Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 13:59     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Here's a good thing on counterfeit saffron: https://foodfraudadvisors.com/saffron-fraud/

One thing I learned recently is that certain spices and supplements are vulnerable to fraud—either replacing with something also or adulterating... even stuff you buy at the grocery store from name brands—it's often difficult to identify and there isn't a major effort to do so, because they're not considered health products, and if the worse thing that happens is you have fake oregano, whatever (oregano is often fake!)

What shocked me is that the counterfeit herb/spice industry is bigger (dollar wise) than the cocaine and heroin trade. Wild.

So, yeah, even if you're into the idea of saffron treating ADHD, figure out some way to make sure you REALLY have ADHD.
Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 13:59     Subject: Re:Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Look, as with any medication/supplement/remedy of any kind, YMMV. We tried a bunch of meds, all of which were largely terrible experiences, and we’re only a few days in, but this is working for us. It may stop working tomorrow! Or work a little, but need to be supplemented by a Rx, who knows? For the moment, though, I’m excited and wanted to share in case others could benefit. And if you actually had googled it, you’d see there are plenty of studies.

It sounds miserable being you.


Im not the one reduced to pushing my snake oil on a SN parents board. That's miserable


Why do you have to be such a b%#ch? If you don’t like a suggestion move on and don’t try it. Parents have been sharing things that work for them longer than you’ve been alive. Saffron is one of the tamest of the “snake oil” suggestions I’ve seen.


No it isnt. Its a very expense waste of hope and money. Do you not see the parents come here in desperation? The parents who dont have the background to realize peer reviewed, placebo controlled research from this nonsense? Parents who "try anything" themselves into the poor house in desperate attempt to help their children whom they love? Parents who roll their eyes at actual therapeutic help because they are tired from all the snake oil down the drain that did nothing- or worse?


Np. I don’t need you to ‘protect’ me from this information with your ‘superior’ medical background. I doubt anyone in dcum does. Let’s advocate for more research and not just shut down conversations between parents experiencing similar struggles because YOU find them unworthy. Please find something more useful to do with your time. If you think op is a scammer then say so and report it to Jeff but don’t keep spewing vitriol on struggling parents -no one needs or wants you to police the discussion.


NP. Sure thing, but let's also advocate for accuracy about discussing and reporting research. Our children are worth more than making basic mistakes reviewing evidence. At least you should care enough to tell the difference between information coming from the US Federal Government National Institutes of Health and something written by a college student in Iran.

You have to at least understand what you are saying for it to be any help. It matters. Get it right.


You seem very uninformed about research. There are multiple articles you can read on the topic by different researchers in different countries. The linked article by the OP was not just written by a random college student either. Graduate students frequently work on research and publications around the world. You can easily find the other members of the research team as they too are listed authors, and their affiliations. Just because something wasn't published in the West, it doesn't mean it is inaccurate


When the only research coming up is from grad students at the country who happens to be the he biggest exporter of that product, well.. bless your heart


But it isn't. Hence your ignorance.
Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 13:55     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Sadly with the cuts to NIH we are even less likely to get good research on what supplements work and for whom and at what dosage. The phrama companies aren’t going to study this (although I think sometimes they will study it to figure out what chemical compound of the supplement is causing the desired effect so they can isolate that and produce it in a purer format.)
Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 13:49     Subject: Re:Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Look, as with any medication/supplement/remedy of any kind, YMMV. We tried a bunch of meds, all of which were largely terrible experiences, and we’re only a few days in, but this is working for us. It may stop working tomorrow! Or work a little, but need to be supplemented by a Rx, who knows? For the moment, though, I’m excited and wanted to share in case others could benefit. And if you actually had googled it, you’d see there are plenty of studies.

It sounds miserable being you.


Im not the one reduced to pushing my snake oil on a SN parents board. That's miserable


Why do you have to be such a b%#ch? If you don’t like a suggestion move on and don’t try it. Parents have been sharing things that work for them longer than you’ve been alive. Saffron is one of the tamest of the “snake oil” suggestions I’ve seen.


