#TraditionalHealing

Trauma care is evolving in Thailand as researchers highlight mind-body and somatic therapies that connect the body and brain. New findings suggest that traditional talk therapy alone may miss crucial symptoms that show up as chronic pain, muscle tension, or nervous system dysregulation. For Thai readers, this means accessible options that align with local understandings of healing and wellbeing.

Thailand is increasingly discussing mental health, trauma from accidents and natural disasters, and the cultural norms around expressing emotions. Body-centered approaches could complement existing treatments and resonate with culturally familiar practices.

A growing body of research is turning the spotlight on somatic and mind-body therapies, suggesting these innovative approaches may hold the key to healing deep-rooted trauma by bridging the often-overlooked disconnect between the brain and the body. The latest developments, drawing from recent analyses, propose that traditional talk therapy alone may not always address the full complexity of trauma, especially when symptoms manifest physically as chronic pain, tension, or autonomic dysregulation. This emerging perspective holds significant relevance for Thai readers, given the country’s rising conversations around mental health, traumatic stress from accidents or natural disasters, and cultural attitudes towards emotional expression.

Long revered for its golden blooms and gentle healing touch, Calendula officinalis—commonly known as pot marigold—holds a cherished place in both gardens and herbal medicine cabinets worldwide. Across continents and centuries, this humble flower has played a starring role in soothing wounds, calming inflamed skin, and much more. Modern science is now peeling back the petals of these traditions, revealing a story where ancient wisdom and contemporary research harmoniously intersect—a tale with both rich history and real-world potential for health-conscious readers seeking safe, effective, and culturally resonant remedies.

Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, has long brightened gardens and healing cabinets. Across centuries, its petals have soothed wounds and calm irritated skin. Today, science is examining these traditions, showing how old wisdom and modern research can align—especially for health-conscious Thai readers seeking safe, effective remedies with cultural resonance.

Calendula carries more than botanical value; it holds cultural, medicinal, and spiritual meaning. In Thailand, respect for nature’s healing gifts is woven into Buddhist practice. While calendula may not be as prominent as some native herbs, its gentle skin-soothing reputation resonates with local preferences for natural remedies and grandmother-guided cures. In Europe and the Mediterranean, the flower is celebrated as “Mary’s Gold,” linking floral therapy with devotion. Its global journey—from Ayurveda in India to Unani medicine in the Middle East—highlights its roles as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diaphoretic agent. In recent years, research and popular interest have highlighted calendula’s potential in modern skincare and wound care, with discussions grounded in professional sources and institutional findings.

In the aromatic world of healing plants, few are as beloved or as widely recognized as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). For centuries, its violet blooms have been prized by cultures from the Mediterranean to the Middle East and beyond—not just for their subtle, relaxing fragrance, but for a host of traditional medicinal uses. Today, a growing body of scientific evidence is putting lavender’s ancient wisdom to the test, unraveling the mystique around this time-honored herbal remedy and offering new insights for modern wellness seekers.

Lavender, a beloved herb known for its soothing scent, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Today, scientific research is examining lavender’s therapeutic potential and translating centuries of lore into evidence-based wellness insights for modern readers.

Lavender’s roots lie in the Mediterranean, where ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures used it for perfuming, bathing, and medicine. The word lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash, reflecting its historic cleansing use. During the medieval and Renaissance periods, lavender was common in monasteries and homes across Europe, valued for both health and fragrance.

Lemon balm, a citrus-scented herb from the mint family, is resurfacing in Thai and global wellness conversations as both a time-honored remedy and a subject of modern science. For centuries, this plant has soothed nerves, aided digestion, and inspired curiosity. Today, its long history meets rigorous research, offering natural options grounded in evidence for health-conscious readers.

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, lemon balm’s history stretches back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Theophrastus noted its use in 300 BCE, and physicians such as Dioscorides and Avicenna praised its uplifting and calming effects. In medieval Europe, monastic gardens popularized lemon balm, earning it a reputation as a digestive and calming aid. It was once celebrated as an “elixir of life” and featured in tonic preparations used for headaches, insomnia, and wounds. Over time, its nickname reflected both its herbal charm and perceived longevity.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), with its bright, citrus-scented leaves and rich medicinal history, is re-emerging in global and Thai herbal consciousness as both an ancient panacea and a subject of modern scientific scrutiny. For more than two millennia, this member of the mint family has soothed, comforted, and healed people across continents. Today, lemon balm’s journey from royal gardens and monastic infusions to dietary supplements and clinical trials illustrates the vibrant intersection of tradition and evidence-based medicine—a story that continues to unfold for health-conscious readers seeking natural alternatives and validated wellness approaches.

