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For generations, the humble มะแว้งต้น (mawaengton), a native shrub found across much of rural Thailand, has held a prominent place in pharmacy cabinets and folk wisdom. Today, as health-conscious Thais turn back to herbal remedies for gentle relief and global researchers re-examine ancient cures, Solanum indicum L. stands at a fascinating crossroads—its pungent, bitter berries long trusted for soothing coughs now being verified and expanded upon by modern scientists.

มะแว้งต้น is known by several regional names—มะแค้งขม and มะแค้งดำ in the North and Northeast—and its distinctive round, greenish-black fruit is a familiar sight in fresh markets and traditional medicine shops throughout Thailand. Sometimes intermingled with closely related species like มะแว้งเครือ (Solanum trilobatum), the มะแว้งต้น is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also includes eggplant, potato, and tomato. It is the fruit of this plant, often simply called “mawaeng” in Thai pharmacies, that’s prized as a gentle expectorant, cough soother, and phlegm reliever in the traditional Thai pharmacopoeia (thaiherbinfo.com).

For centuries, the humble leaves of the Morus alba tree—known in Thailand as “หม่อน” or “มอน” in the Northeast—have been valued both as a nourishing food for silkworms and as a cornerstone of traditional herbal remedies. But in recent decades, white mulberry leaf has been rediscovered by health enthusiasts, scientists, and wellness practitioners as a botanical treasure trove with a remarkable intersection of cultural heritage and biomedical promise. Today, as researchers probe the centuries-old claims of Thai and East Asian herbalists, Morus alba stands as a sterling example of how traditional wisdom and scientific inquiry can enrich one another.

Deep within the forests and fields of Thailand, the twisting vines of หมามุ่ย (Mucuna pruriens), known colloquially as “Mahamui,” have been harvested for generations, their itchy seed pods treated with caution but their hidden treasures—the seeds—prized by traditional healers. For centuries, Thai folk medicine has celebrated this legume for supporting male vitality, easing nervous ailments, and, notably, restoring sexual health. Today, as modern researchers crack open the mysteries inside its tiny beans, Mucuna pruriens stands at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge science, offering a compelling case for the harmonious coexistence of traditional and evidence-based medicine.

Among the lush, shaded understories of Thailand’s tropical forests grows a plant shrouded in both botanical intrigue and cultural tradition—the enigmatic Tacca chantrieri, known locally as “Nerapusee Thai,” or more vividly as the “black bat flower.” With striking purplish-black petals that mimic a bat in flight, this unusual plant has captured both the imaginations of herbalists and the attention of modern scientists, standing at the crossroads of folklore and pharmacology.

Phimsen ton (พิมเสนต้น), also known to Thai herbalists and villagers as bai phimsen, bai hom, phak chi chang, or “patchouli” in English, has enchanted generations in Thailand and across Southeast Asia with its aromatic leaves and complex healing legacy. In recent years, this legendary herb—scientifically classified as Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. and a proud member of the mint family, Lamiaceae—has stepped boldly into the spotlight of global scientific research on natural health products. As Thai society increasingly looks to balance ancient plant wisdom with the rigors of modern evidence, phimsen ton offers a compelling case study in the intersection of culture, medicine, and laboratory verification, revealing a story that spans royal recipes, village remedies, world-famous scent, and promising new pharmacological discoveries.

For centuries, Thais have turned to the earth for remedies, drawing healing from roots and herbs used by traditional healers. Among the constellation of Thailand’s ancient plant medicines, “Phitsanat” (พิษนาศน์), known in scientific parlance as Sophora exigua Craib, holds a special place in the country’s folk pharmacopoeia. Also recognized by a bouquet of names such as แผ่นดินเย็น, นมราชสีห์, and สิบสองราศี, Phitsanat’s journey from rural village gardens and temple courtyards into the realm of modern pharmacology is a paradigm of the enduring dialogue between tradition and science. Today, as Thailand seeks to harmonize its cultural heritage with advancements in healthcare, Phitsanat is once again in the spotlight—this time, not just through the whispered wisdom of healers, but under the scrutiny of laboratory lights.

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.

Within the vibrant kitchens and bustling markets of Thailand, the humble blood cockle—known locally as หอยแครง (hoi kraeng)—holds not only a cherished place at the dining table but also a deeper, centuries-old role in the realm of healing. While many Thais relish this mollusk in spicy salads and street food delicacies, few realize that the shell of Anadara granosa, the scientific name for this ark clam, also occupies a storied position in Thai traditional medicine. As scientific curiosity grows about natural remedies, Anadara granosa has become the subject of intense investigation, raising compelling questions about the intersection between ancestral knowledge and contemporary health research.

