From the bustling wet markets of Bangkok to home kitchens across rural provinces, shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.)—known to Thais as “hom daeng”—holds a cherished place in the nation’s culinary culture. Yet, this bite-sized, ruby-skinned bulb is much more than just the secret ingredient in a piquant nam prik or spicy curry paste. For centuries, hom daeng has transcended its role as a flavor catalyst, evolving into a cornerstone of traditional Thai medicine. Today, with scientific research increasingly shining a light on ancient wisdom, shallot stands at a fascinating intersection where folklore and pharmacology meet—a story that invites both curiosity and critical inquiry for modern Thai readers seeking natural approaches to wellness.
Across Thailand, hom daeng is regarded by healers and home cooks alike as a remedy for everyday ailments. Passed down in local apothecaries, shallot is traditionally leveraged to soothe coughs, relieve congestion, cool fevers, heal wounds, and even encourage hair growth. Inhalation of its pungent aroma is recommended for colds, while slices might be applied to the skin to address insect bites or infections. Such uses are not unique to Thailand; throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, the humble shallot has been interwoven into healing practices, embodying a blend of practicality, cultural memory, and empirical, if anecdotal, evidence (iccmets.com).
Given its centrality in both kitchen and clinic—and its status as an economic crop in regions like Uttaradit and Sisaket—scientific efforts to examine the actual pharmacological properties of shallot have intensified in the last decade. Researchers in Thailand and overseas have begun methodically extracting, analyzing, and testing the chemical compounds found within the bulb. The emerging evidence is both promising and nuanced, offering fresh context to age-old beliefs.
A recent study conducted in Uttaradit province elegantly highlights this convergence of tradition and science (he01.tci-thaijo.org). There, researchers analyzed the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of shallot extracts prepared from locally grown bulbs. Using water, ethanol, and methanol to create their extracts, the investigators quantified both the total phenolic content (a family of powerful plant-based antioxidants) and the levels of quercetin, a flavonoid linked to anti-inflammatory effects. Their results revealed that water-based extracts of shallot were most effective at inhibiting the growth of gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis—microbes commonly implicated in skin infections and wound concerns. Equally notable, these extracts demonstrated robust antioxidant activity, believed to stem from both phenolic compounds and other, still-unidentified plant chemicals present in small amounts.
Such findings offer scientific credence to the use of hom daeng in folk medicine, particularly for minor skin disorders and as a means of boosting overall antioxidant defenses. Yet the story of shallot’s health benefits extends beyond antibacterial or antioxidant activity. Other studies, both Thai and international, have delved into additional pharmacological effects. For instance, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition surveyed global data, confirming that Allium ascalonicum preparations exhibit not only antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity but also potential anticancer, anti-androgen, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, and even antiallergic effects (frontiersin.org). One particularly notable line of research points to shallot’s use in traditional Thai folk medicine as a natural support for hair growth—a belief now under investigation for its anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
How do these laboratory and clinical findings translate to practical benefits for health-conscious Thais today? To answer this, we must consider both how shallot’s key compounds work, and the cultural logic underpinning traditional use.
Shallot’s vibrant hue hints at its phytochemical richness. Chief among its bioactive substances is quercetin, a flavonoid with robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of hom daeng—using solvent techniques that echo, in some ways, the boiling and decoction preparations of traditional healers—are particularly high in phenolic content and demonstrate strong free radical scavenging activity, suggesting potential utility for counteracting oxidative stress, the cellular damage thought to underlie chronic diseases ranging from cardiovascular conditions to aging.
The high antioxidant activity of shallot, measured in assays such as DPPH scavenging ability, reflects this phytochemical abundance. In the Uttaradit study, for example, the water extract of shallot achieved a 64% DPPH inhibition rate—a finding consistent with other literature on the antioxidant potential of onion relatives (he01.tci-thaijo.org). Quercetin, often highlighted in scientific reviews, is more bioavailable in shallots than in many other plant sources (PubMed: Quercetin from shallots), enhancing its effectiveness in the human body.
