#AmomumVillosum

For centuries, the fragrant seeds of ‘raew’—better known to botanists as Amomum villosum (เร่วน้อย) and Amomum xanthioides (เร่วใหญ่)—have been legends in Thai kitchens and apothecaries alike. Celebrated for their unique aroma, these “Siamese cardamoms” are deeply entwined with both local tradition and the broader pulse of Southeast Asian culture. But what happens when this ancient remedy meets the scrutiny of modern science? As laboratories investigate its age-old promises, ‘raew’ stands at the fascinating crossroads between folk wisdom and contemporary pharmacology—offering a lesson in balancing reverence for tradition with healthy skepticism.