No it isnt. Its a very expense waste of hope and money. Do you not see the parents come here in desperation? The parents who dont have the background to realize peer reviewed, placebo controlled research from this nonsense? Parents who "try anything" themselves into the poor house in desperate attempt to help their children whom they love? Parents who roll their eyes at actual therapeutic help because they are tired from all the snake oil down the drain that did nothing- or worse?


Np. I don’t need you to ‘protect’ me from this information with your ‘superior’ medical background. I doubt anyone in dcum does. Let’s advocate for more research and not just shut down conversations between parents experiencing similar struggles because YOU find them unworthy. Please find something more useful to do with your time. If you think op is a scammer then say so and report it to Jeff but don’t keep spewing vitriol on struggling parents -no one needs or wants you to police the discussion.


NP. Sure thing, but let's also advocate for accuracy about discussing and reporting research. Our children are worth more than making basic mistakes reviewing evidence. At least you should care enough to tell the difference between information coming from the US Federal Government National Institutes of Health and something written by a college student in Iran.

You have to at least understand what you are saying for it to be any help. It matters. Get it right.


You seem very uninformed about research. There are multiple articles you can read on the topic by different researchers in different countries. The linked article by the OP was not just written by a random college student either. Graduate students frequently work on research and publications around the world. You can easily find the other members of the research team as they too are listed authors, and their affiliations. Just because something wasn't published in the West, it doesn't mean it is inaccurate


When the only research coming up is from grad students at the country who happens to be the he biggest exporter of that product, well.. bless your heart
Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 12:31     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

As a word of warning, saffron is expensive enough as a spice that it is quite commonly adulterated.

If you feel like gardening, the saffron crocus grows pretty well in this area, and is quite attractive when in bloom.

Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 12:31     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

So, is there ANY science backing this?

You should go to a doctor and describe your issues with medications. There are dozens of different medications in a crazy range of formulations and doses... maybe none of them are right for you, but you should talk to someone who can speak knowledgably about the actual science behind it.

Also, the big problem with all supplements is that you have no way of knowing what they are. Maybe saffron works, but unless you're buying it from somewhere that offers a really uniform and carefully monitored dosage, you're really shooting blind... you might not even be taking saffron. That's why we have regulation for prescriptions--whether you think they work or are right for your DC, you know what they are when you buy them.
Anonymous
Post 09/06/2025 12:23     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:also- it's not expensive. A jar of gummies that lasts a month (2 gummies/day) is $20. That's a weird thing to say.


Which ones do you recommend?
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 22:35     Subject: Re:Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Look, as with any medication/supplement/remedy of any kind, YMMV. We tried a bunch of meds, all of which were largely terrible experiences, and we’re only a few days in, but this is working for us. It may stop working tomorrow! Or work a little, but need to be supplemented by a Rx, who knows? For the moment, though, I’m excited and wanted to share in case others could benefit. And if you actually had googled it, you’d see there are plenty of studies.

It sounds miserable being you.


Im not the one reduced to pushing my snake oil on a SN parents board. That's miserable


Why do you have to be such a b%#ch? If you don’t like a suggestion move on and don’t try it. Parents have been sharing things that work for them longer than you’ve been alive. Saffron is one of the tamest of the “snake oil” suggestions I’ve seen.


No it isnt. Its a very expense waste of hope and money. Do you not see the parents come here in desperation? The parents who dont have the background to realize peer reviewed, placebo controlled research from this nonsense? Parents who "try anything" themselves into the poor house in desperate attempt to help their children whom they love? Parents who roll their eyes at actual therapeutic help because they are tired from all the snake oil down the drain that did nothing- or worse?


Np. I don’t need you to ‘protect’ me from this information with your ‘superior’ medical background. I doubt anyone in dcum does. Let’s advocate for more research and not just shut down conversations between parents experiencing similar struggles because YOU find them unworthy. Please find something more useful to do with your time. If you think op is a scammer then say so and report it to Jeff but don’t keep spewing vitriol on struggling parents -no one needs or wants you to police the discussion.


