#Turmeric

A recent health scare involving a woman whose daily use of turmeric supplements nearly led to fatal liver failure is raising alarms about the potential dangers of herbal supplements—a warning for Thai consumers as interest in natural remedies steadily grows. The case, reported by multiple news outlets in July 2025, details how a seemingly healthy 57-year-old woman began experiencing mild abdominal pain, progressing to nausea, dark urine, extreme fatigue, and eventually jaundice—signs of acute liver damage. Doctors later traced her condition to a high-dose turmeric supplement she had begun taking for joint pain, sparking a wider discussion about supplement safety and regulation.

In a cautionary tale that has captured international attention, a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey was recently hospitalized just “one step” from liver failure after taking high-dose turmeric supplements she’d learned about on social media. Her story, reported by several outlets including the Daily Mail and NBC News, underscores a growing health risk as dietary supplements become increasingly popular worldwide—including in Thailand—without adequate regulation and public understanding of potential side effects. The case has left medical experts urging consumers to approach herbal remedies with caution and spurred new research into the potential dangers associated with even “natural” supplements.

A recent review of scientific studies has spotlighted curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—as a promising tool for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise, offering a potentially natural solution for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking faster recovery. Compiling data from 11 research studies, this review highlights the effectiveness of both pre- and post-exercise curcumin supplementation in minimizing muscle pain, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and facilitating quicker muscle repair, raising significant interest within the Thai health and wellness community.

Few kitchen spices hold the power and reverence of turmeric. Known in Thai as “khamin chan” (ขมิ้นชัน), this vibrant golden rhizome is symbolic in Buddhist rituals, indispensable in Thai kitchens, and deeply woven into the traditional healing practices of Southeast Asia. Today, as modern science unearths the profound health-promoting properties of Curcuma longa, turmeric is enjoying a renaissance in global wellness circles, bridging old-world wisdom with contemporary evidence-based healthcare.

Turmeric’s legacy in traditional medicine spans millennia. For thousands of years, Thai and Southeast Asian healers have regarded turmeric as a panacea for ailments ranging from digestive upsets and skin infections to joint pains and wounds. In Thailand, powdered turmeric has been used in traditional recipes for longevity and beauty, incorporated in skin-whitening masks, digestive tonics, and even in postpartum care. Turmeric is also featured in Thai massage balms and herbal compresses, reflecting the belief in its ability to reduce inflammation and restore balance (“samun phrai”) in the body. Its status extends beyond healing; the root is seen as a symbol of purity and auspicious beginnings, its bright color associated with blessings and protection (NCBI Bookshelf: Turmeric, the Golden Spice).

For generations, Thais have embraced traditional medicine not just as an alternative, but as an integral part of community wellness. Yet, in the last decade, a fascinating phenomenon has emerged: science is increasingly lending credence to ancient remedies, validating medicinal plants once trusted mostly by elders and healers. One such example is the herbal formula “Khamin Chun Phuea Kan Plod Phai”—a blend documented in the digital herbarium at Ubon Ratchathani University, which now stands at the intriguing crossroads of centuries-old wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research. This story explores its journey from folklore to laboratory, offering scientifically verified knowledge to a new generation of health-conscious Thais.

A new wave of international research is spotlighting the risks of high consumption of popular spices—particularly ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon—when used alongside prescription medications. While these aromatic staples have long been celebrated for their health benefits in both traditional Thai cuisine and medicine, current scientific evidence suggests that excessive intake, especially through supplements, could interfere with drug metabolism and trigger dangerous interactions, especially among individuals with chronic health conditions.

From Bangkok’s bustling markets to rural households across Thailand, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are cornerstones of everyday cooking and wellness rituals. The use of these spices is deeply entrenched in Thai culture, often recommended in local remedies and embraced for their perceived ability to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, or manage metabolic conditions. However, recent findings originating from a University of Mississippi study—now widely cited by health platforms including The Conversation and major international news outlets—are raising red flags about their safety in concentrated or supplemental forms, particularly for vulnerable groups or those already prescribed medications for chronic diseases.

A breakthrough preclinical study has revealed that clearing “zombie cells” from spinal discs may dramatically reduce chronic low back pain, a condition that affects millions of people globally and remains common among Thais. Researchers from McGill University found that two drugs—o-Vanillin and RG-7112—can target and remove these senescent cells, leading not only to reduced pain and inflammation but even signs of tissue repair in damaged spinal discs. The findings, published in Science Advances, point to a transformative new treatment that addresses the root cause of back pain rather than just masking symptoms with painkillers or surgery source.

A recent report highlights a growing health concern regarding supplements commonly perceived as safe due to their “natural” origin. Despite their purported health benefits, several supplements might pose serious health risks, especially to the liver, when consumed in slightly excessive amounts. This report underscores the importance of awareness and moderation for Thai consumers, many of whom turn to supplements as part of their health regimens.

The liver serves as the body’s detoxification hub, diligently processing everything consumed. However, this vital organ can become overwhelmed when certain supplements are taken in excess. Vitamin A, for example, though beneficial for vision, skin, and immune functionality, is fat-soluble, leading to accumulation in the body. Excessive Vitamin A intake can result in hypervitaminosis A, potentially causing liver damage, as well as other issues like headaches and nausea. For Thai readers, this is particularly pertinent given the popularity of multivitamins and skin health supplements which often contain Vitamin A. Careful label reading and dosage monitoring are advisable.

Celebrated as the “golden spice” of Southeast Asia, Curcuma longa—known to Thais as ขมิ้นชัน (khamin chan)—has long woven itself into the tapestry of daily life, traditional healing, and culinary delights across Thailand. But in recent years, this humble root, revered in ancient wisdom, has caught the gaze of modern researchers eager to investigate its true medicinal value. Today, ขมิ้นชัน stands at the intriguing intersection of ancient practice and present-day science, offering both a bridge to Thailand’s rich heritage and a potential path to future wellness.