The miracle of childbirth is wonderful, but it is not an easy process. There are challenges along the way for everyone involved. Postpartum depression is one of the bigger issues for new mothers. It effects approximately 15% of women. It can be truly challenging for some women right after child birth and effect their quality of life and their relationships with their loved ones. Postpartum depression cause mild to severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sadness, the feeling of being overwhelmed, reduced concentration, crying, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It can also severely affect a new mother’s ability to connect with her child in a meaningful way which can lead to attachment issues is the child and subsequent mental and physical health problems.
Nowadays, postpartum depression is treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors known as SSRIs, a class of antidepressant drugs. But taking antidepressants can lead to adverse side effects, and they are not guaranteed to work as remission rates are low. A healthy natural alternative to SSRIs is incorporating saffron into your diet.
A recent study compared two groups of women who were suffering from mild postpartum depression. One group was given a regimen of SSRIs and the other was given 15 mg of saffron twice daily for six weeks. The women’s condition was examined at the start of the study and at the end of the first, third, and last week. At the end of the study, 21.9% of the SSRI group and 18.8% of the saffron group had entered remission. The SSRI group reported experiencing side effects like dry mouth, headaches, daytime drowsiness, sweating, and constipation. The study does need follow up, but the initial results heavily suggest that saffron can indeed help combat postpartum depression (and help your food taste great).
