#HealthEducation

When it comes to traditional Thai medicine, few remedies evoke as much curiosity and reverence as โกฐก้านพร้าว (Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora), a rare alpine herb whose story weaves through the misty foothills of the eastern Himalayas and the centuries-old apothecaries of Southeast Asia. Known to Thai herbalists as both โกฐก้านพร้าว and by a host of evocative regional names—including กะฎุกะ and กฏุโรหินี—this plant’s dried rhizome remains a prized ingredient in classic medicine cabinets, Buddhist rituals, and even modern-day scientific investigations (phar.ubu.ac.th; Disthai.com).

In a world seeking natural remedies for complex ailments, the story of “โกฐเขมา” (Atractylodes lancea)—known regionally as “โกฐหอม,” “ซังตุ๊ก,” and “ชางจู๋”—is capturing renewed attention. Once relegated to apothecary cabinets and temple herb gardens, this humble rhizome has emerged as a protagonist in new scientific investigations. From helping with fevers and digestive troubles in Thai and Chinese traditional recipes to featuring in modern cancer research, Atractylodes lancea stands at a unique crossroads of heritage and discovery. So how does this storied plant bridge ancient 知慧 (ฉลาด) with today’s evidence-based care, and what should Thai readers know about its renaissance?

Amid a global resurgence of interest in natural and traditional remedies, one ancient Thai herbal medicine, Goṭh Phung Pla (โกฐพุงปลา), has remained a quiet but powerful staple in the nation’s pharmacopeia. Harvested from the unusual galls that form on the leaves and young shoots of the chebulic myrobalan tree (Terminalia chebula Retz. var. chebula), this remedy occupies a storied place in Thai traditional medicine, revered as both a healing talisman and a source of potent therapeutic compounds. While its efficacy has been praised for centuries in herbal manuscripts and folk culture, today’s scientists are now rigorously exploring its vast pharmacological potential, forging new links between the healing wisdom of the past and the evidence-based medicine of the present.

Among Thailand’s lush forests, hidden beneath the embrace of tangled vines and sturdy trunks, grows a climbing shrub with a storied past and promising future: กำแพงเจ็ดชั้น, or Salacia chinensis. Known by myriad regional names such as ตะลุ่มนก, ตาไก้, ขอบกระด้ง, and หลุมนก, this plant has been treasured in traditional Thai and Southeast Asian medicine for centuries. Today, as researchers peel back the layers of its traditional use, they’re uncovering scientific evidence that validates (and in some cases, challenges) the age-old practices of herbalists and healers.

Known locally as “กระวานไทย” and scientifically as Amomum krervanh Pierre ex Gagnep, Thai cardamom has held a revered place in Southeast Asian kitchens and apothecaries for centuries. With a pungent aroma and a lineage traced to the Zingiberaceae, or ginger family, this modest spice has been at the core of both Thai culinary arts and traditional medicine. Researchers are now looking beyond its fragrance, finding that ancient Thai wisdom may be holding new answers for 21st-century health challenges. What is the truth behind the folklore, and which claims stand up to rigorous scientific inquiry?

Thai cardamom, known locally as กระวานไทย and scientifically Amomum krervanh, has long been a staple in Southeast Asian kitchens and traditional medicine. Its strong aroma and place in the ginger family have made it a trusted ingredient and remedy for generations. Now researchers are exploring whether ancient wisdom can inform today’s health challenges, while staying mindful of Thai cultural values.

Cardamom is more than a spice; it embodies centuries of healing practices that connect people to the land. In Thai traditional medicine, it is prized for digestive discomforts such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Mature fruits and seeds from trees aged four to five years are typically harvested in central and northern Thailand, where varieties known as กระวานขาว and ข่าโคม are cultivated. Rural markets have long sustained demand, reflecting how deeply intertwined health and daily life are in Thai communities.

Obessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) remains misunderstood in many communities, but public figures are helping to shift the narrative. Celebrities such as Camila Cabello, Will Poulter, and Amanda Seyfried have opened up about living with OCD, highlighting its complexity beyond stereotypes. Their stories resonate with fans and offer timely insight for Thai audiences grappling with mental health awareness in a society where openness is gradually growing.

In Thailand, mental health topics can still be stigmatized, with many people hesitant to seek help. When well-known figures share their experiences, it can normalize conditions like OCD and encourage timely treatment. Cabello spoke about intrusive thoughts and the compulsion to recheck and repeat certain thoughts due to fear of negative outcomes. This candid account sheds light on the repetitive cycles that many with OCD endure and underlines the value of professional support.

A growing health advisory now recommends starting colon cancer screening at 45, aligning with rising cases among younger adults. The push comes as major health organizations emphasize earlier detection to improve outcomes, with March designated as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to highlight timely screening.

For Thai audiences, this global trend invites reflection on local guidelines. Data indicate that beginning screening sooner can lower lifetime cancer risk, especially when issues are found early on. A 2022 study in a leading medical journal supports the idea that early, initial screening reduces long-term risk and can spare patients from more invasive interventions later.

New neuroscientific findings compare human brains with those of chimpanzees and macaques, revealing how our brain’s internal wiring supports advanced social skills. Researchers from Oxford University and Aix-Marseille Université show that humans differ less in overall size and more in how brain regions connect and communicate. For Thai audiences, this adds depth to our understanding of cognition and social behavior.

The study shifts focus from body size to the brain’s internal architecture. By analyzing MRI data, researchers mapped white matter connections, or connectivity fingerprints, across species. These patterns help explain why humans perform complex social interactions and language tasks more efficiently than other primates.

A comprehensive review shows that Thailand has both advanced public health and growing science skepticism. The findings reveal how trust and doubt shape vaccine perceptions as the country moves beyond the acute phase of the pandemic. Local health leaders are urged to reinforce credible information through trusted community voices.

In the early pandemic years, rapid vaccine development and mass immunization stood out as major public health milestones. The speed of scientific progress demonstrated what can be achieved in crisis conditions. The broader use of mRNA technology marks a turning point with potential benefits for preventing other infectious diseases. Research from leading medical centers indicates these advances may influence global health for years to come, including in Thailand.