#ThaiHerbalMedicine

For centuries, the aromatic leaves and knobbly fruits of the kaffir lime—known in Thai as makrut—have graced Thai kitchens, ritual spaces, and medicine cabinets. Its distinctive fragrance is instantly recognisable in tom yum soup and green curry, yet beyond its culinary appeal lies a trove of traditional healing wisdom. Today, scientists are delving deep into this humble plant’s chemistry, revealing how ancient practices may be supported—and sometimes challenged—by modern research.

Makrut lime, known in Thai as makrut, has long colored Thai kitchens, rituals, and traditional medicine. Its fragrant leaves and knobby fruit flavor dishes like tom yum and green curry, but they also carry a rich history of healing knowledge. Today, researchers are exploring the chemistry of this plant, testing which ancient practices hold up under modern science and where they may diverge.

Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) plays a special role in Thai life. Indigenous to Southeast Asia and widely grown across rural Thailand, its uses extend beyond food. The leaves are used in ceremonial cleansing to bless homes, while the essential oils appear in perfumes, massage, and natural insect repellents. Traditional healers incorporate nearly every part of the plant—leaves, rind, juice, and roots—for ailments from headaches and stomach issues to high blood pressure and postpartum recovery. In Thai culture, makrut’s reach goes from the kitchen to the clinic and the home.

Makrut lime, the knobby green citrus also known as kaffir lime, sits at the heart of Thai kitchens and folk medicine. Across Thailand—from remote northern villages to Bangkok’s lively markets—the aroma of its leaves and the brightness of its zest connect daily cooking with centuries of traditional healing. Modern science is now exploring this beloved herb, highlighting how indigenous knowledge can inform contemporary health and wellness in Thailand.

In Thai culture, makrut lime leaves and peel are woven into everyday life and spiritual practice. Locally called ma-krut, som-krut, or ma-khoon, the fruit features in postpartum steam rituals to support new mothers, while the thick peel is pounded into shampoos and hair care remedies. Its juice and zest are commonly used as general tonics, applied both internally and externally. Symbolically, makrut lime is associated with purification and good fortune, often used to cleanse teapots and altars or carried during Songkran, Thailand’s water festival.

In every Thai kitchen, the knobby green fruit known as makrut lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) is more than a culinary staple – it’s an emblem of culture, tradition, and natural healing. From northern rural hamlets to Bangkok’s bustling wet markets, the aroma of makrut lime leaves and the zingy freshness of its peel invoke centuries of folk medicine, family wisdom, and scientific intrigue. As modern research shines new light on this beloved herbal staple, makrut lime’s remarkable journey from ancient remedy to subject of laboratory scrutiny underscores the vibrant intersection of indigenous knowledge and contemporary health science.

For generations, the peka tree—known in Thai as เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), and มะลิดไม้ (North)—has been a quiet staple in kitchens and traditional medicine across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods appear in rural curries, while the bark and seeds underpin many folk remedies. Today, researchers are exploring whether Oroxylum indicum bark can live up to its long-standing reputation, bridging ancient practice with contemporary science.

Thai households and their Asian neighbors have long relied on peka for a range of ailments. The inner bark is central to folk medicine, used in decoctions and pastes to ease fevers, treat skin conditions, calm digestive issues, and even repel livestock pests. This knowledge travels through generations, woven into Thai traditional medicine and Ayurveda texts. Peka embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural identity in rural and indigenous communities across the country.

In the shade of Thailand’s grand temples and quiet family gardens, the sweet-scented flowers of the Pikun tree (Mimusops elengi) have brightened landscapes for centuries. Known as the “Spanish cherry” or “Bullet wood,” it is valued in Thai traditional medicine and admired for beauty. Today, modern research is turning this ornamental plant into a living pharmacy, inviting a thoughtful dialogue between heritage and science. For health, culture, and travel interests, Pikun offers a compelling glimpse into how nature, culture, and evidence-based practice intersect in Thailand.

In Thai herbal traditions, pla lai puek stands out as a revered root with centuries of healing lore and rising scientific interest. Known across regions by names such as krung badan in Surat Thani, khanang in Trat, and tung sor in the North, this root from the Eurycoma longifolia Jack shrub—often called tongkat ali in Southeast Asia—sits at the meeting point of folk wisdom and modern research. For health-conscious readers in Thailand, it offers a lens into how ancient plant knowledge can inspire today’s medicine.

Plao Noi, known scientifically as Croton fluviatilis Esser, is a small, evergreen shrub long valued in Thai folk medicine. Its leaves have been used for generations to ease stomach troubles, soothe ulcers, and aid wound healing. In rural Thailand, Plao Noi tea and poultices have been handed down as practical first aid, especially in Isaan and central regions. This living tradition sits at the crossroads of ancient knowledge and contemporary science, reflecting Thailand’s dynamic approach to health.

