Editor’s note:

The State of California licenses naturopathic practitioners and uses the title “doctor” if they’ve met certain criteria. Dr. Mark Stengler has met this criteria and is licensed to practice in California. The “doctors” he mentioned in his interview with Team 10 may or may not be licensed practitioners. Because of the early stages of the investigation, the identity of the holistic health practitioner who treated Jade Erick has not been made public. The California Department of Consumer Affairs offers a consumer guide to Naturopathic Medicine: http://www.naturopathic.ca.gov/formspubs/brochure_guide.pdf

ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - Friends say Jade Erick was a “free spirit” who was as beautiful on the inside as she was outside. She was also interested in holistic health, but that interest may have contributed to her death at the age of 30.

Erick died after a bad reaction to turmeric, a spice used in Indian food and in dietary supplements, that was dripped directly into her veins through an I-V.

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner the cause of her death was “: anoxic encephalopathy due to prolonged resuscitated cardiopulmonary arrest due to adverse reaction to infused turmeric solution”. A spokesperson confirmed the turmeric was delivered through an IV.

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Friends told 10News Erick suffered from eczema flare-ups that were itchy and uncomfortable. She hoped the treatment would help clear it up.

“It’s a natural, safe way to help people with pain and inflammation,” said Mark Stengler, a naturopathic doctor who offers turmeric to his patients but only in oral form.

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Stengler didn’t treat Erick, but said he does know a few Encinitas holistic health practitioners who deliver turmeric intravenously.

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“There are some doctors who use Turmeric extract in IV form to try and heighten the physiological effects, so the anti-inflammatory effects of the turmeric,” Stengler explained. “It hasn’t been well studied. It’s more theoretical, so it’s more investigational.”

The Medical Examiner is calling Erick’s death an accident, but is still investigating.