After drinking a traditional herbal remedy purchased from Tao Thi Thuy in Thanh Hoa, one person died and another was hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that the concoction contained Gelsemium elegans, a highly toxic plant commonly known as "lá ngón."

Police in Thanh Hoa Province have formally charged and detained Tao Thi Thuy (born 1977, residing in Lang Chanh Town, Thanh Hoa) for "involuntary manslaughter."

According to the initial investigation by Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, on February 24, 2025, a group of residents from Quang Vinh Ward, Sam Son City, suffering from ailments such as joint pain and gastritis, visited Thuy’s home to purchase herbal remedies.

Shortly after boiling and consuming the herbs, two individuals developed symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness, blurred vision, and eventually lost their ability to speak or move.

One person died at home, while the other was rushed to a hospital and narrowly survived.

Following the incident, the Criminal Investigation Agency launched an inquiry. Toxicological analysis of samples collected from Thuy’s home and from the affected individuals confirmed the presence of Gelsemium elegans - a plant known for its potent neurotoxins.

The same toxic substances were found in the herbal water consumed by the victim as well as in the remaining herbal packets sourced from Thuy.

During questioning, Thuy admitted she had been collecting medicinal plants from the forest based on traditional folk practices, without formal medical training. She confessed she did not know the proper names of the plants she had been using in her remedies.

Le Duong