St. John’s wort, a bright yellow flowering herb, has long fascinated people. Once believed to ward off evil and ease emotional distress, it now sits at the crossroads of traditional wisdom and clinical research. For health-conscious readers in Thailand, the plant offers lessons about how natural remedies can both help and harm when used with modern medicines.

This article traces its rich history, traditional uses in various cultures, current scientific evidence, and essential safety considerations for anyone curious about this herbal option.

From yellow blooms gleaming in midsummer fields to bottles lining pharmacy shelves, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has captured human fascination for centuries. Once considered a magical plant to ward off evil and heal the mind and body, today this humble wildflower sits at the intersection of folk medicine and rigorous clinical investigation. As health-conscious readers search for natural ways to support mental health, St. John’s wort stands as a classic example of how traditional botanical wisdom and modern science sometimes converge—and sometimes diverge—in the ongoing quest for well-being.

Thailand’s lush landscapes have long nurtured a rich heritage of healing plants, each with stories passed down through generations. Among these is the remarkable Rhinacanthus nasutus, known locally as “Ya Nang Chang” or the “Serpent Plant.” Far from being a mere botanical curiosity, this shrub, easily recognized by its slender white flowers and dark green leaves, is at the heart of centuries-old remedies for skin ailments and inflammation. Today, as scientists dig deeper into its secrets, Rhinacanthus nasutus is revealing a trove of bioactive compounds that bring ancient wisdom and modern validation into exciting alignment.

Thailand’s green landscapes cradle a long history of healing. A standout is Rhinacanthus nasutus, known locally as Ya Nang Chang or the Serpent Plant. Its slender white flowers and dark leaves signal a lineage of remedies for skin conditions and inflammation. Scientists are now identifying rhinacanthins—bioactive compounds—that validate much of the plant’s traditional uses and point to future medical potential.

For many Thai households, Ya Nang Chang is a staple in home care kits. Leaves or roots are pounded into a soothing paste for ringworm and eczema, a testament to generations of resourcefulness. In Thai traditional medicine, the plant appears in official texts describing its role in “wind diseases”—a traditional concept linked to inflammation and infection.

Chaphlu, known to researchers as Piper sarmentosum, is a staple herb across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Its glossy leaves appear in village gardens, bustling markets, and the shared vocabulary of Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, and Malaysian kitchens. For generations, Thais have used chaphlu not only for a peppery aroma but as a home remedy for fevers, digestive issues, inflammatory conditions, and chronic diseases. Now, modern science is starting to explore what this versatile herb might offer today.

Sakaan, a spicy, aromatic vine from the Piper genus, has long held a special place in Thai and Southeast Asian healing and cuisine. Known in Thai as sakaan, and also called takan lek or takan yang, it has passed through generations of folk practitioners as both flavor enhancer and remedy. As modern science turns attention to herbal medicine, sakaan offers a lens on its cultural significance and the evolving evidence behind its traditional uses.

Chaphlu, known to scientists as Piper sarmentosum and to Thais by a myriad of regional names—ผักอีเลิด, นมวา, ผักปูนา, ผักพลูนก, among others—stands as an enduring figure in Southeast Asia’s rich herbal tradition. Its glossy leaves are a familiar sight in village gardens, bustling fresh markets, and the culinary vocabularies of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia. For centuries, Thais have relied on this humble herb for far more than its peppery taste: chaphlu is a mainstay in local remedies for fevers, digestive woes, inflammatory disorders, and even chronic diseases. But as contemporary science seeks to unravel the truths behind ancestral wisdom, what does modern research say about this versatile Thai remedy? And how can today’s health-conscious readers make sense of its reputed powers?

Thai healing has long drawn from nature’s bounty. Among the country’s revered plants, the climber Tan Mon, scientifically Tarlmounia elliptica, stands out for its striking presence and enduring place in traditional medicine. As modern science begins to validate core ideas of folk wisdom, Tan Mon offers a compelling case study in the union of ancient practice and contemporary research.

Tan Mon is known by several local names, including Thai variants that reflect its widespread presence in households. Internationally, it’s referred to as “curtain creeper.” The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, a group that includes daisies and chrysanthemums. This vining shrub, with its silver-backed leaves and cascading growth, doubles as an ornamental feature and a trusted home remedy for generations. In many Thai homes, Tan Mon has served as a versatile ally for health, hygiene, and even flavoring in cooking.

