#EvidenceBasedHerbs

Mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga have long been valued in traditional medical systems across Asia and parts of Europe. Today, health-conscious Thai readers are increasingly exploring natural options to strengthen immunity, reduce stress, and support brain health. The tale of these fungi sits at the crossroads of folklore and biomedical research, with new studies clarifying which traditional claims may hold true and where caution is needed.

Historically, medicinal mushrooms appear in early Traditional Chinese Medicine and regional Thai herbal manuscripts. Reishi, known as Lingzhi in China and Phiman or Sang Hwang in Thai tradition, has been linked to longevity and resilience. Lion’s Mane, or Yamabushitake in Japan and Houtougu in China, is celebrated for memory and mental clarity. Chaga—found on birch trees—has roots in Russian, Korean, and Northeast Chinese folk practices. In Thailand, palm-leaf manuscripts and temple medicine scrolls reflect a rich knowledge of these fungi, prescribing them for ailments ranging from blood purification to throat discomfort and inflammatory conditions. This cultural lineage underscores a Thai appreciation for mushrooms as part of holistic wellness.

For centuries, saw palmetto has been cherished as both food and medicine by native cultures in the southeastern United States. Today, this small palm, Serenoa repens, stands at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and scientific research, its berries transformed into remedies found on supplement shelves worldwide. As interest in herbal medicine grows, saw palmetto’s journey from tribal tradition to clinical study offers a fascinating window onto the dialogue between ancestral knowledge and modern healthcare. In this exploration, we uncover the plant’s rich cultural legacy, examine its role in traditional healing, and untangle what contemporary scientific inquiry reveals about its potential benefits and safety.

Saw palmetto, the small Serenoa repens palm, has long been valued by Native American communities for food and healing. Today, its berries appear on supplement shelves worldwide as researchers examine how traditional use stacks up against modern science. This piece revisits the plant’s cultural roots, its traditional healing roles, and what current studies say about benefits and safety.

Historically, saw palmetto’s significance goes beyond its prickly fronds and dark berries. In Florida and along the Gulf Coast, Indigenous communities used the fruit fresh or dried to address urinary issues, reproductive health, and inflammation. Some tribes viewed the plant as a vitality tonic, a belief that persisted after colonization and influenced 19th-century eclectic medical practice in the United States. The berries also featured prominently in material culture, symbolizing resilience in landscapes where resources could be scarce.

For centuries, mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga have been treasured in traditional medical systems across Asia and Northern Europe for their diverse healing properties. Today, as more health-conscious Thai readers seek natural remedies to boost immunity, combat stress, and support brain health, these ancient fungi stand at the remarkable crossroads between herbal folklore and cutting-edge biomedical research. Are these earthbound wonders truly worthy of the superfood label, or is their reputation largely myth? New studies are beginning to unravel what traditional wisdom has known for generations—the story of medicinal mushrooms is both timeless and ever-evolving.

Thai cuisine has a loyal fan in manao, the small green lime whose leaves and fruit flavor everyday meals and festive dishes alike. But manao is more than a culinary staple. For generations, households have used lime leaves, bark, and fruit in remedies and rituals, a heritage now being explored through modern science. As health-conscious readers seek to honor tradition while embracing evidence-based practices, manao offers a vivid case study in how ancient wisdom can inform today’s wellness choices.

Licorice root, known in Thai medicine as ชะเอมเทศ, has long held a treasured place in traditional Thai and Chinese herbalism. Sweet to the tongue but potent in effect, it remains common in Thai households for coughs, ulcers, and digestive comfort. This revision examines how ancient beliefs align with contemporary science, and what Thai readers should consider when incorporating licorice into wellness routines.

In Thai traditional medicine, ชะเอมเทศ is valued not only for its sweetness but for soothing and balancing the body. Practitioners have used the root and underground stem as an expectorant, demulcent, and general tonic to support respiratory and digestive health. The idea of cooling and moisturizing the body harmonizes with holistic Thai and Chinese concepts of internal balance. Beyond Thailand, licorice has deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine as a harmonizing agent in formulas that often include multiple herbs.

Few ingredients so vividly capture the essence of Thai cuisine and culture as the small, vibrant green fruit known throughout the country as manao. While most Thai people recognize it as an indispensable flavor booster in dishes like tom yum, som tam, and countless chili dips, the leaves, bark, and fruit of Citrus aurantiifolia—more commonly called lime—hold a much deeper significance that extends well beyond the kitchen. The traditional uses of manao stretch back centuries, rooted in household remedies and ancient wisdom, while mounting scientific evidence is beginning to illuminate the bioactive magic that has long made lime a staple for both taste and health. Today, as health-conscious Thai readers seek to reconnect with their heritage and examine time-honored remedies with new eyes, the story of manao becomes both a case study in the enduring power of traditional herbal medicine and a testament to how modern research can inform and evolve ancient practices.

