You’ve probably heard of both of these popular medications, but wonder which one is better suited for your needs. Let’s dive in and find out—what is saffron, and what is Viagra?
Saffron
Saffron is a culinary spice, and the extract of the saffron crocus. It is most commonly used in European cuisines, such as Italian and French, but is now available in many supermarkets worldwide.
While often used in combination with other spices such as turmeric and ginger, saffron can be used on its own to give dishes a distinctive color and flavor. It has been shown to have multiple health benefits, and it has been used for centuries in medicine. Today, saffron continues to be of great interest to scientists, as it has been found to be effective in treating certain medical conditions, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and skin diseases.
Viagra
Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, which is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Sildenafil citrate is a substance derived from the extract of the plant, *Penyavaya vipera*, which is native to southern Africa and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Viagra plant’. The *vipera* species contains structurally similar compounds that have been used for centuries for similar purposes as sildenafil citrate—to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil citrate was first synthesized in the 1960s and was approved for medical use in 1998.
Unlike most medications, Viagra does not contain aspirin or any other pain relievers. It also does not contain any cholesterol-lowering agents, and it is not meant to replace any medications you might already be taking for a chronic condition.
What Are The Differences Between Saffron And Viagra?
There are a few key differences between saffron and Viagra. First, while Viagra treats erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, saffron is intended to be used for both mental and physical health concerns. Second, while both compounds are used to treat sexual dysfunction, saffron is considered to be a more natural and effective alternative to Viagra.
When Should You Take Saffron And Viagra?
Although both compounds have been used for centuries to improve mental and physical health, there are some key differences between when you should take them. Take note of the following when deciding when to use each medication.
Saffron
As mentioned above, saffron is used to treat both mental and physical health issues. It is considered to be an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Therefore, taking saffron may be a good idea if you are experiencing any sort of stress—physical or mental. It could also be used in combination with medications you are already taking for a psychiatric condition, such as depression or anxiety.
Viagra
Because Viagra treats erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, this medication is the first choice for men who are looking to improve their sexual functioning. It is highly effective in treating erectile dysfunction and has been shown to increase blood flow to the penis, which results in bigger, harder, and longer-lasting erections. Furthermore, early studies indicated that Viagra might also be able to help men with pulmonary arterial hypertension as well.
Which One Is Cost Effective?
Cost effectiveness is one of the major factors to consider when choosing a medication. After all, we want to make sure that we are investing in the health of our loved ones while also considering the budget. Let’s take a look at the cost effectiveness of each medication. The list below includes the cost per day for each medication.
Saffron
- Cost: $0.83 per day
- Doses: 2–3 mg once or twice a day, depending on the strength of the medication
- How effective it is: Reported to be more effective than many other ED medications
- Side effects: None reported so far
Viagra
- Cost: $1.25 per day
- Doses: 50 mg or 100 mg once, or 25 mg twice a day, depending on the strength of the medication
- How effective it is: One of the most popular ED medications, and highly effective in treating ED
- Side effects: Bladder upset is the most common, especially when taking the high-dose tablets, but this usually goes away after a couple of days
- Storage: Must be stored at room temperature and away from heat, light, and moisture
Which One Is More Natural?
Many people are drawn to natural products due to the belief that they are more ‘pure’ and have fewer side effects. Let’s take a look at the natural origin of each compound.
Saffron
Saffron is a culinary spice, and the extract of the saffron crocus. It is most commonly used in European cuisines, such as Italian and French, but is now available in many supermarkets worldwide.
While often used in combination with other spices such as turmeric and ginger, saffron can be used on its own to give dishes a distinctive color and flavor. It has been shown to have multiple health benefits, and it has been used for centuries in medicine. Today, saffron continues to be of great interest to scientists, as it has been found to be effective in treating certain medical conditions, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and skin diseases.
Viagra
Since both compounds are derived from natural products, it is clear that they are both natural! However, while viagra is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is actually a derivative of a plant product.
Sildenafil citrate is a substance derived from the extract of the plant, *Penyavaya vipera*, which is native to southern Africa and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Viagra plant’. The *vipera* species contains structurally similar compounds that have been used for centuries for similar purposes as sildenafil citrate—to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil citrate was first synthesized in the 1960s and was approved for medical use in 1998.
Unlike most medications, Viagra does not contain aspirin or any other pain relievers. It also does not contain any cholesterol-lowering agents, and it is not meant to replace any medications you might already be taking for a chronic condition.
Which One Is Better Suited For Your Body Type?
The main reason that people choose one medication over the other is due to their body type. Some individuals are more suitable for taking certain medications than others. Let’s have a look at how each one interacts with the body.
Saffron
Since saffron is used to treat both mental and physical health issues, it is considered to be an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Therefore, taking saffron may be a good idea if you are experiencing any sort of stress—physical or mental. It could also be used in combination with medications you are already taking for a psychiatric condition, such as depression or anxiety.
On the downside, since saffron is used to treat both physical and mental health consequences, it may not be the best choice if you are facing extreme emotional stress. Furthermore, if you are already taking a medication for depression or anxiety, then you may need to try a different approach to deal with the root cause of your emotional pain.
Viagra
Unlike saffron, which helps the body adapt to both physical and mental stress, Viagra specifically treats erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This medication is highly effective in treating ED and has been shown to increase blood flow to the penis, which results in bigger, harder, and longer-lasting erections. Furthermore, early studies indicated that Viagra might also be able to help men with pulmonary arterial hypertension as well.