Sappanwood: Thailand’s Timeless Remedy Bridging Tradition and Science
Few natural remedies are as deeply woven into Thailand’s cultural and medicinal fabric as sappanwood, locally called “fang,” derived from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L. For generations, the richly hued wood has been prized in folk medicine, ritual, and daily wellness—a crimson stick at the crossroads of heritage and healing. Today, sappanwood stands on the threshold of renewed scientific attention, its roots in ancient wisdom increasingly supported by modern research. This article takes readers on a journey through the world of sappanwood, exploring its legacy as a traditional remedy, its continued presence in Thai homes, and revealing what contemporary research says about its cherished properties.