Safflower, known in Thai as kam-foy, has long been a staple in traditional healing across Asia, including Thailand. Its bright petals are celebrated for multiple uses, and modern science is beginning to uncover how it works. This piece examines how ancient Thai wisdom and current research intersect, with practical guidance for health-minded readers.
In Thai culture, safflower is more than a culinary ingredient. Dried safflower florets, prized for their golden color and subtle flavor, have been part of everyday wellness. Thai names for the herb, including ดอกคำ and คำหยุม, reflect its dual role in food and medicine. Across Isan and the central plains, safflower blends are used to support vitality, with traditional applications ranging from menstrual support and mild discomfort relief to hair darkening in some rural communities. Dried petals are brewed into teas or incorporated into topical preparations. Elders often link safflower to women’s health and life energy, a view rooted in a holistic understanding of body, mind, and environment, as seen in historical Thai and regional texts and practices.
The Thai use of safflower sits within a broader Asian healing tradition. In traditional Chinese medicine, safflower—often called Hong Hua—has been valued for promoting blood flow and addressing stagnation. Its uses extend to gynecological concerns, minor pain, and swelling from injuries. Thai traditional medicine mirrors these emphases, using safflower to support regular menstruation and provide gentle analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Today, practitioners in Thailand and neighboring regions continue to blend safflower into herbal mixtures for women’s health and general wellness.
Modern science is turning its attention to Carthamus tinctorius, the plant behind safflower. The petals—referred to in research as Carthami flos—contain a mix of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like carthamin and quinochalcone derivatives, phenylethanoid glycosides, coumarins, and fatty acids. This chemical richness helps explain traditional claims and guides contemporary research into health applications. Studies from Chinese and Thai laboratories highlight potential benefits in several areas, though many findings come from preclinical studies or early-stage trials.
Possible areas of benefit include:
- Cardiovascular health: Safflower extracts are rich in antioxidants and may support healthy blood flow and lipid balance. Some studies suggest improvements in blood lipid profiles and vascular function.
- Menstrual and gynecological health: Traditional use aimed to support normal menstruation and ease discomfort. Laboratory studies indicate safflower compounds may affect blood vessel dynamics and platelet function, but robust clinical evidence is still needed.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Experimental work shows reductions in inflammatory markers and mild pain relief, aligning with common uses for joint discomfort and injuries.
- Neuroprotective and antioxidant actions: Safflower compounds show notable antioxidant activity in laboratory settings, with early hints of neuroprotective potential, though more research is required.
Despite encouraging signals, safflower research is ongoing. Many studies are preclinical or early-stage, and rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy for specific conditions. Traditional uses are being explored through modern science, but strong evidence remains to be established.
In Thailand today, safflower retains medicinal and ceremonial value. Markets continue to offer dried petals for herbal teas, tonics, and DIY hair treatments. In northern communities, elders recall family remedies that balance circulation during the postpartum period, illustrating how memory and practice shape health habits. In Bangkok and other urban centers, safflower is reemerging among health-conscious consumers, used in simple teas or as an ingredient in functional beverages. This reflects a broader global trend toward natural remedies amid concerns about synthetic drugs.
Readers should exercise caution and seek reliable guidance. Safflower is generally safe as a food coloring or in moderate tea form, and safflower oil is common in cooking. Concentrated extracts and supplements require caution. Pregnant individuals should avoid medicinal use, as safflower may stimulate uterine contractions. People with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners should consult healthcare providers about potential interactions. As with all herbs, start with small amounts and monitor how your body responds.
Practical steps for curious readers:
- Choose reputable, food-grade safflower products aligned with Thai safety standards.
- Enjoy safflower tea as a gentle wellness option, but avoid high-concentration extracts without professional advice.
- Consult healthcare professionals before use if pregnant, nursing, or dealing with conditions related to bleeding, heart health, or hormones.
- Remember that herbal remedies complement but do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
As Thailand’s herbal landscape evolves, safflower embodies the blend of tradition and science. Local markets and rural kitchens retain practical knowledge, while journals and laboratories illuminate underlying biology. The dialogue between ancestral practice and modern investigation invites careful, respectful exploration of healing plants in Thai culture.
For readers seeking deeper context, research from leading pharmacology journals provides insights into safflower’s traditional uses and emerging scientific findings—understanding how ancient wisdom guides contemporary health conversations.