#Antimicrobial

For centuries, the Thai herbal remedy known as “Kheaw Hom” (เขียวหอม) has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine, revered by healers and families alike for its ability to combat fevers, rashes, and skin infections—particularly in children. Today, as a new wave of scientific inquiry validates the efficacy of natural remedies, Kheaw Hom stands at a fascinating crossroads between time-honored wisdom and rigorous clinical scrutiny. By examining both its culturally rooted uses and modern pharmacological research, this article offers an engaging exploration of a remedy that continues to shape Thai health traditions.

Thailand’s lush landscapes have long nurtured a rich heritage of healing plants, each with stories passed down through generations. Among these is the remarkable Rhinacanthus nasutus, known locally as “Ya Nang Chang” or the “Serpent Plant.” Far from being a mere botanical curiosity, this shrub, easily recognized by its slender white flowers and dark green leaves, is at the heart of centuries-old remedies for skin ailments and inflammation. Today, as scientists dig deeper into its secrets, Rhinacanthus nasutus is revealing a trove of bioactive compounds that bring ancient wisdom and modern validation into exciting alignment.

Deep in the lush forests of Thailand and across Southeast Asia, a powerful traditional remedy has long whispered its healing secrets. Known locally as khunthongphayabat (ขันทองพยาบาท) and by a host of regional names—from Duk Sai in Isan to Jaduk Lekluam in the North—the wood of the Suregada multiflora tree has woven its way through the patchwork of Thai herbal medicine for generations. Now, with the surge of scientific interest in plant-based pharmacology, khunthongphayabat is poised to make an impression far beyond traditional medicine cabinets, as researchers illuminate how its ancient uses resonate with cutting-edge health studies.

The graceful, trailing roots and glossy green leaves of Ficus benjamina—known to generations of Thais as ไทรย้อย or the weeping fig—have long played a role in the spiritual, ecological, and medicinal landscapes of Thailand. Amid the lush chaos of urban and rural Thailand, ไทรย้อย stands as both a symbol of serenity and a quiet reservoir of traditional healing knowledge. Today, a surge of scientific inquiry is illuminating the plant’s potent bioactive compounds, validating some age-old practices, and pointing toward future medical opportunities.