#HolisticHealth

Ginger, known in Thai as “khing,” is a staple rhizome found in nearly every Thai kitchen and traditional apothecary, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and fiery warmth. Yet, as ginger slices simmer in a pot of tom yum or bubble in a home remedy for cough, this humble herb stands at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern science. Scientists worldwide are now peeling back the layers of tradition to uncover the true medicinal value of Zingiber officinale, the botanical name for ginger, long revered across Asia—and especially in Thailand—not only as a culinary delight but as a trusted healer.

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies conjure as much intrigue as “khon dok” (ขอนดอก), a unique crude drug derived not from the foliage or flowers of a plant, but from the fungus-infused heartwood of ancient trees, specifically the sacred “pikul” (Mimusops elengi) and “tabak” (Lagerstroemia calyculata). Revered for centuries across the region, khon dok resonates as an intersection of deep-rooted animist tradition, classical Thai and Ayurvedic healing, and emerging biomedical research. Today, as both practitioners and scientists re-examine humble old formulas in the quest for greener, more localized therapeutics, the story of khon dok stands as a compelling model of how ancient wisdom and modern science can harmonize.

Khon dok is a remarkable Thai traditional remedy drawn from fungus-infused heartwood, not leaves or flowers. It comes from pikul or tabak trees and is used in many communities to support digestion, heart health, and as a general tonic. Today, researchers are re-examining this ancient formula as interest in local, sustainable medicines grows.

Thai herbalists across the central, northern, and northeastern regions have long valued khon dok for its purported astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the era of antibiotic resistance and concerns about side effects from synthetic drugs, scientists are revisiting khon dok to understand what makes the wood-fungus complex potentially beneficial.

Beneath the dappled canopies of Thailand’s evergreen and deciduous forests, a modest woody climber has quietly served as an ally in the country’s traditional medicine for generations. Known as “กำแพงเก้าชั้น” (Kamphaeng Kao Chan), or by local names such as “ตากวง” and “ตากวาง” in Northeastern dialects, Salacia verrucosa Wight. represents a remarkable bridge between ancient healing traditions and modern scientific investigation. As renewed interest in natural remedies sweeps across global wellness communities, this indigenous herbal medicine invites a closer look—not only for its practical benefits but for the cultural wisdom encoded in its bark and roots.

A modest woody climber thrives in Thailand’s forests, quietly bridging ancient healing and modern science. Kamphaeng Kao Chan, known locally as ตากวง and ตากวาง in Northeastern dialects, belongs to Salacia verrucosa. Its bark and roots have long been part of Thai traditional medicine, offering a glimpse into how culture and chemistry intertwine in everyday health practices. As global interest in natural remedies grows, this plant invites a closer look for its practical value and the cultural wisdom it embodies.

In the bustling markets of Thailand, amidst vibrant displays of herbs and spices, the deep crimson hue of roselle—known locally as “กระเจี๊ยบแดง” (krajiap daeng)—stands out not only for its beauty but also for its powerful presence in traditional remedies. From cooling teas to medicinal tonics, roselle’s evocative sour flavor and vivid color have found their way into the hearts, kitchens, and medicine chests of Thai people for generations. Today, as wellness seekers pivot to time-honored natural remedies in pursuit of holistic health, roselle emerges as a potent symbol of the intersection between ancient wisdom and scientific validation.

In Thai markets, the deep crimson roselle, known locally as กระเจี๊ยบแดง, stands out for its beauty and traditional healing value. From cooling teas to medicinal tonics, roselle’s tart flavor and vibrant color have long captivated Thai households. Today, wellness seekers increasingly turn to time-honored remedies, and roselle embodies the bridge between ancient practices and scientific validation.

For centuries, Hibiscus sabdariffa, a member of the Malvaceae family, has a special place in Thai herbal culture. The calyces—bright red sepals that form after the flower withers—are harvested from late rainy season to early winter and used fresh or dried. Across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, roselle beverages are celebrated for their refreshing tartness. In Thailand, herbalists prize it for more than taste.