For millennia, the humble seeds of Pimpinella anisum—known in Thailand as “เทียนสัตตบุษย์” (Thian Sattabut), sometimes called anise or aniseed in English—have flavored foods, soothed countless ailments, and occupied a special niche in cultures from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. Today, as the world rediscovers the potential of traditional herbal remedies, modern science is shining new light on this ancient remedy, confirming some traditional claims and revealing promising new benefits. This article journeys into the fascinating world of เทียนสัตตบุษย์, exploring its rich history, traditional uses in Thai and global medicine, the chemistry that gives it power, and what current research says about its practical and safe use.

Across Thai kitchens and herbal pharmacies, few names resonate with more familiarity than ผักชีลา (also known as coriander or cilantro globally, and Coriandrum sativum in scientific circles). This humble herb, instantly recognizable from the aroma wafting from “tom yum” soup or sprinkled over spicy salads, is more than a culinary afterthought. In Thai traditional medicine, ผักชีลา holds a time-honoured place as a herbal remedy—its journey through folklore and modern science is a compelling saga of local wisdom, global exchange, and increasing scientific validation.

From the bustling wet markets of Bangkok to the rural kitchens and home altars of Isan, the aromatic rhizome known as เปราะหอม—Kaempferia galanga—has quietly permeated Thai life for centuries. Once reserved for ancient healers, royal courtiers, and spiritual practitioners, this humble root has survived countless health trends, outlasting many in the cultural imagination and emerging today as both a celebrated culinary spice and a growing subject of modern pharmacological curiosity. How does this ancient Thai remedy stack up against the rising tide of scientific scrutiny, and what can a new generation of health-conscious Thais learn as we rediscover its potential?

Thailand’s traditional medicine is a vibrant tapestry, woven with centuries-old remedies passed down through generations. Among these, the curious Hua Roi Ru (หัวร้อยรู) stands out not just for its name, which literally means “a hundred holes tuber,” but for its striking peculiarities—both botanical and medicinal. Known also as กระเช้าผีมด, ร้อยรู, ปุ่มฟ้า, and ดาลูบูตาลิมา, and bearing the scientific title Hydnophytum formicarium Jack. in the Rubiaceae family, this plant is as enthralling for modern researchers as it has long been revered in Thai folk healing.

For centuries, the seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), known in Thai as “ลูกซัด”, have occupied a unique place at the crossroads of food and medicine. Revered by traditional healers, valued in kitchens from India to Southeast Asia, and increasingly scrutinized by modern scientists, fenugreek’s storied journey illustrates the enduring quest to unite ancient knowledge with contemporary research. Today, as health-conscious individuals in Thailand seek natural remedies amidst a surge of global wellness trends, fenugreek’s multifaceted history—and its growing body of scientific validation—takes on renewed significance.

Lod Tanong Daeng, known scientifically as Trigonostemon reidioides, occupies a storied place in the vast landscape of traditional Thai medicine. While its striking name may be unfamiliar to many outside specialist circles, Lod Tanong Daeng—commonly called “ข้าวเย็นเนิน” in Western Thailand or “ทะนงแดง” in provinces like Prachuap Khiri Khan and Nakhon Ratchasima—embodies a living intersection of ancestral healing wisdom and rapidly advancing pharmacological research. As Thais increasingly seek natural alternatives to conventional medications and the wider world rediscovers ancient botanicals, Lod Tanong Daeng is stepping from folk remedy to the scientific spotlight, promising both benefits and cautionary tales.

The dried seeds of Myristica fragrans, known as nutmeg (ลูกจันทน์), have captured human imagination for centuries, straddling the realms of food, medicine, and mystique. From ancient trade routes to the heart of Thai and Southeast Asian traditional medicine, nutmeg’s journey is an illuminating saga—a testament to nature’s therapeutic potential and the evolving scrutiny of modern science. In recent decades, research has begun to substantiate many folk claims while issuing important cautions for contemporary users.

Thailand’s markets come alive with the fragrance of som-o, or pomelo, especially during the cool season when its hefty, grapefruit-like fruits are stacked high. Many Thais relish its sweet-tart segments at temple fairs or New Year merit offerings. Yet, the greatness of the pomelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck)—known locally by names such as โกรัยตะลอง, มะขุน, มะโอ, ลีมาบาลี, and สังอู—extends far beyond the fruit bowl. For centuries, Thai traditional medicine has harnessed the thick, aromatic peel of som-o for remedies thought to ease coughs, swelling, skin woes, and indigestion. But how much of the old wisdom has stood up to scientific inquiry? Today, with both respect for heritage and a critical eye, we explore what research reveals about pomelo peel’s healing promise—and where prudent caution remains essential.

