Saffron Milk Tea: A Recipe for Depression and General Wellness (2024)

Updated Jun 8, 2021 · 17 Comments

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post. I am not a doctor; please consult your practitioner before changing your supplement or healthcare regimen.

Saffron Milk Tea is an Indian healing beverage. This nourishing version includes raw milk (although I include a dairy-free variation). It is wonderful to drink before bed to help with depression and insomnia. The elixir has a lovely flavor, floral and tea-like. See if it helps to bring general wellness to your life…

SAFFRON’S HISTORY AND USES

The filaments of saffron (find them here) come from the crocus flower and are native to the Middle East.

Their healing properties trace back thousands of years, being used to treat depression, and also hormone, memory and circulation issues, and more recently cancer.

Rich in antioxidants, the phytonutrients in saffron make it one of the most powerful flower herbs available.

For mild to medium cases of depression, saffron is used even by some medical practitioners and is a resource worth trying.

HOW TO MAKE SAFFRON TEA

Happily, saffron tea can be made with the greatest of ease by simply adding the red filaments to any cup of hot tea.

Or follow the instructions below for Saffron Milk Tea.

How to make Saffron Milk Tea

This recipe is a traditional Indian recipe that first uses and steeps cardamom pods in hot water. However, this ingredient is optional.

Here are the recipe steps:

Simmer water and cardamom pods for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Add the saffron. Steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
Add the raw milk or coconut milk, for dairy-free, and the remaining ingredients: optional rooibos tea and honey.
Strain and serve.

Enjoy before bed or anytime of day.

Print Recipe

4.91 from 11 votes

Saffron Milk Tea

Substitute full-fat coconut milk, if you are dairy-free. Saffron Milk Tea is an Indian healing beverage. This nourishing version is wonderful to drink before bed to help with depression and insomnia. The elixir has a lovely flavor, floral and tea-like. See if it helps to bring general wellness to your life ...

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Bedtime, Beverage

Cuisine: Indian, middle eastern

Keyword: depression, saffron milk, saffron tea

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 414kcal

Author: Megan

Cost: $2

Ingredients

1 ½ cups raw milk
1 cup water
2 Tablespoons loose rooibos tea (optional)
15 to 25 saffron threads (this is a medicinal amount of saffron)
3 cardamom pods (optional)
2 teaspoons honey local, raw, or stevia, to taste

Instructions

Place the water and optional cardamom into a small saucepan, and bring it to a boil.
Simmer the pods for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat, and add the saffron threads. Allow the strands to steep for 5-8 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients. Stir and heat the milk to warm, not boiling, to protect the living nutrients in the raw milk.
Strain and serve, adding more sweetener if desired, to taste.

Nutrition

The following saffron is an excellent value. The quantity and the quality make it a good product choice.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Clayton says
October 29, 2014 at 6:06 pm
This looks great!
Reply
Anni says
October 31, 2014 at 1:21 am
We’re growing our own saffron this year (planting now, harvest next year). Just maybe I could try this when we get our first harvest!
Reply
- Megan Stevens says
  October 31, 2014 at 2:56 am
  Oh wow, this so wonderful to hear!!! Where do you live? Do you have an ideal climate? I love your posts about all you grow!! So happy for you to live that life, just wonderful (full of wonder!:) )
  Reply
Dina-Marie says
October 30, 2014 at 8:58 pm

Thanks for sharing – I didn’t know all the benefits of including saffron in my diet!
Reply
homemadeforelle says
See Also
Chai Tea Latte (easy)
October 30, 2014 at 11:06 pm

I love roobios tea. It’s great for anxiety, but I haven’t paired it with saffron. I actually have all the ingredients in my cupboard, so I will give this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
Ms. Joy says
November 8, 2014 at 4:01 am

Yum! I will try this with some coconut milk (I am allergic to dairy) and some Chai roobios (minus any “natural flavors” or unknown ingredients). This seems absolutely divine and perfect gold delight for a cold fall day! 🙂
I never had saffron tea, so this will be interesting! (although recently have had parsley tea!)
Ms. Joy
Reply
Anna @GreenTalk says
April 20, 2015 at 9:02 pm

