#Herbalmedicine

Lemon balm, a citrus-scented herb from the mint family, is resurfacing in Thai and global wellness conversations as both a time-honored remedy and a subject of modern science. For centuries, this plant has soothed nerves, aided digestion, and inspired curiosity. Today, its long history meets rigorous research, offering natural options grounded in evidence for health-conscious readers.

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm’s history stretches back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Theophrastus noted its use in 300 BCE, and physicians such as Dioscorides and Avicenna praised its uplifting and calming effects. In medieval Europe, monastic gardens popularized lemon balm, earning it a reputation as a digestive and calming aid. It was once celebrated as an “elixir of life” and featured in tonic preparations used for headaches, insomnia, and wounds. Over time, its nickname reflected both its herbal charm and perceived longevity.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), with its bright, citrus-scented leaves and rich medicinal history, is re-emerging in global and Thai herbal consciousness as both an ancient panacea and a subject of modern scientific scrutiny. For more than two millennia, this member of the mint family has soothed, comforted, and healed people across continents. Today, lemon balm’s journey from royal gardens and monastic infusions to dietary supplements and clinical trials illustrates the vibrant intersection of tradition and evidence-based medicine—a story that continues to unfold for health-conscious readers seeking natural alternatives and validated wellness approaches.

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.

St. John’s wort, a bright yellow flowering herb, has long fascinated people. Once believed to ward off evil and ease emotional distress, it now sits at the crossroads of traditional wisdom and clinical research. For health-conscious readers in Thailand, the plant offers lessons about how natural remedies can both help and harm when used with modern medicines.

This article traces its rich history, traditional uses in various cultures, current scientific evidence, and essential safety considerations for anyone curious about this herbal option.

From yellow blooms gleaming in midsummer fields to bottles lining pharmacy shelves, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has captured human fascination for centuries. Once considered a magical plant to ward off evil and heal the mind and body, today this humble wildflower sits at the intersection of folk medicine and rigorous clinical investigation. As health-conscious readers search for natural ways to support mental health, St. John’s wort stands as a classic example of how traditional botanical wisdom and modern science sometimes converge—and sometimes diverge—in the ongoing quest for well-being.

Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, sits at the crossroads of folklore and modern health. From ancient roots used to ease nervous tension to today’s sleep aids, valerian remains a familiar option for many seeking natural relief. As Thai readers increasingly turn to holistic approaches for better rest, understanding valerian’s history, what science says, and how to use it safely becomes essential.

Valerian’s long story spans more than two thousand years. Ancient Greek and Roman traditions praised its roots for headaches, tremors, and sleeplessness. During challenging times, such as wartime London, valerian was used to calm anxiety and soothe frayed nerves. Today, valerian appears in a wide range of formats—from tea to standardized extracts—making it one of the best-known botanicals for sleep. In Thai markets, imported valerian supplements have found a place alongside familiar wellness practices, reflecting a shared global interest in herbal remedies.

Few plants straddle the divide between folklore and pharmacy as gracefully as valerian, known botanically as Valeriana officinalis. This humble flowering herb, whose pungent roots have been prized for centuries, continues to find its way into modern medicine cabinets around the world, particularly as a remedy for insomnia and nervous tension. But does the ancient reputation of valerian stand up to modern scientific scrutiny? As Thais look increasingly to natural options for wellness and restful sleep, understanding the rich story—and the real evidence—behind valerian is more important than ever.

A dramatic rise in cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) linked to herbal and dietary supplements in the United States is prompting renewed scrutiny of the global supplement industry—a warning that Thai consumers should heed as these products grow in popularity at home. Recent research referenced by NBC News highlights an eightfold increase in supplement-related liver transplants in the U.S. over the past 25 years, with experts cautioning that “natural” does not always equal safe (NBC News).

A surge in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) linked to herbal and dietary supplements in the United States is prompting renewed scrutiny of the global supplement industry. This trend matters for Thailand as wellness products gain popularity at home. Research cited by major outlets shows an eightfold increase in supplement-related liver transplants in the U.S. over 25 years, underscoring that “natural” does not always mean safe.

The implications are twofold. First, they challenge the assumption that herbal and dietary supplements are harmless. Second, they highlight health risks from products increasingly marketed in Thailand’s expanding wellness market. Many Thai consumers seek liver support, vitality, and overall wellness through turmeric capsules and herbal blends, making awareness of risks essential.

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.

Recent guidance from global health authorities warns that some medicines and dietary supplements can lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. For Thai readers, understanding these interactions is essential as access to medicines and over-the-counter products expands nationwide.

Hormonal birth control—pills, patches, injections, or implants—remains a popular and reliable option for family planning in Thailand. Yet new evidence and official health warnings highlight several common substances that can diminish efficacy. Everyday medicines or herbal remedies bought at pharmacies, traditional vendors, or online can influence how well contraception works, making informed choices crucial for safe reproductive health.

Some common medicines and dietary supplements could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, putting Thai women at unseen risk of unintended pregnancies, according to updated research and expert guidance from global health agencies. The expanding use of both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter supplements in Thailand means understanding these interactions is more important than ever.

Hormonal contraceptives—whether pills, patches, injections, or implants—remain among the most popular choices for family planning in Thailand, recommended by healthcare providers for their convenience and high success rate. However, new evidence and official health warnings reveal that a handful of widely-used substances can lower the reliability of these contraceptives, sometimes drastically. For Thai readers, recognizing how everyday medicines or herbal remedies—often purchased at pharmacies, traditional medicine vendors, or online—can compromise birth control is crucial for informed, safe reproductive health choices.

