#Ethnobotany

Long revered for its golden blooms and gentle healing touch, Calendula officinalis—commonly known as pot marigold—holds a cherished place in both gardens and herbal medicine cabinets worldwide. Across continents and centuries, this humble flower has played a starring role in soothing wounds, calming inflamed skin, and much more. Modern science is now peeling back the petals of these traditions, revealing a story where ancient wisdom and contemporary research harmoniously intersect—a tale with both rich history and real-world potential for health-conscious readers seeking safe, effective, and culturally resonant remedies.

Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, has long brightened gardens and healing cabinets. Across centuries, its petals have soothed wounds and calm irritated skin. Today, science is examining these traditions, showing how old wisdom and modern research can align—especially for health-conscious Thai readers seeking safe, effective remedies with cultural resonance.

Calendula carries more than botanical value; it holds cultural, medicinal, and spiritual meaning. In Thailand, respect for nature’s healing gifts is woven into Buddhist practice. While calendula may not be as prominent as some native herbs, its gentle skin-soothing reputation resonates with local preferences for natural remedies and grandmother-guided cures. In Europe and the Mediterranean, the flower is celebrated as “Mary’s Gold,” linking floral therapy with devotion. Its global journey—from Ayurveda in India to Unani medicine in the Middle East—highlights its roles as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diaphoretic agent. In recent years, research and popular interest have highlighted calendula’s potential in modern skincare and wound care, with discussions grounded in professional sources and institutional findings.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)—known as “khing” in the Thai kitchen and apothecary—has been prized for centuries across Asia. In bustling Thai markets, the fresh, knobbly rhizomes are found everywhere: in tom yum soup, in herbal teas sold from roadside carts, and as a trusted home remedy for stomachaches, colds, and even migraines. Ginger’s journey from ancient folklore to the laboratory bench is a remarkable example of how tradition and science can illuminate one another. Today, experts are uncovering not just culinary secrets but also the remarkable chemistry of ginger, confirming much of what healers and cooks have known for generations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a staple in Thai kitchens and traditional apothecaries. In bustling markets, the knobby rhizomes flavor tom yum, heat herbal teas sold from roadside stalls, and serve as a trusted home remedy for stomach upset, colds, and migraines. The journey of ginger—from folklore to the lab—illustrates how tradition and science can illuminate one another. Today, researchers are uncovering not just culinary notes but the chemistry behind ginger, reinforcing long-held beliefs with modern evidence.

Chandra Leela, a cornerstone of Thai traditional medicine, sits at the crossroads of history and science. Known in Thai as ยาจันทน์ลีลา, it appears in pharmacies as brown, pungent pills with gold script and is trusted by countless families for fever and flu-like symptoms. As interest in plant-based therapies grows, this ancient blend invites fresh examination from researchers and health professionals alike.

Historically, Chandra Leela has roots in royal medicine. The name evokes celestial calm—Chandra meaning moon and Leela meaning movement—reflecting a gentle healing philosophy. It is cited in Thailand’s National List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its role in public health. Traditionally, the remedy is used as an antipyretic to reduce high fevers, ease heart palpitations caused by heat, and soothe restlessness. In Thai households, it is often associated with care for children and the elderly, groups especially vulnerable to febrile illnesses.

In the realm of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies are as steeped in both mystery and reverence as ยาจันทน์ลีลา (Chandra Leela). Often found in pharmacies with gold script on bottles and issued as small, pungent brown pills, Chandra Leela has found its place in the medicine cabinets of countless Thai families. For centuries, this traditional herbal mixture has offered hope and relief, particularly for those afflicted with fever or flu-like symptoms. But what is the history behind this celebrated remedy, what are its true ingredients, and does science validate its claims? As Thailand and the world’s curiosity for plant-based therapies grows, Chandra Leela finds itself at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern investigation.

