#ดองดึง

Across Thailand’s varied landscapes, the climbing lily ดองดึง (Gloriosa superba L.) has long fascinated traditional healers and village communities. With flame-like petals and local names such as คมขวาน, ว่านก้ามปู, and มะขาโก้ง, ดองดึง sits at the crossroads of folklore and medicine. Its story reflects both healing potential and significant risk, illustrating how ancient wisdom must be weighed against scientific evidence.

Historically, Thai communities recognized the plant’s potency. Healers used dried rhizomes to address rheumatism, gout, and skin conditions, and in some regions preparations were believed to act as an abortifacient or an antidote for snake bites. Different parts of the plant were employed in various forms—from tubers boiled in sesame oil to topical extracts for wounds and skin problems. Ethnobotanical studies across tropical Asia show similar uses, including treatment of intestinal worms, bruises, and rituals aimed at restoring bodily balance, known in Thai as ปรับธาตุ. The plant’s cultural significance is echoed globally, with Gloriosa superba celebrated as Zimbabwe’s national flower and featured as the floral emblem of Tamil Nadu in India.

Across Thailand’s diverse natural landscapes, the climbing lily known as ดองดึง (Gloriosa superba L.) has captured the imagination of traditional healers and villagers for generations. With its striking flame-like petals and many regional nicknames—such as คมขวาน, ว่านก้ามปู, and มะขาโก้ง—ดองดึง holds a storied place in the country’s folk medicine repertoire. Yet, as with many powerful natural remedies, this plant’s story is one of both healing and hazard: a tale where ancient wisdom intersects with contemporary science, underscoring the need for respect, caution, and deeper understanding.