Psychiatrist claims popular spice could 'help beat' common health condition

Old wives' tales have long claimed that certain spices can cure illness, soothe symptoms and boost overall wellbeing.

Firstly, we were told turmeric was ideal for treating joint pain. Then, a sprinkle of cinnamon was rumoured to balance blood sugar and ward off colds.

And while scientific studies have proven some element of truth to these age-old theories, others medics have slammed as downright outlandish.

Apparently, however, there's one spice we've all been overlooking all these years, which most people will probably be able to find somewhere in the back of their kitchen pantry. This is especially the case if you're lucky enough to boast Middle Eastern heritage.

Speaking to Fox News this week, psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen claimed this particular seasoning has verified a number of theories on the benefits of home remedies - including that it can assist with mental wellbeing woes.

Amen claimed his theory is based on stats (Getty Stock Image)

We are, of course, talking about saffron - which Amen says is super effective when it comes to getting a handle on depression.

"I love saffron so much," the medic began. "I’m Lebanese, and Middle Eastern folks cook with a lot of saffron. And there’s actually folklore in Iran: If you’re too happy, you must have had saffron."

Asked the specifics when it comes to medicating depression with the common household spice, the doctor claimed that 30mg of saffron was 'equally as effective' as prescribed antibiotics proved to be during randomised trials.

Over 192 trials involving 17,000 patients were analysed to determine which supplement worked best for treating low mood, with saffron coming out on top as the most effective.

The same study also analysed how 44 different nutraceuticals interacted with prescription anti-depression meds, finding that zinc and curcumins were even further affective.

Saffron is said to have a number of health benefits (Getty Stock Image)

He recommended: "So, if you’re on an antidepressant and you want it to work even better, think about zinc and curcumins. Saffron, zinc and curcumins is a great combination."

Amen added, however, that those hoping to take better care of their mental health don't necessarily need to incorporate saffron into their cooking, given the controversial taste of the seasoning. It can also be made into capsules, tablets and powder.

For the record, SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) - the most commonly prescribed forms of mental health meds - are proven to help boost mood. For many users, however, these drugs have been found to decrease their sexual function, or effect their libido.

According to Amen, however, saffron has the opposite effect, and has been known to make some takers raunchier than ever.

"As a psychiatrist, I don’t want to ruin my patients’ love lives," the professional went on. "Saffron increased sexual function [in research]."

He added that saffron has been proven to aid both memory and focus, and limit the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

What Amen says we must take with a pinch of salt, however, is that long-term saffron use is something yet to be studied scientifically.