Deep within the forests and fields of Thailand, a hardy shrub with tangled branches and sharp spines has played a subtle yet enduring role in traditional healing. Known locally as ชิงชี่ (Ching Chi) and by a multitude of other evocative regional names—from กระดาดป่า in Chonburi, to เม็งซอ in Chiang Mai, and พญาจอมปลวก in the Northeast—this plant, scientifically classified as Capparis micracantha DC., boasts a lineage stretching through centuries. While its tangled roots were once gathered in village apothecaries for herbal remedies, modern science is now beginning to unravel the real pharmacological promise hidden within.

In Thai gardens and temple grounds, the coral plant, Jatropha multifida, known locally as fin ton, malako farang, and ma hung daeng, stands out with fiery, coral-like foliage. It has long been valued in traditional medicine and remains a living link between folk wisdom and contemporary science. This plant embodies both beauty and a cautionary tale about natural remedies.

Jatropha multifida is a striking member of the Euphorbiaceae family. It was introduced to Asia from the Americas centuries ago and is still grown across Bangkok and northern Thailand as living fences and as a plant with medicinal significance. Thai herbal lore uses the plant’s latex for wounds and skin problems, while roasted roots aid digestion and leaf decoctions act as purgatives. In some Southeast Asian communities and beyond, seeds and oils have been used for skin and rheumatic conditions. In Indonesia and the Philippines, its local name even translates to “iodine,” reflecting its healing reputation for cuts and abrasions. Data from Southeast Asian botanical references shows the plant’s wide traditional applications, though care is advised given its potent biological activity.

A small shrub with thorny stems, Harrisonia perforata—known in Thai as Khon Tha, with local names like Kalantha and Kota—has long held a place in Thai healing traditions. This traditional plant is now attracting scientific interest as researchers explore its potential in modern medicine. For health-minded Thais, Khon Tha represents a bridge between ancestral knowledge and evidence-based care, underscoring the enduring value of traditional remedies when paired with rigorous science.

Ching Chi, a hardy shrub with tangled branches and spines, has long functioned as a quiet healer in Thai forests and fields. Referred to locally as ชิงชี่ (Ching Chi) and known by many regional names—from กระดาดป่า in Chonburi to เม็งซอ in Chiang Mai and พญาจอมปลวก in the Northeast—Capparis micracantha DC. carries a lineage that spans generations. Today, science is beginning to clarify the plant’s pharmacological potential while honoring its cultural roots.

With its thorn-laced stems coiling through the forests of Southeast Asia, the Khon Tha plant—known to scientists as Harrisonia perforata—has been steeped in Thai healing traditions for centuries. Revered under many local names, including กะลันทา (Kalantha) and โกทา (Kota), Khon Tha’s story exemplifies the enduring power of traditional remedies—and the renewed scientific curiosity that is bringing age-old practice into the spotlight. As health-conscious Thais seek both ancestral wisdom and clinical evidence, the bridge between local herbal folklore and modern biomedical validation becomes more vital than ever.

In the lush tapestry of Southeast Asian gardens and hedgerows, the fiery foliage of Jatropha multifida—known in Thailand as ‘fin ton’ or sometimes ‘malako farang’ and ‘ma hung daeng’—stands as a quiet testament to both botanical beauty and ancient healing. Revered in traditional medicine across continents, this coral-like shrub is more than an ornamental; it is a living bridge between folk wisdom and the frontiers of scientific exploration.

The significance of Jatropha multifida, called in English the coral plant, takes root in a heritage that spans tropical America to the old civilizations of Asia and Africa. In Thai herbal lore, the plant’s bark, leaves, roots, and especially the latex have been treasured for their medicinal properties. Across Thailand, it has been included in remedies like the Tri-Kesornmas or Tri-Kasorn-Mas formula—a classical herbal composition valued for its purported energizing and restorative powers (JAPSON Online). Yet, like many traditional remedies, the legacy of Jatropha multifida is complex: straddling hope and hazard, promise and caution.