NP. Sure thing, but let's also advocate for accuracy about discussing and reporting research. Our children are worth more than making basic mistakes reviewing evidence. At least you should care enough to tell the difference between information coming from the US Federal Government National Institutes of Health and something written by a college student in Iran.

You have to at least understand what you are saying for it to be any help. It matters. Get it right.


You seem very uninformed about research. There are multiple articles you can read on the topic by different researchers in different countries. The linked article by the OP was not just written by a random college student either. Graduate students frequently work on research and publications around the world. You can easily find the other members of the research team as they too are listed authors, and their affiliations. Just because something wasn't published in the West, it doesn't mean it is inaccurate


Most assuredly, it certainly was not "from the NIH." That is so very basic a misunderstanding of how all this works.

Get it right. If it's important information, treat it that way.
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 22:14     Subject: Re:Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Look, as with any medication/supplement/remedy of any kind, YMMV. We tried a bunch of meds, all of which were largely terrible experiences, and we’re only a few days in, but this is working for us. It may stop working tomorrow! Or work a little, but need to be supplemented by a Rx, who knows? For the moment, though, I’m excited and wanted to share in case others could benefit. And if you actually had googled it, you’d see there are plenty of studies.

It sounds miserable being you.


Im not the one reduced to pushing my snake oil on a SN parents board. That's miserable


Why do you have to be such a b%#ch? If you don’t like a suggestion move on and don’t try it. Parents have been sharing things that work for them longer than you’ve been alive. Saffron is one of the tamest of the “snake oil” suggestions I’ve seen.


No it isnt. Its a very expense waste of hope and money. Do you not see the parents come here in desperation? The parents who dont have the background to realize peer reviewed, placebo controlled research from this nonsense? Parents who "try anything" themselves into the poor house in desperate attempt to help their children whom they love? Parents who roll their eyes at actual therapeutic help because they are tired from all the snake oil down the drain that did nothing- or worse?


Np. I don’t need you to ‘protect’ me from this information with your ‘superior’ medical background. I doubt anyone in dcum does. Let’s advocate for more research and not just shut down conversations between parents experiencing similar struggles because YOU find them unworthy. Please find something more useful to do with your time. If you think op is a scammer then say so and report it to Jeff but don’t keep spewing vitriol on struggling parents -no one needs or wants you to police the discussion.


NP. Sure thing, but let's also advocate for accuracy about discussing and reporting research. Our children are worth more than making basic mistakes reviewing evidence. At least you should care enough to tell the difference between information coming from the US Federal Government National Institutes of Health and something written by a college student in Iran.

You have to at least understand what you are saying for it to be any help. It matters. Get it right.


You seem very uninformed about research. There are multiple articles you can read on the topic by different researchers in different countries. The linked article by the OP was not just written by a random college student either. Graduate students frequently work on research and publications around the world. You can easily find the other members of the research team as they too are listed authors, and their affiliations. Just because something wasn't published in the West, it doesn't mean it is inaccurate
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 21:05     Subject: Re:Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Look, as with any medication/supplement/remedy of any kind, YMMV. We tried a bunch of meds, all of which were largely terrible experiences, and we’re only a few days in, but this is working for us. It may stop working tomorrow! Or work a little, but need to be supplemented by a Rx, who knows? For the moment, though, I’m excited and wanted to share in case others could benefit. And if you actually had googled it, you’d see there are plenty of studies.

It sounds miserable being you.


Im not the one reduced to pushing my snake oil on a SN parents board. That's miserable


Why do you have to be such a b%#ch? If you don’t like a suggestion move on and don’t try it. Parents have been sharing things that work for them longer than you’ve been alive. Saffron is one of the tamest of the “snake oil” suggestions I’ve seen.


No it isnt. Its a very expense waste of hope and money. Do you not see the parents come here in desperation? The parents who dont have the background to realize peer reviewed, placebo controlled research from this nonsense? Parents who "try anything" themselves into the poor house in desperate attempt to help their children whom they love? Parents who roll their eyes at actual therapeutic help because they are tired from all the snake oil down the drain that did nothing- or worse?


