“Saffron” has long been used in traditional medicine as a natural analgesic for relieving toothache and gum pain.
Dr. Mojtaba Bazrafshan, in his professional doctoral dissertation, investigated this subject in depth. In a clinical study involving 60 patients with post–root canal pain, he found that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of saffron extract are comparable to those of commonly used medications such as ibuprofen and indomethacin. Consequently, saffron may be considered a natural and effective herbal remedy for toothache relief.
This aromatic plant contains bioactive compounds, including crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which possess potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These components can help alleviate gum inflammation and reduce pain caused by dental caries through multiple biochemical mechanisms.
Some traditional methods of using saffron for relieving toothache include:
Saffron Infusion: Rinsing the mouth with saffron tea or holding it briefly in the mouth can help soothe a toothache and reduce oral discomfort.
Saffron Powder with Sugar: Consuming a small amount of saffron powder (approximately 0.2 to 1 gram) mixed with sugar is also traditionally recommended as a natural remedy to help relieve tooth pain.
Saffron and Honey Mixture for Children: For teething, gently rub a mixture of ground saffron and honey onto the child’s gums to soothe discomfort and reduce pain associated with tooth eruption.
In the conducted study, no adverse effects were observed with the mentioned dosage of saffron; however, its use is not recommended for pregnant women, as saffron may stimulate uterine contractions and pose potential risks during pregnancy.
