#Cratevaadansonii

In the bustling markets of Thailand or along the quiet banks of rural rivers, Kum Bok — known formally as Crateva adansonii — has long held its place in the Thai pharmacopeia. Called by various names such as ผักก่าม in Isan and กุ่ม in central Thailand, and sometimes as the sacred barna or temple plant elsewhere in Asia, this tree’s bark, leaf, and roots tell a story much larger than their humble origins suggest. Today, Kum Bok finds itself at the vibrant intersection of ancestral wisdom and rigorous scientific research, inviting modern Thais to reconsider a staple of traditional herbal medicine in light of new evidence.

Kum Bok, known scientifically as Crateva adansonii, has long been a staple in Thai herbal practices. In markets across Thailand and along rural rivers, it is celebrated in many names—ผักก่าม in Isan, กุ่ม in central Thailand, and, in some Asian traditions, as the sacred barna or temple plant. Its bark, leaves, and roots are part of a broader story about healing, nourishment, and balance. Today, Kum Bok sits at the crossroads of ancestral wisdom and modern research, inviting Thai readers to reexamine a familiar herbal companion through a scientific lens.