Np. I don’t need you to ‘protect’ me from this information with your ‘superior’ medical background. I doubt anyone in dcum does. Let’s advocate for more research and not just shut down conversations between parents experiencing similar struggles because YOU find them unworthy. Please find something more useful to do with your time. If you think op is a scammer then say so and report it to Jeff but don’t keep spewing vitriol on struggling parents -no one needs or wants you to police the discussion.


NP. Sure thing, but let's also advocate for accuracy about discussing and reporting research. Our children are worth more than making basic mistakes reviewing evidence. At least you should care enough to tell the difference between information coming from the US Federal Government National Institutes of Health and something written by a college student in Iran.

You have to at least understand what you are saying for it to be any help. It matters. Get it right.
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 20:58     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

You must buy my gumies. You can not only take the plant!
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 12:24     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This has worked for my DD who is 15. It also works for my hot flashes.

We did as much natural as we could. She also takes Barlean's high potency fish oil as well as a high Vit B multiuvitamin and a gummy with magnesium, theanine, zinc, and Vit D.

Definitely better than any stimulant she has tried.


Which gummy and multivatinin are you using?


My teen is very sensitive to certain pills and textures so it's trial and error. She hates hardened or sticky gummies but will take this one. It tastes really good. And I love that it is only 1 a day. She takes this around dinner to calm her from Focalin ER drop and get her ready for bed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DHVQ9XWY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1PWMFDISMISV6&psc=1

The multivitamin is a capsule because most high B vitamins smell terrible. The only thing it doesn't have that I would like is iron, but she loves steak, chicken, eggs, broccoli, shrimp etc.. so I feel like she is getting enough

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLG833V?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_22#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor

Hope this helps!



My DD is only 10, but puberty is in full swing and we find her Focalin ER has worn off by 2:30/3 because she has to take it so early before school. If we increase her dose it will last a tiny bit longer, but she’s a zombie in the middle part of the day and it affects her appetite too much.

She’s been taking melatonin AT bedtime but there’s always a fight to get the routine started. Will try these magnesium gummies at dinner to see if there’s a difference. I also would like her vitamin D tested as her sister and I are naturally low without supplementation. Makes a big difference in mood!

I’ve hear guafacine at night worked well with Focalin er during the day, but waiting to get more back into the school routine before trying that.


Guafacine can make them really tired the first week so you might want to start it on a 3-4 day time off if possible. I have heard mostly good, but we started with Clonidine instead as her sleep was so bad and it tends to make them a bit drowsier. Before the clonidine, her Apple Watch would beep with heart rates in the 130's during Focalin's second peak and she struggled with going to bed. That has gone away now.

Right now she takes Focalin ER and Wellbutrin in AM and Clonidine and Lamictal in PM and it is by far the best combo we have had in 2 years of trying. Almost to the point we are considering tapering the Focalin away as her ADHD issues are more emotional regulation, impulses, and hyperactivity in the brain (overthinking, overtalking) and I feel like Lamictal has been the savior and a low does of Clonidine has helped with sleep and rolls over during much of the school day to give her that pause to gain a thought before blurting or acting out. And that maybe the Focalin isn't needed as she has always been good with focus, especially when her mind is more at rest.

How old is your kid? That is a ton of meds for a kid to be on if they don't have very severe issues.

Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 01:27     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:There's actually a lot -- google "saffron for adhd." Here's one from NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37864351/


Bless your heart! The nih runs a repository of articles related to health. They dont run the studies or write the articles on there.
The "article" (more like a post it note, ) you referenced was written by students at a university in Iran
Im guessing Iran is the largest exporter of saffron.
Best to let the smart people do the science, dear.


You don't have to be an a$$ about it. You can politely disagree and be done with it. Take your snark somewhere else.


Why don't you take your snake oil junk science elsewhere. The article you cite is crap.
Anonymous
Post 09/04/2025 01:13     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Can you just feed them saffron strands and have the same effect?


Yes! It is even better!


Agree - just like a lot of salmon is better than fish oil. But supplements are ok if needed
Anonymous
Post 09/03/2025 18:03     Subject: Saffron for ADHD

OP here- thanks for the “Finally Focused” suggestion. such a hopeful read!