For centuries, the root of the licorice plant—known botanically as Glycyrrhiza glabra and called “ชะเอมเทศ” in Thai medicine—has occupied a cherished place in the pharmacopeias of cultures from the Mediterranean to Asia. Sweet in taste yet formidable in power, licorice is both celebrated in the annals of traditional Thai herbalism and increasingly scrutinized by modern science. Today, as Thai households continue to reach for ชะเอมเทศ in teas, herbal mixtures, and remedies for coughs or ulcers, the question arises: do the ancient beliefs stand up to the rigors of clinical evidence? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of licorice from folk healer to a subject of pharmaceutical research and discover how its traditional wisdom converges with cutting-edge science—and what that means for health-conscious Thai readers today.

For centuries, the humble leaves of the Morus alba tree—known in Thailand as “หม่อน” or “มอน” in the Northeast—have been valued both as a nourishing food for silkworms and as a cornerstone of traditional herbal remedies. But in recent decades, white mulberry leaf has been rediscovered by health enthusiasts, scientists, and wellness practitioners as a botanical treasure trove with a remarkable intersection of cultural heritage and biomedical promise. Today, as researchers probe the centuries-old claims of Thai and East Asian herbalists, Morus alba stands as a sterling example of how traditional wisdom and scientific inquiry can enrich one another.

White mulberry, Morus alba, has long nourished silkworms and featured in Thai traditional medicine. In Thai Isan and broader East Asia, leaves are boiled for fevers, added to tonics for recovery, and eaten as a green with nutritional value. Thai practitioners view these leaves as supporting liver health, acting as mild diuretics, and easing “wind” symptoms, a concept rooted in humoral health. This cultural reverence is echoed in Thai pharmacopoeia and herbal clinics, highlighting the leaf’s enduring relevance and its connection to East Asian botanical heritage.

In bustling markets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, glistening wheels of dried bael fruit nestle among fresh herbs, offering a familiar comfort to Thai shoppers. Known as “มะตูม” (ma-toom), this spiny-leaved tree has graced temple grounds and family kitchens for centuries. But while ma-toom is cherished in Thai wells of folk wisdom for soothing the stomach and nurturing the spirit, it is now gaining recognition among scientists and health-conscious Thais for its potent bioactive properties. The emerging story of bael, from sacred symbol and household remedy to subject of pharmacological research, reflects the dynamic ongoing dialogue between tradition and evidence-based medicine – a balance crucial to the future of Thai wellness.

In busy Thai markets, dried bael fruit sits among fresh herbs, a familiar sight for shoppers. Known locally as มะตูม (ma-toom), the spiny-leaved tree has long graced temple grounds and family kitchens. Thai folk wisdom holds that bael soothes the stomach and nourishes the spirit. Today, scientists and health-conscious Thais are taking a closer look at its bioactive compounds. The tale of bael—a sacred symbol and household remedy now under pharmacological scrutiny—embodies Thailand’s ongoing dialogue between tradition and evidence-based medicine.

Brucea javanica, known locally as ราชดัด, sits at the crossroads of Thai folklore and modern medicine. For generations in Thailand, this bitter fruit has appeared in households and markets as a remedy for fevers, digestive issues, and malaria. Today, researchers are unpacking its chemistry and exploring both the promises and the cautions that come with traditional remedies.

Brucea javanica belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and grows across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, its small black fruit has long featured in herbal chests. In the North it is referred to as “ยาแก้ฮากขม” for bitter mouth and digestive discomfort, while other regions use names like กะดัด, ดีคน, เพียะฟาน, and มะลาคา. The plant’s widespread use across Thai communities reflects its adaptability to different health beliefs and local environments. Its cultural role extends beyond medicine; in some communities, it is part of protective charms, hinting at a spiritual layer to its pharmacological appeal.

In the folkloric landscapes and pharmacy cabinets of Thailand, the name ราชดัด (Brucea javanica) conjures images of bitter medicine, traditional healers, and a remedy with a mysterious allure. For generations, this humble plant—known by regional names like ดีคน, กะดัด, มะลาคา, and more—has been entrusted in Thai traditional medicine to counter fevers, digestive woes, “bitter mouth,” and even malaria. Today, as modern science takes the stage, researchers are piecing together the pharmacological tapestry that validates and, at times, complicates the centuries-old reputation of this remarkable fruit. As Thais and the world wake up to the promise—and potential pitfalls—of traditional remedies, Brucea javanica reminds us of the intricate balance between ancestral experience and evidence-based medicine.

For generations, the peka tree—known in Thai as เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), and มะลิดไม้ (North)—has been a quiet staple in kitchens and traditional medicine across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods appear in rural curries, while the bark and seeds underpin many folk remedies. Today, researchers are exploring whether Oroxylum indicum bark can live up to its long-standing reputation, bridging ancient practice with contemporary science.

Thai households and their Asian neighbors have long relied on peka for a range of ailments. The inner bark is central to folk medicine, used in decoctions and pastes to ease fevers, treat skin conditions, calm digestive issues, and even repel livestock pests. This knowledge travels through generations, woven into Thai traditional medicine and Ayurveda texts. Peka embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural identity in rural and indigenous communities across the country.