Apart from antioxidant capacity, hom daeng’s antibacterial effects have drawn attention, particularly for everyday ailments. Thai studies have demonstrated that water extracts from shallot can inhibit the growth of S. aureus and B. cereus at relatively low concentrations, supporting their use in topical preparations for minor wounds, acne, and skin irritation. This has led to the clinical development of acne gels containing Allium ascalonicum extracts, with studies reporting reduced acne lesion counts and improved skin health among users (JTTAM, 2022; Somkhow P, Junlatat J, 2022).
Culturally, hom daeng occupies a peculiar space. It is both a dietary staple and a medicine. In Thai Buddhism, offerings of shallot, along with garlic, are forbidden to monks due to their pungency—a recognition of their perceived potency. In traditional practice, slicing or mashing fresh shallots for topical or inhalation use is a routine household solution, a folk-wisdom response to minor illness. In the Isan region, hom daeng might be blended into herbal compresses, while in other areas, it is consumed raw to “cleanse the blood” or “cool the body.”
Contemporary research also explores shallot’s potential as more than just a folk remedy. Animal and cell studies indicate that extracts of Allium ascalonicum may inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cells, such as those implicated in breast cancer, and may help ameliorate risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels (PubMed). However, such findings, while intriguing, remain in the early stages; translation into clinical recommendations awaits more rigorous trials, including in Thai populations.
There are, of course, important caveats and safety considerations. Shallot, though widely consumed as food with little reported toxicity, can elicit allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Concentrated extracts, especially those prepared using solvents, may pose risks if not properly standardized. Cases of gastrointestinal upset have been noted, particularly when large amounts are ingested raw. Moreover, hom daeng’s putative antiplatelet effects—the tendency to prevent blood from clotting—suggest that individuals on blood-thinning medication should consult a medical professional before using shallot-based remedies therapeutically (frontiersin.org).
A vital dimension for Thai readers is the enduring value of local tradition in shaping contemporary health choices. With growing consumer interest in “functional foods,” natural supplements, and plant-based skincare, shallot offers a compelling example of how indigenous wisdom and modern science can inform each other. The market in Thailand now features a range of shallot-derived products, from acne treatments to wellness beverages. At the same time, government-led safety and quality control standards, such as those codified in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (Ministry of Public Health, 2016), are increasingly emphasized to protect consumers.
Looking to the future, the role of shallot as both food and medicine is likely to deepen. Continued research—particularly well-designed clinical trials—will be essential for validating traditional claims, determining effective dosages, clarifying mechanisms, and ensuring safety. There is a call throughout Thai society for greater recognition of homegrown knowledge, together with robust regulation and education to support informed use.
For Thai readers interested in natural remedies, integrating hom daeng into daily wellness routines is simple and supported by tradition. Consuming the bulb as part of regular meals, or using slices for minor skin ailments, generally falls within the bounds of food safety. For specific therapeutic applications—such as herbal acne gels or dietary supplements—consumers are urged to look for products with clear labeling, adherence to regulatory standards, and, wherever possible, evidence of efficacy. Above all, consultation with healthcare professionals remains paramount before embarking on herbal treatments, particularly for individuals with preexisting health conditions or those using prescription medication.
The story of hom daeng is, in the end, the story of Thailand itself: a testament to resourcefulness, adaptability, and the enduring dialogue between past and present. As scientific research continues to unpack the mysteries of this humble kitchen staple, the promise of bridging tradition with modern understanding grows ever brighter—reminding us that some of our oldest remedies may yet hold the keys to better health.
Readers are reminded that the information presented here is intended for educational purposes. Herbal remedies, while rich in cultural heritage and promising in select research, should be used responsibly and in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.
Sources:
- Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum) Extract in Lablae District, Uttaradit Province
- Therapeutic Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.)
- Phytochemical Constitution, Anti-Inflammation, Anti-Androgen, and Hair Growth-Promoting Activities of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.)
- Anticancer and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum)
- Wikipedia: Allium ascalonicum
- PubMed: Allium ascalonicum clinical studies