Quick answer: Saffron water is simply 5–7 threads of saffron soaked in a cup of warm water for 15 minutes or overnight. It is an easy daily way to take saffron, and most healthy adults can drink it on an empty stomach. Its benefits come from saffron itself — the best evidence is for mood, PMS and sleep — so keep expectations realistic and the dose small.
Medical note: This article is for general information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are managing a condition or take regular medication, check with your doctor before using saffron beyond cooking amounts.
Hinglish mein: Kesar paani banane ke liye 5–7 dhaage ek cup gungune paani mein 15 minute ya raat bhar bhigoyein, aur subah pee lijiye. Zyada dhaage daalne se zyada fayda nahi hota.
How to make saffron water
- Add 5–7 threads of saffron to a cup (about 200 ml) of warm — not boiling — water.
- Cover and steep for 15 minutes, or leave it overnight for a deeper colour.
- Drink it as it is, or add a squeeze of lemon or a little honey.
- The threads are edible — eat them or re-steep once.
Real saffron turns water golden slowly while the threads stay red. If the water turns red instantly, the saffron is likely dyed — see how to identify fake saffron.
Saffron water benefits
Mood
Clinical trials using about 30 mg of saffron a day (roughly 15 threads) found improvements in mild to moderate low mood over 6–8 weeks. Saffron water is a gentle daily way to take part of that amount. Read saffron for depression and anxiety.
For women: PMS and period discomfort
A 2008 study in BJOG found saffron (15 mg twice a day) eased PMS symptoms. See saffron for periods for what the research does and does not show.
Sleep
Saffron has been shown to improve sleep quality in a 2020 trial. If sleep is your goal, an evening cup of kesar milk suits better than morning saffron water. More in saffron for sleep.
Skin
There is no strong evidence that drinking saffron water changes your skin. Applied on the skin, cooled saffron water is used as a gentle toner — patch-test first. See saffron benefits for skin.
Appetite
One study found a saffron extract reduced snacking in women. It is not a weight-loss drink, but it can be part of a calmer routine. Read kesar for weight loss.
Saffron water on an empty stomach: is it okay?
For most healthy adults, yes — a cup of mild saffron water first thing in the morning is fine. If you are prone to acidity, drink it after breakfast instead. Do not increase the threads to "boost" the effect; more is not better.
How much and how often
One cup a day with 5–7 threads (about 10–15 mg) is plenty. Combined with saffron in food, stay within the ranges in our saffron dosage guide.
Who should avoid saffron water
- Women in the first trimester of pregnancy — see pregnancy mein kesar kab se lein
- People with bipolar disorder or low blood pressure
- Anyone on antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, sedatives or blood thinners, without asking their doctor
Full list: saffron side effects.
Saffron water only works as well as the saffron you use. Our Kashmiri Mongra is farm-direct from Pampore, so a few threads go a long way.