A bright red spice best known for fancy rice dishes and paella is suddenly everywhere online. But this time, saffron isn’t being sprinkled into dinner. Instead, people are steeping it in water and calling it a natural way to boost mood, energy and even focus.
The trend started gaining traction after a video circulated online showing someone making a batch of saffron water. The idea is simple.
Drop saffron strands into water, let them steep and drink across the day.
It was compared to coffee, but without the jitters, so naturally, the internet had a lot to say about it.
“ADHD laser focus”: What sparked the trend
In the now widely shared clip, mylifeasvia described trying saffron water for the first time and claimed it delivered serious focus.
They said the drink gave them the energy of coffee without the edgy side effects. Instead of jitters, they described experiencing what they called “ADHD laser focus.”
They also admitted the flavour wasn’t exactly gourmet.
According to the video, saffron water tastes a little odd. Even with lemon added, the creator joked it still had a slightly “old water” flavour. Still, they rated the drink a solid “10 out of 10” and said it worked well for them.
That single video sparked thousands of responses from people eager to try it themselves.
@_mylifeasvia_♬ W.A.Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Allegro – AllMusicGallery
How People Are Using Saffron
Scroll through the comments and its clear people are experimenting in lots of ways.
- twylaluv: “I started calling saffron tea my happy tea without knowing why. Work still sucked but my outlook/perspective was like night and day!”
- redlotuschic: “I’ve been taking it in pill form and I keep telling people it’s been a game changer. I used it to pull me out of depression. I swear by it.”
- _cara_bella: “You can add coconut water and agave. Or juice some oranges, lemon or other citrus. I call my mix Goddess Juice. It’s so good and amazing for you.”
- reezy_love: “I grind a pinch of saffron with sugar and let the ice melt in the powder. I add it to everything.”
Not everyone is sure how much to use. philippschelm noted that 20 saffron strands equal roughly 40mg, which is close to the dose used in some studies. Others raised concerns about interactions with medications like antidepressants, reminding everyone to check with their doctor.
Why people think saffron might help mood
Saffron contains compounds called crocin, crocetin and safranal. These may affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood, focus and motivation.
Some research suggests saffron extract may help with mild to moderate depression, sleep quality and even ADHD symptoms. Better sleep alone can improve focus and energy, which may partly explain why some people notice a difference.
It’s worth noting that most studies use standardised saffron extract capsules, not homemade saffron water.
Safety First!
While saffron water is generally safe in small amounts, there are a few things to be aware of before jumping in. Using too much saffron can lead to side effects like nausea, dizziness and headaches, and in very high doses it can actually be toxic.
It’s also NOT recommended during pregnancy, as larger amounts may stimulate the uterus. If you’re taking medications, particularly antidepressants or anything related to mood or blood pressure, it’s worth checking with your GP first, as saffron can interact.
It may also lower blood pressure further in some people, and while rare, allergies can happen. Another important point is that most of the research around saffron’s benefits is based on controlled extract doses, not homemade saffron water, so it’s easy to misjudge how much you’re actually having.
The safest approach is to keep it minimal, around one to two strands per cup, and avoid the “more is better” mindset.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women and anyone on medication should check with a doctor before trying saffron supplements.
Saffron is also one of the most expensive spices in the world. Each flower produces only three tiny strands, which are harvested by hand, so daily saffron water can get pricey.
How to Make Saffron Water
Making saffron water is easy, but a few small tips can make it taste better and be more effective. Here’s what users recommend:
Ingredients
- 1–2 strands of saffron per cup (or about 20 strands for a larger jar, roughly 40mg)
- Warm water (not boiling)
- Optional: lemon, citrus juice, coconut water, or a small amount of agave or sugar
20 saffron strands equal roughly 40mg, which is close to the dose used in some studies
Method
- Steep the saffron: Drop the saffron strands into warm water and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. Some people like to leave it longer for a stronger colour and flavour.
- Add flavour: TikTok users like mylifeasvia suggest adding lemon, while _cara_bella loves mixing it with coconut water, orange or passionfruit juice, or even making a “Goddess Juice” blend.
- Serve chilled or room temp: You can enjoy it straight away or store it in the fridge once cooled. Some users, like reezy_love, even make a thick saffron syrup by grinding strands with sugar and letting ice melt in the mixture to add to drinks.
- Start small: If you’re new to saffron, start with just 1–2 strands per cup to see how you like it.
Saffron water can be sipped throughout the day like tea. Some people enjoy it in the morning for focus, others as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Other Ways to Get the Benefits of Saffron (Without Using Lots of It)
Saffron is famous for being one of the most expensive spices in the world, so making big batches of saffron water every day can get pricey. The good news is you only need very small amounts to potentially get its benefits.
One option is saffron supplements. Capsules often contain a standardised saffron extract, usually around 20–30 milligrams, which is similar to the amounts used in some studies. Because the extract is concentrated, a single capsule can sometimes be more cost effective than using lots of saffron threads.
Another option is simply using saffron in cooking. A few strands added to soups, stews, rice dishes or even tea can release the same compounds that give saffron its colour and aroma. Since the flavour is strong, a tiny amount goes a long way.
Some people also stretch their saffron by making a small, concentrated infusion. A few strands steeped in warm water can then be added to drinks, smoothies or recipes throughout the day instead of using new strands each time.
The key point is that saffron is potent. Even a pinch can provide flavour and potentially some of its beneficial compounds, which means you do not necessarily need a large amount to enjoy it.
Social media trends come and go, but saffron has been around for centuries. Early research suggests the spice may have real benefits for mood, sleep and possibly focus, though scientists say much more research is still needed. Whether you drink it as tea, add it to food or simply enjoy its rich colour in your cooking, saffron is one trend that comes with a long history behind it.