Along Thailand’s riverside landscapes, the mighty mahad tree—Artocarpus lakoocha—has long stood as a symbol of healing. Its traditional extract, Puag Haad, is celebrated for cleansing the body and targeting parasites. Now, researchers examine how the heartwood’s compounds might benefit today’s health challenges, from intestinal infections to diabetes and skin concerns. The bridge between ancestral knowledge and modern science is growing stronger, with Thai researchers leading in evaluating safe, effective use.

Senna Alexandrina, known in Thailand as มะขามแขก, sits at the crossroads of tradition and science. For centuries it has been used as a gentle laxative, weaving together Thai wisdom with global medical practice. Today, it remains a focal point in discussions about natural digestive health, safety, and the integration of traditional remedies into contemporary care in Thailand and beyond.

Thai traditional medicine has long welcomed senna through a fusion of Indian Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian knowledge. In Thai practice, มะขามแขก has been used as a purgative to address sluggish digestion and constipation, and it features prominently in temple detox rituals and village health traditions. Dried senna leaves and pods are commonly prepared as decoctions or teas, with dosage guidance passed down through generations of herbalists and practitioners.

Cissus quadrangularis, known locally as เพชรสังฆาต, has long been a staple in Thai traditional medicine. Thai communities have watched the angular vine help with fractures, swollen joints, and digestive discomfort for generations. Today, researchers in Thailand and beyond are uncovering how its biochemistry supports healing, while honoring its cultural roots.

The plant thrives in homes and farms across Southern Thailand, climbing happily along fence posts. Beloved regionally as สันชะฆาต or สามร้อยต่อ, it belongs to the grape family. Its distinctive knuckled stems are more than a signature appearance; they symbolize a centuries-old tradition of bone-setting and restorative remedies. Thai healers have long depended on these stems to brew powders, poultices, or tonics for bone injuries. This practice sits at the intersection of Thai traditional medicine, Buddhist healing rituals, and community care.

Along the banks of lush Thai rivers and deep within the traditions of herbal wisdom, the tree known as Artocarpus lakoocha—or in local parlance, มะหาด (“mahat”)—stands tall as a symbol of healing heritage. Its storied extract, called Puag Haad (ปวกหาด), is a time-honored remedy in Thai medicine, celebrated for purifying the system and fighting parasites. Today, as a bridge between tradition and science takes shape, researchers are unraveling its secrets and exploring how the revered heartwood of this tropical tree may offer real benefits for modern ailments, from intestinal infections to diabetes and skin concerns.

In the fragrant shadow of Thailand’s grandest temples and the quiet corners of family gardens, the sweetly scented flowers of the Pikun tree (Mimusops elengi) have bloomed for centuries. Revered in Thai traditional medicine and cherished for its beauty, the “Spanish cherry” or “Bullet wood” is more than an ornamental plant—it is a living pharmacy whose age-old uses are now drawing the interest of modern science. As the world looks increasingly toward natural remedies, Pikun stands at the crossroads of tradition and research, offering lessons in healing, culture, and caution.

Tucked away in the diverse pharmacopoeia of traditional Thai medicine lies Plao Noi (เปล้าน้อย), scientifically known as Croton fluviatilis Esser, a humble herb whose leaves have been revered for centuries for their healing properties. With roots that reach deep into the natural and cultural landscapes of Thailand, Plao Noi exemplifies the nation’s dynamic interplay between time-honored folk remedies and the growing integration of scientific research. Today’s revival of interest in herbal medicine among health-conscious Thais is shining a new light on Plao Noi, inviting renewed appreciation of its historical roles—and prompting fresh investigation into whether its ancient reputation stands up to modern scrutiny.

In the realm of Thai herbal tradition, few remedies stand as tall—both literally and culturally—as “pla lai puek” (ปลาไหลเผือก), a revered root with centuries of healing lore and, increasingly, mounting scientific interest. Known across the country by a patchwork of regional names—krung badan in Surat Thani, khanang in Trat, and tung sor in the North—this unassuming root from the Eurycoma longifolia Jack shrub, also called tongkat ali throughout Southeast Asia, is at the crossroads of folk wisdom and modern research, offering health-conscious readers a window into how ancient plant knowledge can inspire today’s medical science.

