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From the tranquil waters of rural Thailand to the ornate altars of ancient India and Sri Lanka, the blue-hued blossoms of Nymphaea stellata—known locally in Thailand as บัวเผื่อน and occasionally as บัวแบ้—have captivated human attention for centuries. More than a mere aquatic ornament, this elegant water lily has woven itself deep into the fabric of Southeast Asian culture, spiritual practice, and traditional folk medicine. Today, as science peers ever more closely at ancient herbal wisdom, Nymphaea stellata stands out as a protagonist in the compelling story of how age-old remedies are finding renewed life—and validation—in modern pharmacology.

In Thailand’s tranquil waterways and on the altars of temples across South Asia, the blue blossoms of Nymphaea stellata—known locally as บัวเผื่อน and sometimes as บัวแบ้—have long drawn fascination. This water lily is more than an ornament; it is a thread in Southeast Asian culture, spirituality, and traditional healing. Today, modern science is examining the plant’s traditional uses, offering a clearer picture of how ancient knowledge may align with contemporary medicine.

Beneath the dappled canopies of Thailand’s evergreen and deciduous forests, a modest woody climber has quietly served as an ally in the country’s traditional medicine for generations. Known as “กำแพงเก้าชั้น” (Kamphaeng Kao Chan), or by local names such as “ตากวง” and “ตากวาง” in Northeastern dialects, Salacia verrucosa Wight. represents a remarkable bridge between ancient healing traditions and modern scientific investigation. As renewed interest in natural remedies sweeps across global wellness communities, this indigenous herbal medicine invites a closer look—not only for its practical benefits but for the cultural wisdom encoded in its bark and roots.

A modest woody climber thrives in Thailand’s forests, quietly bridging ancient healing and modern science. Kamphaeng Kao Chan, known locally as ตากวง and ตากวาง in Northeastern dialects, belongs to Salacia verrucosa. Its bark and roots have long been part of Thai traditional medicine, offering a glimpse into how culture and chemistry intertwine in everyday health practices. As global interest in natural remedies grows, this plant invites a closer look for its practical value and the cultural wisdom it embodies.