#Mesuaferrea

Mesua ferrea, enchantingly known in Thailand as “Bunnak” and regionally as สารภีดอย or นากบุต, radiates legacy not just from its fragrant white blossoms but from centuries of healing practice stretching across Southeast Asia. Revered in traditional Thai medicine and celebrated in the rituals of diverse cultures, the flower of Mesua ferrea has become emblematic of the delicate intersection between cultural heritage and emerging biomedical science. As contemporary researchers begin to illuminate the mechanisms behind its renowned therapeutic roles, Bunnak stands at the fascinating crossroads of ancient wisdom and scientific validation—inviting a new generation to rediscover the potential within a single, aromatic bloom.

Mesua ferrea, known in Thailand as Bunnak and regionally as Nagkesar or Nagkesara, carries a deep healing heritage across Southeast Asia. Its fragrant white blossoms symbolize a bridge between traditional Thai medicine and the advancing science of today. As researchers uncover how its compounds work, Bunnak stands at the crossroads of culture and biomedical insight, inviting Thais to explore its potential with careful scrutiny.

Historically, Bunnak has been woven into temple gardens and folk medicine. Its flowers, celebrated for their sweet aroma, were used in remedies for fever, respiratory ailments, inflammation, and more. Local healers drew on multiple parts of the tree: leaves for bites and allergies, bark and roots for digestive and airway issues, seed oil for skin conditions and rheumatic pain, and the flowers themselves for respiratory and circulatory concerns. In Thai herbal practices, these approaches were often combined with other botanicals in composite formulas, reflecting a holistic view of health that has sustained communities for generations.