I am growing saffron so I was so excited to see your post. I guess Anni and I are sisters!
Reply
- Megan Stevens says
  April 22, 2015 at 2:05 pm
  Oh how lovely!!! What a dreamy thing to grow and harvest!! So your yield– it must take a lot of flowers to get enough stamen?
  Reply
  - Anna @GreenTalk says
    June 13, 2018 at 12:22 pm
    Yes. You only get 2 to 3 threads per plant. True saffron in the store is really expensive.
    Reply
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
December 10, 2015 at 9:34 am
This sounds delicious Megan! Love the beautiful color from the saffron. Pinning.
Reply
- Megan Stevens says
  December 10, 2015 at 10:54 am
  Great, Emily. Thank you!!
  Reply
Maryanne says
April 4, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Can the Saffron be ‘re-steeped’ or can you only get one cup of tea from 15-20 threads? Thanks for sharing this recipe and information!
Reply
- Megan Stevens says
  April 4, 2016 at 7:00 pm
  Yes, you can re-steep it. It won’t be as powerful or potent; but you can. 🙂
  Reply
Bethzy says
January 31, 2018 at 3:56 am
“Indians love tea very much and it’s the most drink beverage in entire India, hence I suggest this should be in the purest form and hence organic india tulsi green tea is best for both children , adults and old women.
Greetings from India
Keep bringing more!!”
Reply
Madinah Saleem says
August 28, 2018 at 10:29 pm
I have saffron in a powder form. Since I read that too much dangerous. I have a health problem, Lyme disease which produces a lot of inflammation. In making 80 how much of this powdered saffron should I use.?
Reply
Kassia says
June 16, 2020 at 6:06 pm
I’m going to try this. I have had a tiny Trader Joe’s saffron jar in my cupboard forever.
Do you have any other articles or ideas for depression?
Reply
- Megan says
  June 17, 2020 at 6:53 am
  Hi Kassia, there are many factors, including age (for example if you’re young or going through perimenopause, postpartum etc.) I’m sorry you or a loved one is struggling with it. I do recommend you reading the article on vitamin A detox. That is what helped me permanently, actually within 2 days: https://eatbeautiful.net/vitamin-a-detox-diet-free-printable-food-lists-avoid-eat-toxicity/ Please continue to seek answers and reach out if I can be of help. xo and love!
  Reply

Saffron Milk Tea: A Recipe for Depression and General Wellness (2024)

FAQs

What happens if we drink saffron milk daily? ›

It has been linked to health benefits, such as improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss. Best of all, it's generally safe for most people and easy to add to your diet.

Get More Info Here ›

What does saffron tea do to your body? ›

This tea tastes best with milk. Moreover, it offers a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, it has antioxidant properties and also prevents digestive issues like ulcers.

Read On ›

How much saffron tea can you drink a day? ›

How Much Saffron Tea Should I Drink? Research studies and recommendations by the European commission have indicated that a daily dose of 1.5 grams has been consumed by people without risks - potential toxic effects might occur at high doses of 5 grams or above.

Learn More Now ›

Can I drink saffron tea at night? ›

There are a number of ways to consume saffron to support sleep. Among the various methods, saffron tea for sleep stands out as a popular choice, thanks to its soothing warmth and aromatic properties.

When should we avoid saffron? ›

Researchers consider 5 g to be a toxic dose. Very high dosages may be more dangerous for certain groups of people. For instance, the authors of one study note that pregnant women should avoid having more than 5 g per day of saffron as it has a stimulating effect on the uterus. Allergic reactions are a possibility.

Read On ›

Can I drink saffron milk before bed? ›

5 Advantages Of Drinking A Glass Of Kesar Milk At Night

Improve Heart Health. Rich in riboflavin and thiamin, saffron enhances the cardiovascular system. ...
Reduces Cancer Risk. Crocetin and crocin are abundant in saffron. ...
Promote Brain Health. ...
Better Immunity. ...
Promote Digestive Health. ...
Relief From Menstrual Symptoms.

Dec 27, 2023

Is it safe to take saffron daily? ›

Saffron is possibly safe when taken as a medicine in doses up to 100 mg daily for up to 26 weeks. Some common side effects include drowsiness, stomach problems, and nausea or vomiting. Allergic reactions are also possible. Taking large amounts of saffron by mouth is possibly unsafe.

Does drinking saffron milk lighten skin? ›

Saffron helps your skin lighten naturally. Adding a few strands to milk can give you a glowing complexion. Expectant mothers are given milk and saffron as it is good for the fetus in the womb. You can even sprinkle strands of saffron in warm bath water.

Learn More ›

How much saffron to use in milk daily? ›

1. Add 4-5 Saffron (Kesar) threads in 1 cup of warm milk. 2. Drink it twice a day two hours after food daily.

Get More Info ›

What are the side effects of drinking saffron water everyday? ›

Side effects.

Using saffron supplements in the short-term seems safe for most people. They may cause side effects like anxiety, appetite changes, upset stomach, sleepiness, and headache. Using saffron in high doses or for long periods of time may be risky. Some people are also allergic to saffron.