Saffron, harvested by hand from the stigma of crocus (Crocus sativus L.), has long been used in cooking, dying and fragrances, and a new study also verifies its traditional use for lowering depression. European researchers gave 56 people with poor moods, anxiety or stress either 30 milligrams a day of saffron extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Those getting the saffron reported feeling less depressed and having improved social relationships, and their urinary crocetin levels correlated with a change in their depression scores.