For generations, the “peka” tree, known by its many Thai names—เพกา (Central), ลิ้นฟ้า (Isan), มะลิดไม้ (North), among others—has been quietly revered in kitchens and medicine cupboards across Thailand. Its long, sword-shaped pods often grace rural soups and curries, while the bark and seeds underpin numerous folk remedies. But what lies beneath these centuries-old rituals? Can the bark of Oroxylum indicum, the scientific identity of “peka,” truly live up to its enduring status? Modern research is now beginning to shed light on the potent intersection of tradition and science found within the rough, unassuming bark of this native tree.

Vetiver, known in Thai as “หญ้าแฝก,” is a storied plant in Thai traditional medicine. Its deeply rooted stems and fragrant essential oils connect ancient healing practices with today’s evidence-based research. As health-conscious readers seek natural remedies backed by science, vetiver illustrates how old wisdom and modern inquiry can work together.

In Thai culture, vetiver’s roots anchor soil, prevent erosion, and conserve water. This environmental role aligns with the Royal Project’s conservation efforts and supports rural livelihoods. Beyond ecology, vetiver has long featured in healing rituals—used in baths, tinctures, and oils to calm the body, cool the skin, and ease inflammation. Its popularity spans perfumery, traditional therapies, and postpartum care, earning a reputation as a grounding, restorative botanical.

In the world of traditional Thai medicine, few herbs hold a legacy as enduring and multifaceted as “แฝกหอม” or vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). Revered for centuries across Southeast Asia, this aromatic grass lies at the crossroads of cultural tradition, sustainable living, and scientific inquiry. Today, as the health-conscious public in Thailand and beyond seeks natural remedies backed by evidence, vetiver’s story exemplifies the evolving relationship between ancient herbal wisdom and cutting-edge medical research.

White pepper, known locally in Thailand as “prik thai lon” (พริกไทยล่อน), is one of the best-loved and most frequently used spices in Thai kitchens and traditional medicine alike. Yet behind this familiar seasoning—the dried, de-husked ripe fruit of the Piper nigrum L. plant—lies a fascinating story of how centuries-old herbal wisdom has begun to intersect with the discoveries of modern pharmacology. As Thai herbal remedies gain new respect and scrutiny on the world stage, prik thai lon stands as a shining example of the complexity, promise, and cautions involved in bringing traditional botanicals into contemporary health practice.

White pepper, known in Thailand as prik thai lon, sits at the heart of Thai cuisine and traditional healing. The dried, de-husked seeds come from the Piper nigrum plant and have long carried both flavor and medicinal promise. Today, evolving pharmacology is examining centuries-old herbal use, offering a nuanced view of how traditional botanicals may fit into contemporary health practice for Thai readers.

White pepper is produced by harvesting ripe red pepper berries, removing the outer skin, and drying the pale seeds inside. In Thai kitchens, these peppercorns provide a gentle heat that balances flavors in soups, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. Beyond taste, Thai and regional healing traditions have used white pepper as a digestive aid, a respiratory supporter, and a general warming tonic. Data from ethnobotanical records and regional practices show its roles across ancient Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Southeast Asian healing systems, where it is valued for digestion, respiration, and vitality.

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.

Borapet, or Tinospora crispa, has twined through Thai gardens and folk healing for generations. Known regionally as khruea khao ho, chong ching, or jetamoon yam, it has long been used to treat fevers, aid digestion, support diabetes management, and heal wounds. Today, scientists are increasingly testing this bitter vine to separate traditional wisdom from evidence, while Thai communities watch closely.

In rural and urban Thailand alike, Borapet’s signature bitterness is celebrated as a healing force. It is a staple in classic ya dong tonics, cooling teas, and fever remedies. Folklore holds that the vine cleanses the blood, strengthens the body, and balances inner heat—a concept rooted in traditional humoral theories shared across Asia. Many elders recall Borapet teas used to reduce fever, stimulate appetite, or help manage diabetes. Carried in market stalls and temple gardens, Borapet remains a familiar sight in everyday Thai life.

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few plants bridge the divide between culture, spirituality, and healing quite like the bua khom (บัวขม) or Nymphaea lotus L. var. pubescens. Revered in folklore and employed in both culinary and medicinal contexts, this aquatic herb—known widely as the hairy water lily or white lotus—offers a fascinating example of how ancient remedies remain relevant in the modern age, thanks to emerging scientific validation of its potent phytochemical arsenal. For readers curious about how tradition and research intersect, bua khom stands as a living testament to the enduring value of natural Thai wisdom.

Bua khom, the hairier water lily (Nymphaea lotus L. var. pubescens), stands out in Thai traditional medicine for its seamless blend of culture, spirituality, and healing. Revered in folklore and used in both food and healing practices, this aquatic herb embodies how ancient wisdom continues to inform modern science. For readers curious about tradition meeting research, bua khom offers a living example of Thai herbal heritage evolving with new evidence.