Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum): Bridging Thai Traditional Wisdom with Modern Science
Garden cress, known locally as เทียนแดง, has long occupied a place in Thai kitchens and traditional medicine. These tiny seeds, with a fiery bite and strong aroma, are believed to support digestion, respiratory health, and general vitality. Today, modern research is exploring how this ancient remedy fits into contemporary wellness, while underscoring the need for safe, informed use.
Thai herbal practitioners have long praised เทียนแดง as a multipurpose remedy. Seeds are viewed as digestive stimulants, mild laxatives, and supporters of respiratory function—especially for coughs and asthma. In traditional practice, garden cress often appears in multi-herbal formulas to evoke warmth, clarity, and vitality. Healers also mentioned benefits for appetite and postnatal recovery, paralleling similar Ayurvedic concepts from nearby regions.