Sappanwood, known locally as fang, is the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L. Its deep crimson hue has long anchored Thai folk medicine, rituals, and everyday wellness. Today, it sits at the intersection of tradition and science, with contemporary research beginning to illuminate its traditional claims. This piece traces sappanwood’s enduring presence in Thai life and what current science suggests about its health properties.

In many Thai households, fang is more than a curios ingredient. It appears in the country’s iconic red tea, water infusions, and as a natural dye for foods, textiles, and cosmetics. For generations, families have valued the wood for revitalizing health, purifying the blood, and supporting vitality. While personal anecdotes are widespread, researchers stress the need to translate these practices into evidence-based conclusions. Data from Thailand’s traditional medicine literature and cross-cultural studies show fang’s role in daily wellness remains meaningful.

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.

For generations, the “peka” tree, known by its many Thai names—เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), มะลิดไม้ (North), among others—has been quietly revered in kitchens and medicine cupboards across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods often grace rural soups and curries, while the bark and seeds underpin numerous folk remedies. But what lies beneath these centuries-old rituals? Can the bark of Oroxylum indicum, the scientific identity of “peka,” truly live up to its enduring status? Modern research is now beginning to shed light on the potent intersection of tradition and science found within the rough, unassuming bark of this native tree.

White pepper, known locally in Thailand as “prik thai lon” (พริกไทยล่อน), is one of the best-loved and most frequently used spices in Thai kitchens and traditional medicine alike. Yet behind this familiar seasoning—the dried, de-husked ripe fruit of the Piper nigrum L. plant—lies a fascinating story of how centuries-old herbal wisdom has begun to intersect with the discoveries of modern pharmacology. As Thai herbal remedies gain new respect and scrutiny on the world stage, prik thai lon stands as a shining example of the complexity, promise, and cautions involved in bringing traditional botanicals into contemporary health practice.

White pepper, known in Thailand as prik thai lon, sits at the heart of Thai cuisine and traditional healing. The dried, de-husked seeds come from the Piper nigrum plant and have long carried both flavor and medicinal promise. Today, evolving pharmacology is examining centuries-old herbal use, offering a nuanced view of how traditional botanicals may fit into contemporary health practice for Thai readers.

White pepper is produced by harvesting ripe red pepper berries, removing the outer skin, and drying the pale seeds inside. In Thai kitchens, these peppercorns provide a gentle heat that balances flavors in soups, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. Beyond taste, Thai and regional healing traditions have used white pepper as a digestive aid, a respiratory supporter, and a general warming tonic. Data from ethnobotanical records and regional practices show its roles across ancient Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Southeast Asian healing systems, where it is valued for digestion, respiration, and vitality.

Cumin, known in Thai as เทียนขาว (also called ยี่หร่า), weaves a long tapestry of use as both a spice and a traditional remedy. Across generations, Thai families have trusted its earthy warmth for digestion, bloating, and menstrual discomfort. Today, scientists are increasingly exploring cumin’s compounds to understand how ancient wisdom aligns with modern health science. The cumin seed thus stands at the crossroads of heritage and evidence-based medicine, offering insights for Thai readers on how everyday cooking may connect to wellness.

Thao En On, known in Thai as เถาเอ็นอ่อน, is a climbing vine revered in rural communities for soothing muscle pain and joint stiffness. Today, researchers view its healing potential through the lens of modern pharmacology, bridging age-old wisdom with scientific evidence. The plant’s stems are the main medicinal part, long trusted to relax sinews and restore mobility.

Thailand’s rich tradition of medicinal plants runs deep. Thao En On is known by regional names such as Tien Ped Kruea, Kreua Jen, Kreua Thao En, Khi Maen, and Hya Li Len. In Isan and the North, elders describe the plant as a gentle “soft tendon” that helps ease injuries and arthritis when prepared as decoctions or used in massage oils and compresses. This herb has become a staple in community health practices, connected to daily life and local healing rituals.

In Thailand, the name “เถาเอ็นอ่อน” (Thao En On) conjures images of folk wisdom and the fragrant steam of traditional herbal saunas. This climbing vine, known scientifically as Cryptolepis buchanani, has been cherished by Thai communities for generations as a remedy for muscle aches, joint stiffness, and general fatigue. Today, as researchers probe the frontiers of medical science, the healing powers of Thao En On are being reevaluated through the lens of modern pharmacology—offering intriguing intersections between age-old tradition and contemporary evidence.

Across generations, dried seeds of เทียนลวด—known in English as bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and bitter cumin (Centratherum anthelminticum)—have long featured in Southeast Asian folk medicine. In Thai communities, these seeds are valued for digestive comfort, antimicrobial potential, and soothing effects. Today, many health-conscious Thais seek a careful blend of ancestral wisdom and scientific validation, viewing เทียนลวด as both heritage and a gateway to contemporary herbal research.

Two plants share a common reputation in Asian traditional medicine, yet modern botany separates them clearly. Foeniculum vulgare belongs to the Apiaceae family and is celebrated for its feathery foliage and sweet-spicy aroma. Centratherum anthelminticum sits in the Asteraceae family and is recognized for its robust seeds with a mildly bitter profile. Both are embedded in regional healing practices, but their scientific profiles and uses merit careful, updated framing for Thai readers.