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Saffron, a spice widely used in Middle Eastern cooking, may offer benefits for mental health, including easing symptoms of depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Daniel Amen<\/b>, psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics in California, told <\/span>Fox News Digital<\/span><\/i><\/a> that he regularly recommends saffron for its mood-boosting properties.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI love saffron so much,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m Lebanese, and Middle Eastern folks cook with a lot of saffron. And there\u2019s actually folklore in Iran: If you\u2019re too happy, you must have had saffron.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Research supports Amen\u2019s enthusiasm. Studies have shown that about 30 milligrams of saffron per day may be as effective as <\/span>certain antidepressants<\/span><\/a> in randomized trials. Beyond mood support, saffron has also been linked to improved memory and focus.<\/span><\/p>\n A 2025 study published in <\/span>Reviews in Clinical Medicine<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that saffron could also significantly reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms after 8\u201312 weeks of use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Meanwhile, a review published by <\/span>Cambridge University Press<\/span><\/i><\/a> in May 2025 analyzed 192 trials with over 17,000 participants, highlighting saffron as one of the most effective nutraceuticals for easing depression.<\/span><\/p>\n Amen also recommends combining saffron with other supplements like zinc and curcumins (natural compounds in turmeric) alongside prescription antidepressants to potentially enhance results.<\/span><\/p>\n