#TinosporaCrispa

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.

For centuries, Borapet (Tinospora crispa)—also known in different Thai regions as khruea khao ho, chong ching, or jetamoon yam—has twined its bitter stems through local gardens, folk medicine chests, and herbal lore across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Praised by elders for its invigorating and cooling qualities, Borapet has long been a household staple for treating a perplexing range of ailments: from fevers and diabetes to wound healing and indigestion. Today, as modern science turns its gaze toward ancient remedies, Borapet’s reputation as a local panacea is receiving fresh scrutiny—and, in some cases, careful scientific validation.