Berberine, a plant compound rising in popularity, has earned the nickname “nature’s Ozempic.” Thai health seekers and practitioners are taking note as it’s championed for weight management, diabetes support, and cholesterol reduction. New studies are turning attention to its potential, but Thai readers deserve clear, expert guidance on benefits, risks, and practical use.

As health awareness grows in Thailand, berberine shows up in pharmacies, wellness shops, and online marketplaces. Influencers and international coverage often emphasize weight loss, linking berberine to effects similar to semaglutide. Thai health authorities caution consumers to separate marketing from evidence, especially before adding berberine to daily routines.

Berberine, a plant compound gaining global popularity and recently dubbed “nature’s Ozempic,” is capturing the attention of health-conscious Thais and practitioners alike. Marketed as a supplement for everything from weight loss and diabetes to cholesterol reduction, this herbal extract is now backed by a wave of recent scientific studies. But does the hype stand up to clinical scrutiny, and what should Thai consumers and healthcare providers know before jumping on the trend? Drawing on the latest research and expert opinions, we untangle the facts, the risks, and the promise of berberine for Thailand’s growing health-supplement market.

In Thailand’s evergreen forests, the golden resin exuded from great dipterocarp trees after storms has long been part of local healing lore. Known as Chanyoiy, this resin comes from trees such as Yang Na, Takhian Thong, Teng, and Rang. For generations, dried exudates were valued by traditional healers and rural communities, weaving ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary interest in plant-based therapies. This piece examines why Chanyoiy endures and what modern science reveals.

With its signature refreshing aroma and a presence in Thai cuisine, teas, and traditional healing, saranae (สะระแหน่, Mentha × cordifolia) is more than a culinary flourish—it’s a living link between ancient wisdom and modern herbal science. The story of saranae weaves through Thai kitchens, bustling markets, and the annals of both folk medicine and laboratories worldwide, showing how a humble herb continues to captivate health-conscious Thais with its potent, versatile properties.

Saranae, known in Thai as สะระแหน่ (Mentha × cordifolia), is more than a garnish. It is a living link between ancestral wisdom and modern herbal science. In Thai kitchens, markets, and clinics, this humble mint continues to captivate health-conscious readers with its versatility and aroma.

A familiar sight in Thailand, saranae is valued both as a flavor enhancer and a traditional remedy. Its bright leaves brighten laab, desserts, and beverages, while also cooling the body and soothing the mind. During Thailand’s hot season, mint water and mint tea are common home remedies for stomach discomfort, headaches, and heat-related fatigue. Folk healers long attributed digestive relief, reduced bloating, and refreshed senses to saranae, mirroring its broader Southeast Asian appreciation for mint in food and healing.

In Thailand’s evergreen forests, the sight of a great dipterocarp tree bleeding golden resin after a monsoon storm would be familiar to generations past. To many, this thick aromatic substance—locally known as “ชันย้อย” (Chanyoiy)—seems little more than nature’s bandage. Yet, for centuries, the dried exudates from Dipterocarpaceae family trees such as the Yang Na, Takhian Thong, Teng, and Rang have been treasured by Thai traditional healers and rural communities, forming a bridge between ancient ethnobotanical wisdom and today’s rebirth of plant-based therapeutics. What lies behind the enduring appeal of Chanyoiy, and does modern science validate its traditional role?

Yanang, a deep-green climbing vine known as bai yanang in the Northeast, sits at the crossroads of Thai tradition and scientific inquiry. For generations, Thai kitchens and folk apothecaries have valued yanang for its cooling energy, fever relief, and cleansing properties. Today, researchers are interpreting these old beliefs through modern methods, confirming several health-promoting properties of yanang and its potential as a bridge between heritage and evidence-based medicine.

Yanang is native to mainland Southeast Asia and a staple in Isan and Lao cuisines. In Thailand, it goes by many regional names, such as Chiangs Mai’s chiang mai names and Central Thailand’s green vine, but its reputation as a cooling, detoxifying, fever-reducing remedy remains widely shared. The leaves are often boiled into a green juice that adds depth to dishes like Isan bamboo soup. Behind this everyday presence lies a history steeped in Southeast Asian healing traditions, where yanang was believed to draw out poisons, ease fevers, calm inflammation, and assist recovery after alcohol consumption.

San Phra Hom, known across Thai highland villages and city markets, continues to captivate healers and scientists with its fragrant promise of wellbeing. In northern Thailand it’s called Keiang Pa Yai and among Karen communities it’s referred to as Porki. Botanically, it’s Eupatorium fortunei. Today, researchers are examining its traditional uses through the lens of modern science, creating a dialogue between ancient wisdom and clinical inquiry that matters for health-conscious Thais and curious readers worldwide.

San Phra Hom, a name echoing through Thai highland villages and bustling city markets alike, has captivated healers and scientists with its fragrant promise of wellness. Known variously as “Keiang Pa Yai” in northern Thailand, “Porki” among Karen communities, and by its scientific designation Eupatorium fortunei, this unassuming leafy herb bridges generations, cultures, and continents. Today, as modern science peels back the layers of botanical mystery, San Phra Hom finds itself at the crossroads of ancient tradition and clinical scrutiny, heralding a new chapter in natural medicine for health-conscious Thais and curious global citizens alike.

Betel nut, known locally as หมาก, remains a vivid thread in Thai markets, temple courtyards, and social rituals. The areca nut from the Areca catechu palm is both a symbol of hospitality and a traditional remedy, even as new research questions its safety. This piece revisits the cultural significance while presenting current health perspectives for Thai readers.

Across the region, betel chewing involves the nut, slaked lime, and betel leaf. In Thailand, the practice is woven into weddings, offerings, and daily interactions. The bright red stain on lips and teeth has long marked social status and community belonging, underscoring how deeply the habit is embedded in life’s ceremonies and everyday moments.