Crocus cartwrightianus vs Albizia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Crocus cartwrightianus

Nervine

Albizia julibrissin

Nervine

Crocus cartwrightianus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Albizia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Wild ancestor of saffron crocus; stigmas used similarly to cultivated saffron in Greek folk medicine.

Called the "tree of happiness" in TCM, its bark and flowers are used for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Active Compounds

crocin, crocetin, safranal, flavonoids

Saponins (julibrosides), Flavonoids, Tannins, Lignan glycosides

Traditional Uses

depression, anxiety, vision support, menstrual disorders

Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Trauma/grief

Modern Uses

antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant

Anxiolytic, Antidepressant-like, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

30mg standardized extract daily

6-15g dried bark in decoction or 3-5g flowers as tea

Contraindications

pregnancy (high doses), anticoagulants

Pregnancy, Sedative medications

Side Effects

GI upset, headache

Drowsiness, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E