In the heart of Thailand’s traditional medicine cabinets sits a plant with a storied history and a pungent aroma—Cleome viscosa, or “ผักเสี้ยนผี.” Revered in folk culture for generations, this herbal remedy, known in various regions as “ส้มเสี้ยนผี,” “ผักเสี้ยนตัวเมีย,” or even the poetic “ไปนิพพานไม่รู้กลับ,” has been transformed from backyard weed into the protagonist of new scientific inquiry. Now, as health-conscious Thais seek natural remedies rooted in local wisdom, the dialogue between tradition and modern research places Cleome viscosa in the spotlight like never before.

For generations, Thai communities have found medicine not only in pharmacies, but also in the forests and waterways of the kingdom. Among the green treasures is Krumanam (กุ่มน้ำ), a native tree whose bark and young leaves have flavored diets and healing traditions, while now attracting modern scientific interest. Known by its scientific name, Crateva religiosa G.Forst., or simply the sacred garlic pear and spider tree, Krumanam is an herbal protagonist whose story weaves folklore, culinary use, and emerging pharmacological promise—with its roots reaching from ancient rites to contemporary research benches.

Cleome viscosa, known in Thai as “ผักเสี้ยนผี,” sits quietly in many Thai homes and markets. Once just a pungent weed in backyards, it has become a focal point for researchers exploring how local wisdom can inform modern health, especially in health, education, culture, and tourism contexts.

The plant remains deeply rooted in daily Thai life. Leaves, seeds, and stems are used in simple remedies and everyday foods. Traditional practices include fermenting the leaves as a side dish to aid digestion and cooling the body. Folk healers across regions describe its role in reducing fevers, easing muscle pains, and treating minor wounds, often alongside narratives about boosting vitality. As Thailand weighs global health trends, Cleome viscosa invites curiosity about what local knowledge may contribute to contemporary science.

Cordyline fruticosa, known in Thai as หมากผู้หมากเมีย, has long brightened gardens and temple grounds with its striking, palm-like leaves. Beyond beauty, the plant sits at a crossroads of traditional healing and contemporary science. Thai communities refer to it by names like มะผู้มะเมีย, หมากผู้, or ปูหมาก, reflecting a rich tapestry of local knowledge. Recent research is beginning to test ancient claims, offering a nuanced view for modern Thai readers on how to approach this botanical treasure.

Thai communities have long drawn on forests and rivers for healing. Krumanam, also known as Crateva religiosa, is a native tree whose bark and young leaves have flavored foods and supported health for generations. Today, researchers are taking a closer look at its potential, bridging folklore with modern science. In Thai culture, this “sacred garlic pear” or “spider tree” links ancient rites to contemporary pharmacology.

In Thai dialects, Krumanam is known as กุ่ม, ผักกุ่ม, or ก่าม. The tree lines riverbanks, village edges, and temple grounds, embodying beliefs in healing energy and sacred significance. Its pale yellow, spider-like flowers and distinctive bark are familiar across rural Thailand. As herbal remedies gain global attention, Krumanam stands out as a living conduit between tradition and new evidence.

The green wetlands of Southeast Asia nurture many ancient botanical treasures, but few rival the enduring popularity of ผักกระโฉม (Limnophila rugosa). Known by Thai names such as อ้มกบ, ผักกะโสม, and ราน้ำ, this aromatic marsh plant has grown alongside Thai civilization—seasoning food, perfuming homes, and playing pivotal roles in both folk and formal medicine. Today, amidst a resurgence in interest for time-tested natural remedies, Limnophila rugosa stands out as a compelling example of how traditional wisdom and modern science can enrich our path to wellness.

In the lush backyards and traditional herbal pharmacies of Thailand, the vivid blooms and distinctive red-tinted roots of Plumbago indica—commonly known as เจตมูลเพลิงแดง (jetmool phloeng daeng)—have for centuries lent their magic to remedies, rituals, and recipes. Now, as scientists turn their microscopes and test tubes toward this remarkable root, Plumbago indica finds itself at the lively intersection of tradition and technology, embodying both the country’s botanical heritage and its quest for evidence-based healing.

