#BixaOrellana

In the vivid palette of Southeast Asian tradition, few plants are as striking—visually, culturally, and medicinally—as คำเงาะ, a botanical treasure whose ruby-red seeds have journeyed from indigenous ceremonies to modern scientific scrutiny. Often seen as the secret behind the iconic orange hue of Thai tea and Buddhist monk robes, คำเงาะ (Bixa orellana), known globally as annatto, is much more than a natural coloring. For centuries, it has occupied a central role in folk medicine, cuisine, and ritual, and is now finding renewed interest as researchers probe its potential health benefits and safety. As Thailand’s wellness movement embraces ancient herbal wisdom, the story of คำเงาะ reveals how tradition and modern science intersect in profoundly colorful ways.