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.