Safflower, known in Thai as “คำฝอย” (pronounced “kam-foy”), has been a staple in traditional medicine for generations across Asia, including the Kingdom of Thailand. Revered for its vibrant yellow-orange petals and multifaceted benefits, this ancient remedy is enjoying renewed interest as modern research uncovers its scientific underpinnings. But where does the wisdom of Thai healers intersect with today’s lab-based evidence, and what should health-conscious readers know before embracing this herbal staple?
For centuries, safflower has colored not only the dishes and garments of Thai culture, but also its traditional pharmacy. Utilized primarily for its dried florets—harvested for their golden hue and subtle flavor—safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., family Compositae/Asteraceae) has historically played a key role in local wellness routines. Known under various names such as ดอกคำ, คำหยุม, คำหยอง, and more, it’s both a culinary and medicinal herb, prized from Isan to the central plains. In a society where natural remedies retain deep cultural resonance, understanding safflower’s full story requires looking both to ancestral wisdom and contemporary science.
The cultural tapestry of safflower use in Thailand is rich. As with many traditional remedies, its application reflects a blend of indigenous knowledge, regional influences (notably from Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM), and practical experience. In Thai folk medicine, safflower is revered for promoting “blood circulation,” regulating menstruation, relieving pain from trauma, and even as a “hair darkening” agent—a tradition still alive in some rural communities today. Dried safflower petals are often brewed into teas, decoctions, or incorporated into topical preparations. Folk healers have recommended safflower blends for women’s health, especially for menstrual disorders and postpartum care, reflecting ancient beliefs about vitality and the flow of life energy. These perspectives were historically passed down orally or via temple manuscripts, signifying not just botanical insight, but a holistic worldview connecting body, mind, and environment (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Across Asia—including China, India, and Persia—safflower’s healing legacy is multifaceted. In TCM, the flower (Hong Hua) is prized for invigorating the blood and resolving stasis: a cardinal principle aligned with practices for treating gynecological issues such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain (ScienceDirect). It’s also been integrated into treatments for cardiovascular complaints, minor pain, and swelling from injuries. Thai traditional medicine shares much of this focus, using safflower to promote normal menstruation and as a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
But how much of this ancient wisdom stands up under the lens of modern pharmacological investigation? Recent decades have seen a surge in global research examining Carthamus tinctorius, seeking answers to age-old claims. The flower petals—known as Carthami flos in scientific literature—are now understood to contain a complex cocktail of bioactive compounds. These include flavonoids such as carthamin and quinochalcone C-glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, coumarins, and fatty acids (biointerfaceresearch.com).
Scientific studies, mainly in China and some in Thailand, have begun validating several traditional uses. Clinical and laboratory research indicates the following potential benefits:
- Cardiovascular Health: Safflower extracts are rich in antioxidants and show potential for improving blood flow, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against atherosclerosis. Some trials in both animals and humans suggest that preparations from Carthamus tinctorius may help normalize blood lipids and reduce risk factors for heart disease (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024).
- Menstrual and Gynecological Applications: Both traditional use and emerging research support safflower’s role in addressing menstrual pain and irregularities. Its reputed action in “invigorating the blood” may have biological correlates: laboratory studies suggest safflower compounds can modulate blood vessel dilation and platelet aggregation, though direct clinical evidence remains preliminary (PubMed Central).
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: Experimental studies have documented the efficacy of safflower in reducing markers of inflammation and providing mild pain relief. This aligns with both Thai and TCM indications for treating joint pain, trauma, and skin wounds (link.springer.com).
- Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Actions: Compounds isolated from Carthamus tinctorius flowers display notable antioxidant properties in vitro—helpful in protecting cells from oxidative stress—and there is early evidence for neuroprotective effects, which could have implications for cognitive health and aging, though much more research is needed (ScienceDirect).
Despite these promising signs, it is important to approach safflower with a measured perspective. Much research is still at the preclinical or early trial stage, with larger, high-quality clinical trials needed to confirm its safety and efficacy for specific health conditions (PubMed Central). Traditional uses are being “translated” into scientific language, but not always substantiated with strong evidence yet.
In the Thai context, safflower retains both medicinal and ceremonial value. Local markets still sell dried petals for herbal teas, women’s tonics, and even DIY hair treatments as an alternative to chemical dyes. In some northern villages, elders recall family remedies of safflower infusions to “adjust circulation” for women during the postpartum period, illustrating the blend of cultural memory and medical function. In contemporary Bangkok and urban areas, safflower is reemerging among younger consumers seeking natural remedies, either as single-herb teas or as ingredients in modern functional beverages. This echoes a renewed global interest in “returning to roots” amid concerns about synthetic drug side effects.
However, with popularity comes a responsibility to use herbal remedies wisely and safely. Safflower is generally considered safe when used as a food or beverage coloring, or when brewed in moderation as tea. Safflower oil is also widely consumed and recognized as safe in culinary use (WebMD, Drugs.com). Still, concentrated extracts and supplements warrant caution. Notably, safflower may stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy, as it could increase risk of miscarriage (RxList). Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners should also consult their doctors, as safflower may interact with such medications or exacerbate bleeding risk.
Potential side effects are rare but may include mild digestive upset, allergic reactions (especially in people with related plant allergies), and, in high doses, abnormal bleeding or uterine contractions. Traditional Thai practitioners and hospital-based herbalists emphasize starting low, respecting the body’s signals, and always informing medical professionals of any herbal use. Whenever possible, seek guidance from qualified Thai herbal professionals versed in both tradition and modern safety standards.
Reflecting on its global and Thai journey, safflower embodies the dynamic interplay of tradition and science. Its continued relevance is a testament to generations of empirical wisdom, sustained by cultural respect and now increasingly supported by scientific exploration. As modern Thais balance ancestral practice with medical modernization, safflower stands as a vibrant link connecting past, present, and future health choices.
Readers interested in exploring safflower’s benefits are encouraged to:
- Use only reputable, food-grade safflower products, preferably from sources familiar with Thai standards.
- Consider safflower tea for mild wellness support, but avoid concentrated extracts unless under professional advisement.
- Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use safflower medicinally.
- Those with existing medical conditions—especially related to bleeding, the heart, or hormones—should always consult healthcare providers first.
- Remember that no herbal remedy is a substitute for appropriate medical care and diagnosis; safflower is best seen as a potential complement, not a cure-all.
As Thailand’s herbal landscape evolves, safeguarding and researching remedies like safflower is a vital act of cultural preservation and scientific curiosity. The wisdom found in local markets and rural kitchens now finds reflection in journals and laboratories—inviting careful blending of the old with the new, and reminding us to respect, investigate, and celebrate the healing plants of our heritage.
For further reading about this fascinating intersection of Thai tradition and modern science on safflower, see comprehensive reviews from ScienceDirect, PubMed Central, and recent pharmacological reviews (biointerfaceresearch.com).