Saba (สะบ้า), known to botanists as Entada rheedii Spreng., is a giant climber found winding its way through Thailand’s forests, bearing massive pods filled with glossy, oval seeds. Known by many local names—สะบ้ามอญ, สะบ้าใหญ่, มะบ้าหลวง, มะนิม, หมากงิม, and more—this remarkable plant holds a special place in traditional Thai and Southeast Asian herbalism. Yet, while Saba’s seeds have long been a source of healing, ceremony, and even magic, a new chapter is unfolding as science begins to validate—and sometimes challenge—the wisdom sewn into local customs. For Thai readers curious about natural health solutions with ancient roots, Entada rheedii represents a fascinating intersection of folklore, pharmacology, and global botanical research.

Sakae Na—known scientifically as Combretum quadrangulare and called by various local names across Thailand—holds a storied place in the landscape of traditional Southeast Asian herbal medicine. For generations, the seeds and other parts of this modest riverside tree have been used in folk remedies, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, with revered status for their healing potential. Today, as science casts its analytical lens on ancient practices, Sakae Na finds itself at a fascinating crossroads: validated by centuries of use, yet continually examined by modern pharmaceuticals for real-world therapeutic power. With growing interest in plant-based wellness, understanding how tradition and science intertwine in the story of Sakae Na speaks not just to health-conscious readers but also to the cultural heart of Thailand.

Mention “สมอพิเภก” (Samo Pi Phek), and many Thais will recall the distinctive astringency of its dried fruits—an essential ingredient in traditional herbal medicine that’s been passed down for generations. Known scientifically as Terminalia bellirica, this large deciduous tree has deep cultural roots across Thailand and Southeast Asia and is increasingly attracting attention from modern research for a variety of potential health benefits. As contemporary science probes its secrets, Samo Pi Phek stands at the crossroads between millennia-old wisdom and cutting-edge pharmacology, offering a compelling story that bridges culture and clinical investigation.

Tucked among the rugged hills and sun-baked savannahs of Southeast Asia, a humble shrub known as Baeckea frutescens—หรือที่ชาวไทยรู้จักในนาม “สนทราย”—has long been a trusted remedy in the herbal traditions of Thailand and neighboring nations. Revered for generations under a kaleidoscope of local names, such as ก้านถินแดง or สนนา, this fragrant plant has journeyed from ancient village pharmacies to the frontiers of modern laboratory research, winning the attention of both traditional healers and biomedical scientists. But what is it about this small-leaved, aromatic herb that has kept it at the heart of Thai medicine chests? Can centuries-old beliefs withstand the rigorous test of modern science?

For generations, the deep reddish-brown extract known as สีเสียดไทย (Si Sied Thai), derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, has been a staple in Thai herbal pharmacies and village medicine chests alike. Once a ubiquitous remedy for diarrhea, sore throat, and wounds, Si Sied Thai is now drawing fresh scientific interest for its rich array of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. But does this ancient astringent live up to its venerable role, or is it simply a relic of another era? Recent laboratory studies, cultural documentation, and emerging pharmacological findings suggest the answer is a fascinating blend of both tradition and science, urging a new generation to look again at its unique healing potential.

In the quiet forests and sun-dappled groves of Thailand, a rare climbing vine called Sirindhornwale (สามสิบสองประดง, Bauhinia sirindhorniae) winds its way through the landscape, carrying with it centuries of traditional healing wisdom. Revered in Thai herbal medicine for its role as both a remedy and a symbol of resilience, Sirindhornwale is gaining renewed attention from researchers attracted by its potent pharmacological potential. How does this unique plant, once used in the simmering cauldrons of Thai herbalists, stand up to scrutiny in the modern laboratory—and what new secrets does it offer today’s health-conscious Thais?

For generations, Thai wisdom keepers have regarded ส้มโอมือ (sôm o mue), or Citrus medica L.―known in English as ‘Buddha’s Hand’, citron, or ส้มมือ (sôm mue)—as a fragrant gift from nature, thriving across temple gardens, village fences, and the annals of ancient pharmacopeias. In an era where health-conscious readers yearn for authentic remedies grounded as much in heritage as in evidence, ส้มโอมือ shines as both a cultural artifact and a rising star of modern pharmacological research. Today, as science investigates the very compounds once praised by village healers, a fascinating convergence emerges: ancient Thai medicinal practices are increasingly gaining validation in the global scientific narrative.

For centuries, the spiny shrub known to Thais as “som poi” has quietly played a role in kitchens, bathing rooms, and healing traditions across the country. From using its pods as a cleansing shampoo to brewing its leaves for herbal teas, Acacia concinna—once a staple in village life—is now at the center of a scientific renaissance, as researchers unravel its ancient secrets and unlock new health possibilities for the modern age (prosea.prota4u.org; phar.ubu.ac.th).