#Plai

In the bustling markets of Thailand, amidst the aromatic waft of herbs and spices, lies a yellow-tinted rhizome called ‘plai’ (ไพล) that has earned a cherished place in traditional medicine and the day-to-day lives of Thais. Revered for generations under names like ไพลเหลือง, ว่านไฟ, ปูลอย, and มิ้นสะล่าง, Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. stands as a bridge between ancient healing knowledge and cutting-edge scientific inquiry. While grew first in the lore of village healers, plai has recently become the subject of intense interest among scientists seeking to validate its age-old uses.

In Thailand’s markets, the yellow-tinted rhizome known as plai sits among herbs and spices. Long treasured in traditional medicine under names such as Thai ไพลเหลือง, ว่านไฟ, ปูลอย, and มิ้นสะล่าง, Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. now sits at the crossroads of folklore and scientific inquiry. Once the preserve of village healers, plai is increasingly studied by researchers seeking to validate its traditional uses.

Plai is more than a single plant. Its story blends spiritual beliefs, cultural practices, and empirical knowledge that shape Thai society. As herbal medicine gains global attention, plai’s path from ancient practice to laboratory study highlights both ancestral wisdom and modern potential. This article examines plai’s traditional roles, Thai cultural resonance, and the evolving scientific evidence on its safety and efficacy.