Bright orange to deep red safflower petals are a familiar sight in Thai markets and herbal shops. Known locally as kham foi, this “golden flower” is celebrated for beauty, health, and healing. Today, Thailand blends traditional wisdom with modern research to uncover safflower’s potential and share its story with a new generation.
Safflower has deep roots in Southeast Asia, especially among the Lanna communities of northern Thailand. Dried petals are used in teas, natural colorants for rice and desserts, and in multi-herb blends that support circulation and women’s health. Thai traditional records describe kham foi as nourishing the blood, supporting heart vitality, regulating menstruation, and aiding recovery after childbirth. Healers also use it to ease abdominal discomfort, reduce bruising, and even as a scalp tonic to preserve hair color.
Across Ayurveda, Persian, and Chinese traditions, safflower has long appeared in remedies for pain, circulation, irregular menses, and injuries. This ethnomedicinal breadth reflects a shared belief that safflower can move the blood, ease inflammation, and restore balance. Modern science is now testing these claims to understand how safflower’s compounds work in the body.
Research focuses on safflower’s main constituents—carthamin and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), along with flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin, and essential fatty acids. Findings point to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular benefits that align with traditional uses. Together, these studies contribute to a growing evidence base about safflower’s health potential.
Recent studies show safflower extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activity, protecting cells from free-radical damage. Other findings indicate anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, and vasodilatory effects, which may help explain safflower’s historical link to better blood flow and cardiovascular health. Researchers are continuing to explore safflower’s role in metabolic and heart-related conditions.
Clinical trials from various regions suggest safflower oil may improve metabolic syndrome markers. Some studies report reduced abdominal fat, lower blood pressure, and improved insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes. These effects are thought to stem from unsaturated fatty acids in safflower oil, especially linoleic acid, which can influence lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk.
In women’s health, safflower’s traditional use for regulating menstruation and easing cramps appears supported by research showing mild estrogenic activity and relaxation of smooth muscle. In China, standardized safflower extracts are used in hospital formulas for amenorrhea, cramps, and postpartum pain. While meta-analyses show reduced pain and improved menstrual blood flow, experts call for higher-quality human trials to confirm these benefits.
HSYA and other safflower compounds are being explored for cardiovascular applications, including potential roles in preventing atherosclerosis and stroke. Laboratory studies suggest HSYA can protect blood vessels, reduce clot formation, and dampen inflammatory pathways. In some settings, safflower-based formulations are used as adjunctive therapy for stroke and heart disease, though such use is not yet common in Thai or Western clinical practice.
Beyond clinical uses, safflower’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have implications for skin and hair care. In Thai folk practice, safflower tea is believed to support scalp health and hair color. While laboratory results show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, robust human trials on hair growth or color retention remain limited, so readers should interpret these claims with caution.
Safflower is generally safe in moderate amounts typical of culinary and traditional tea use. Some safety reviews note low risk at ordinary doses, but the plant’s traditional label as a “blood invigoration” remedy calls for caution in people with active bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, or pregnancy. Healthcare providers can help assess suitability and potential interactions, especially for those on anticoagulants or undergoing pregnancy.
For everyday use, safflower can be enjoyed as a mild, caffeine-free tea or added to rice, salads, and desserts for color and flavor. Modern Thai producers are blending safflower with local botanicals in functional foods and beauty products to appeal to younger consumers seeking authenticity and wellbeing. Thai researchers are analyzing kham foi’s phytochemicals and health effects, with early results supporting traditional claims about heart health, inflammation, and antioxidant activity. Large-scale human trials are still needed to move from traditional use toward formal recommendations.
Thai culture enriches safflower’s story. The flower’s coloring power carries symbolic meaning in temples and kitchens, where it has dyed robes, flavored special dishes, and brightened festive desserts. This heritage—embodied in the idea that food can be medicine—continues to inspire contemporary use that respects both tradition and evidence.
Looking ahead, safflower could play a growing role in wellness, functional foods, and sustainable agriculture in Thailand. As public interest in natural products and preventive health rises, kham foi’s gentle effects and local availability position it for broader relevance. Yet experts stress that natural does not equal risk-free, and medical guidance is essential when using safflower for health concerns, especially for those with chronic illnesses or on multiple medications.
For safe, practical use, start with simple applications: steep a teaspoon of dried safflower in hot water for 3-5 minutes to make a light, golden tea with a subtle earthy aroma. Pair with lemongrass, pandan, or ginger for flavor. In cooking, add safflower petals to rice or salads to brighten color and taste. Anyone with bleeding issues, who is pregnant, or taking blood-thinning meds should consult a healthcare professional before using safflower.
In summary, safflower—kham foi—remains a bridge between ancient healing and contemporary science. Its revered status in Thai herbal heritage is increasingly complemented by evidence from modern research. As health awareness grows, this golden herb invites a balanced dialogue between age-old wisdom and rigorous science, underscoring the value of informed, culturally grounded choices.
This article is for educational purposes only. Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before using safflower or other herbal remedies to assess safety, interactions, and appropriate dosing for your personal health context.