In Thai villages and traditional apothecaries, Plumbago indica, known locally as jetmool phloeng daeng, has long stirred remedies, rituals, and culinary lore. Now scientists are examining its root with modern methods, placing this iconic plant at the crossroads of heritage and evidence-based medicine.

For many in Thailand, jetmool phloeng daeng carries familiar names across regions—ปิดปิวแดง in the north and ไฟใต้ดิน in the south—rooted in a tradition that blends herbal knowledge with Buddhist beliefs and local storytelling. Families have passed down uses for digestion, circulation, and women’s health, underscoring a deep respect for nature’s healing power.

Limnophila rugosa, known locally as ผักกระโฉม, has long flourished along Thailand’s wetlands and remains a cornerstone of traditional life. In Thai households, the plant is prized for its aromatic leaves, used in cooking, perfumed spaces, and as a gentle remedy in local medical practices. Today, renewed interest in time-honored, plant-based remedies positions Limnophila rugosa as a prime example of how ancient wisdom can complement modern science.

Generations of Thai communities have turned to ผักกระโฉม for a range of conditions. Across regions, the leaves are celebrated for their cooling, pungent aroma and dual role as food and remedy. Traditional texts and oral knowledge describe digestive benefits—relief from stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and loss of appetite—and topical applications for wounds and skin irritations. In central Thailand, decoctions are used as mild diuretics and febrifuges, while in the northeast, crushed fresh leaves are applied to irritations and insect bites. These practices reflect a rich, holistic approach to everyday health.

For generations across Thailand and Southeast Asia, the striking leaves of หมากผู้หมากเมีย (Cordyline fruticosa) have adorned gardens and temples not just for their beauty but for their revered properties in traditional medicine. This “good luck plant,” recognizable for its vibrant, palm-like foliage, stands at the intersection of ancient healing wisdom and contemporary scientific inquiry. Increasingly, researchers have begun to untangle the story behind this botanical treasure—known by many Thais as มะผู้มะเมีย, หมากผู้, or ปูหมาก—to validate, reinterpret, and, in some cases, challenge inherited knowledge in light of emerging pharmacological evidence. What does science now say about the long-trusted remedy, and how should modern Thais approach its continued use?

Nestled beneath the lush canopies of Southeast Asian forests thrives Wan Ron Thong—known to botanists as Ludisia discolor and cherished in Thai herbal lore as “ว่านร่อนทอง” or “Jewel Orchid.” This unassuming ground orchid, with its velvety dark leaves etched in golden veins, is far more than an ornamental plant. Across generations, its rhizome has figured prominently in folk remedies intended to soothe a range of ailments, from mysterious abdominal discomforts to urgent wounds. Modern science, armed with phytochemical analysis and laboratory models, is gradually illuminating the truths behind this legend, sparking new questions and fueling the ongoing dance between tradition and evidence-based medicine.

Wan Ron Thong, botanists’ Ludisia discolor, is known in Thai herbal lore as “ว่านร่อนทอง” or Jewel Orchid. This unassuming ground orchid hides a powerful story: its rhizome has long been used in folk remedies for abdominal discomfort, wounds, and other ailments. Modern science is starting to clarify which compounds might underlie these traditional claims, while raising new questions about safety and efficacy.

The plant thrives in the highlands of Thailand and neighboring regions, with small white blossoms that belie its deeper value in ethnomedicine. In northern Thailand, dried rhizomes have traditionally been decocted to “chase away wind,” alleviate pain, or strengthen internal organs. In China, Ludisia discolor has been described as supporting kidney function, moistening the lungs, and “clearing heat.” Such complementary medicine concepts reflect distinct cultural frameworks but share an emphasis on balance and overall system health. Thai researchers at the College of Pharmacy, Ubon Ratchathani University, highlight the plant’s role in rural healing traditions, while analyses in global literature point to similar uses across East Asia.