Saffron Helps PMS & Painful Periods

Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods are ridiculously common problems

for women. A growing body of evidence is showing that the herb saffron can

safely help both.

The first systematic review and meta-analysis examined saffron for premenstrual

syndrome (PMS). The meta-analysis, which included 3 controlled studies,

showed that saffron was significantly better than controls for PMS. It concluded

that 8-12 weeks of taking saffron was effective at reducing the symptoms of PMS

and that it might cause fewer side effects than drugs (Rev Clin Med.

2025;12(2):17-25).

The second systematic review and meta-analysis examined saffron for both PMS

and dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. The meta-analysis showed that saffron

significantly improved the symptoms of both PMS and dysmenorrhea (Korean J

Fam Med. 2025 Oct 28. doi:10.4082/kjfm.24.0259).

These meta-analyses, both published this year, suggest that, among saffron’s

many benefits, are benefits for women, including improving the symptoms of

PMS and painful periods.