#Antifungal

Citronella grass, known in Thai as ตะไคร้หอม (ta-khrai hom), and scientifically as Cymbopogon nardus, has long held a cherished place in homes and traditions across Thailand and Southeast Asia. As concern for natural wellness rises globally, and scientific research unpacks the real effects of traditional remedies, citronella grass stands out as a fascinating case where ancient wisdom and modern evidence intersect. Thai people, who have embraced citronella both in everyday life and traditional medicine, may wonder: What has modern science discovered about this familiar aromatic plant, and how do its practical applications hold up to scrutiny? This deep dive explores the cultural roots, therapeutic uses, scientific insights, and safe practices surrounding citronella grass for today’s health-conscious readers.

Citronella grass, known in Thai as ta-khrai hom and scientifically as Cymbopogon nardus, has long held a special place in Thai homes and traditions. As natural wellness gains global attention, researchers are quantifying traditional knowledge. For Thai readers, this is a timely moment to see how ancient practice stands up to contemporary science, what it truly can do, and how to use it safely.

From mosquito deterrence to medicinal teas, citronella grass sits at the heart of everyday Thai life. The plant’s roots, rhizomes, and fragrant leaves are common in gardens and households, where they appear in remedies, beauty routines, and culinary preparations. Markets often feature bundles of citronella alongside other herbs, reflecting its role in flavor and wellbeing. Traditional Thai medicine has drawn on ta-khrai hom for digestive troubles, fevers, minor pains, swelling, and especially as a natural insect deterrent.

Chùm hèt thét, scientifically Cassia alata L., is a familiar sight in Thai villages and along rural roads. Its bright yellow, candle-like flowers accompany a long-standing home remedy for skin conditions and constipation. Today, it sits at the intersection of traditional wisdom and evidence-based medicine, offering Thai readers a clear example of how culture and science can guide health decisions.

In Thailand, Cassia alata is part of everyday healing. It appears on the Thai Household Herbal Drug List and the List of National Herbal Drugs for its laxative and antifungal properties. Beyond Thailand, communities have long used the plant for generations. The Tikuna people of the Amazon rely on it for digestive health, while communities in Africa apply its leaves topically for fungal infections. Traditional methods include chewing, boiling, or pounding leaves into a paste for topical use, explaining why the plant is widely cited in folk medicine.

Few herbal medicines echo across as many generations and regions as chùm hèt thét (ชุมเห็ดเทศ), known to scientists as Cassia alata L. or Senna alata. Recognized in Thai as ขุมเห็ดเทศ, and by names such as chùm hèt yài, lúp mạn lûang, chî khàak, màak kà-líng thét, and sôm hèt, this striking “candle bush” is both common roadside greenery and a staple of traditional household pharmacies. Its yellow, candle-like flowers catch the eye, but it is the fresh and dried leaves—harvested in villages throughout the Kingdom—that have solidified its central role in herbal practice. Today, chùm hèt thét’s journey from ancient remedy for skin diseases and constipation to evidence-based pharmaceutical candidate reveals a fascinating intersection of culture, folk wisdom, and modern science—one vital to Thai readers seeking a bridge between old and new approaches to health.