and then they get tinier when you dry them out. Saffron has a lot of benefits, that I really don’t need, but maybe taking it in a supplement form often, like other supplements, probably has a downside. I have read it is good for depression, Alzheimer’s, and even has cancer fighting properties. So I suppose the negatives should be weighed against the positives. I for one only got enough from all the bulbs I planted for one dinner, and I look forward to it!
I did a search and found this. It appears nothing is conclusive about saffron being a serotonin agonist.
“Hausenblas et al.[38] stated that, similar to antidepressants, saffron may exert its antidepressant effect by modulating the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin (a mood-elevating neurotransmitter). Although it has been proposed that saffron increases serotonin levels in the brain, the exact mechanism of action for this is unknown. More specifically, a saffron extract might inhibit serotonin reuptake in synapses. Inhibiting synaptic serotonin reuptake keeps serotonin in the brain longer, thereby enhancing its positive effects while combating depression.”
Thank you, Gawdawg. I see some companies selling supplements of saffron capsules, but I think I will just add a few saffron threads for fun if I can get some saffron crocus planted in the fall.
My yellow Alaska Gold nasturtium seeds have arrived, so I will start germinating them and starting my plants indoors till it warms up a little. I will throw some into salads this summer. Not a cure, of course, just a fun nudge in the right direction.
I appreciate the research. Thank you!
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