Omum water, made with the distilled oil of the omum herb, is a type of home remedy typically used to treat an upset stomach. Usually found at mini-marts scattered across Little India, the concoction recently caused a man to suffer injuries and swelling in his mouth and throat after he guzzled it on Aug 3 to help his indigestion.
55-year-old operations manager Gunalan Perumal had taken it many times before to treat his stomach discomfort. This time however, he found himself in the intensive care unit at the Singapore General Hospital for three days, reported The Straits Times.
Gunalan told ST that he gulped down a mouthful and immediately felt the burn in his mouth and throat. He attempted to drink cold water to stop the burning, but instead, he vomited.
According to preliminary investigations by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the Sri Ambikkas Omum Water that Gunalan drank contained a pH level of more than 13, which is equivalent to that found in chlorine bleach. The product was actually supposed to have a neutral pH of 7.4 to 7.9.
The HSA was notified of the case on Aug 4. “A highly alkaline product may cause adverse reactions, including injuries or burns to tissues (it comes in contact with),” it explained.
No other poisons or drugs were found in the original sample. The seal of the bottle was apparently intact before Gunalan opened it, and its expiry date had not yet passed.
The HSA said the incident seems to be an isolated one. As the cause is unknown, investigations are ongoing. But the importer has halted sales of the product, and the shop that sold Gunalan the drink has also stopped selling it for now.
ST reported that Gunalan will do a follow-up check-up today to see if he has been affected by any permanent injury.
