For centuries, the art of healing in Thailand has drawn from nature’s pharmacy, weaving together generations of knowledge into modern herbal practice. Among the rich tapestry of healing plants, the climber known locally as ตานหม่อน (Tan Mon), scientifically named Tarlmounia elliptica, stands out for both its striking presence and enduring reputation in traditional medicine. As science begins to validate many aspects of traditional wisdom, this plant offers a fascinating case study in the meeting of ancient and modern worlds.
Known by an assortment of local names such as ตานหม่น, ตานค้อน, ตาลขี้นก, and ช้าหมากหลอด, and internationally as “curtain creeper,” Tarlmounia elliptica belongs to the Asteraceae family—a lineage that includes daisies and chrysanthemums. This vining shrub, with its lush green leaves and cascades of flowering branches, is not only an ornamental beauty, as seen draping along fences and house walls throughout Southeast Asia, but has for generations acted as quiet guardian in many Thai homes—a source of folk remedies, household cures, and even culinary flavoring. Today, modern researchers are beginning to explore and validate its medicinal properties, shining fresh light on its place in holistic health practices.
Traditional uses of Tarlmounia elliptica are richly documented in Thai herbal compendia. The dried leaves have featured in village medicine cabinets for soothing a variety of symptoms. According to Thai herbal references, the plant is used to reduce fever, relieve inflammation, ease coughs, treat digestive disorders, and work as a mild laxative (see Medthai). Leaves are sometimes steeped in water to make an herbal tea for internal use, or pounded and applied externally to soothe skin irritations. In rural settings, where access to formal healthcare may be limited, Tan Mon serves as a versatile, multi-purpose ally.
Part of the mystique of Tan Mon is its association with cooling the body—a concept central to traditional Thai medicine, which classifies ailments in terms of hot and cold elements. Village healers recommend it as a gentle remedy for symptoms believed to stem from “excess heat”—fevers, mouth ulcers, and inflamed throats foremost among them. Its inclusion in some Northern Thai household remedies for children reflects its perceived gentleness and lack of toxicity. Traditional preparations emphasize the use of dried, mature leaves, believed to carry the optimal balance of active compounds.
Botanically, Tarlmounia elliptica is equally intriguing. The plant’s leaves are distinguished by a silvery sheen on the underside, attributed to dense, fine hairs. Morphological studies, such as those documented in the Thai Pharmacopoeia, detail their ovate to elliptic shape, robust structure, and unique trichomes—features treasured by botanical enthusiasts and herbalists alike (ThaiHerbal.org). Chemical analyses reveal a fascinating profile: the leaves are rich in sesquiterpene lactones, specifically glaucolides A and B and their acetates, as well as triterpenoids such as lupeol, taraxasterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol (DMSC eBook). These compounds, well-studied in other medicinal plants, are known for a range of bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and antioxidant properties.
Modern studies on Tarlmounia elliptica are still in their early stages, especially compared with longer-researched herbs. However, what is known is promising and aligns with its historical uses. Laboratory results indicate certain extracts from the leaves exhibit significant free-radical scavenging activity, meaning they can help neutralize oxidative stress—a factor linked to aging, chronic inflammation, and the development of various chronic diseases (Samunpri). Triterpenoids such as lupeol and sitosterol have been investigated in international research for their anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects—offering scientific support for the use of Tan Mon in managing inflammation and metabolic imbalances.
Phytochemical analysis, reliant on techniques such as thin-layer chromatography, paints a complex picture: extracts of Tan Mon leaves yield multiple orange-hued spots under ultraviolet light, each representing different potentially beneficial compounds (DMSC eBook). These detailed tests underpin the authenticity of commercial crude drugs, helping to prevent fraudulent or adulterated herbal products—a significant concern as traditional remedies move from home gardens to pharmacy shelves.
While exciting, much of the scientific work to date is laboratory-based, focusing on isolated compounds and animal testing. Robust clinical trials in humans—necessary to confirm safety, efficacy, dosage, and side effects—are still limited or unavailable for Tarlmounia elliptica. This mirrors the journey of many traditional Thai herbs, whose value is well-accepted locally long before being studied in controlled scientific settings.
Expert voices in Thai herbalism stress the importance of context in using Tan Mon. A representative of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine cautions that even non-toxic herbs should be used mindfully, as allergic reactions or unexpected interactions with modern medicines are always possible, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, or those with chronic illnesses. “Traditional use offers a wealth of practical wisdom, but modern users should consult a trained health practitioner to ensure safety, particularly if combining herbal remedies with prescription drugs,” notes a practitioner at a Thai holistic health center.
This careful, balanced approach is echoed by modern scholars of Thai ethnomedicine, who see the preservation of indigenous knowledge as crucial both for public health and for maintaining cultural identity. In a country where more than half the population still regularly turns to herbal remedies, responsible integration of ancient practices with contemporary medical oversight is seen as the key to maximizing benefits while minimizing risks (ResearchGate).
For Thai users, practical applications remain rooted in daily life. Tan Mon leaves are most commonly dried and then brewed, often in combination with other herbs. The resulting tea has a mild, slightly bitter flavor and is reputed to be cooling and restorative. Infusions may be consumed to ease symptoms of minor fevers, sore throats, and constipation. Some local cooks add the fresh leaves to certain regional dishes as a source of gentle bitterness—blurring the boundary between medicine and food, a hallmark of traditional Southeast Asian wellness philosophy.
Tan Mon has also found a role in local rituals and folklore. Healers in Northern and Northeastern Thailand sometimes employ the plant in blessing ceremonies designed to “sweep away heat” and restore harmony to the body’s internal elements. The act of gathering Tan Mon—usually done with a prayer or offering—reflects a broader reverence for plants commonly observed across traditional Thai culture.
Amid the growing global interest in natural health, many Thai families are returning to home gardens to grow their own medicinal plants—including Tan Mon, which thrives in warm, humid climates and tolerates a variety of soils. Urban communities are embracing rooftop herbal gardening, and some holistic hospitals offer workshops on cultivating, preparing, and safely using common medicinal herbs.
Looking ahead, the future of Tarlmounia elliptica depends on both respect for tradition and adherence to science. As pressure grows to commercialize herbal medicines for national and export markets, there is a pressing need for more thorough research, quality control, and education about safe use. Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine now regularly tests and certifies medicinal herbs, ensuring retail products meet strict standards for identity and purity (DTAM). The ongoing challenge will be balancing access to natural healing with consumer safety in an era of evolving health threats and new market trends.
So, what is the key takeaway for modern Thai readers? Tan Mon represents the meeting of ancient wisdom and contemporary possibility—an herbal ally whose full medicinal potential awaits further discovery. While it remains a valuable part of Thai herbal tradition, consumers are advised to be cautious, sourcing products from reputable suppliers, preparing remedies according to trusted guidelines, and consulting healthcare professionals before starting any new herbal regimen, especially for the very young, elderly, pregnant, or chronically ill.
This article is intended for educational purposes and cannot substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Herbal remedies, while powerful, should always be used as part of an informed and balanced healthcare approach.
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