For centuries, the art of healing in Thailand has drawn from nature’s pharmacy, weaving together generations of knowledge into modern herbal practice. Among the rich tapestry of healing plants, the climber known locally as ตานหม่อน (Tan Mon), scientifically named Tarlmounia elliptica, stands out for both its striking presence and enduring reputation in traditional medicine. As science begins to validate many aspects of traditional wisdom, this plant offers a fascinating case study in the meeting of ancient and modern worlds.

Anise seeds, known in Thai as เทียนสัตตบุษย์ (Thian Sattabut), have flavored meals, soothed ailments, and shaped rituals across the world. Today, growing interest in traditional remedies meets modern science, which is quietly validating some older claims while uncovering new possibilities. This feature examines เทียนสัตตบุษย์, its long history in Thai and global medicine, the chemistry behind its effects, and what current research suggests for safe, practical use.

Across ancient civilizations, the sweet aroma of anise filled kitchens and healing spaces alike. From Egypt to Greece, Iran to Southeast Asia, the seeds—referred to as “ผล” or fruit in Thai herbal texts—have long aided digestion, calmed coughs, freshened breath, and symbolized purification in ceremonies. In Thai traditional medicine, เทียนสัตตบุษย์ is a staple in households and classical pharmacopeias, often prescribed for bloating, gas, mild digestive upset, and as part of polyherbal blends. The name appears in ancient treatises and in markets in northern and central Thailand, underscoring its popularity as a gentle digestive aid and stimulant, particularly for children.

Nestled in the nutrient-rich waters of Thai rice fields and surrounding wetlands, the small, spiral-shelled freshwater snail known locally as “hoi khom” or “hoi juub” (Filopaludina sumatrensis Dunker, family Viviparidae) occupies more than just the mud—it’s deeply embedded in the culinary traditions, folklore, and folk medicine of Thailand and Southeast Asia. For centuries, this humble organism has sustained local communities, not only as a nutritious food but also as a folk remedy, revered for its perceived healing properties. But what does science say about hoi khom’s medicinal claims, and how does this living link between waterways and kitchens connect ancient healing wisdom to modern research?

In Thailand’s shaded forest understories grows a plant steeped in both botanical mystery and cultural practice: Tacca chantrieri, locally known as Nerapusee Thai or the black bat flower. Its velvety petals resemble a bat in flight, capturing the imagination of herbalists and drawing attention from modern researchers as it sits at the intersection of folklore and pharmacology.

For generations, the rhizome of Nerapusee Thai has been a valued component in Thai folk medicine. Healers across regions—each with its own dialect and ritual—have used powdered or boiled extracts to address ailments from skin irritations and digestive issues to bites and fevers. The plant wears many local names, such as Ma Thon Lak in Chumphon and Wan Nang Khruan in Nakhon Si Thammarat, illustrating how rural communities weave food, healing, and spiritual belief into daily life. In Thai villages, the plant often sits at the boundary between practical use and protective ritual.

Among the lush, shaded understories of Thailand’s tropical forests grows a plant shrouded in both botanical intrigue and cultural tradition—the enigmatic Tacca chantrieri, known locally as “Nerapusee Thai,” or more vividly as the “black bat flower.” With striking purplish-black petals that mimic a bat in flight, this unusual plant has captured both the imaginations of herbalists and the attention of modern scientists, standing at the crossroads of folklore and pharmacology.

For millennia, the humble seeds of Pimpinella anisum—known in Thailand as “เทียนสัตตบุษย์” (Thian Sattabut), sometimes called anise or aniseed in English—have flavored foods, soothed countless ailments, and occupied a special niche in cultures from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. Today, as the world rediscovers the potential of traditional herbal remedies, modern science is shining new light on this ancient remedy, confirming some traditional claims and revealing promising new benefits. This article journeys into the fascinating world of เทียนสัตตบุษย์, exploring its rich history, traditional uses in Thai and global medicine, the chemistry that gives it power, and what current research says about its practical and safe use.

In rural Thailand, Maa Krathueb Rong, scientifically Ficus foveolata Wall., carries a legacy of folk remedies and cultural reverence. Known by several regional names—such as ม้ากระทืบโรง in the north, ม้าทะลายโรง in Isan, and พญานอนหลับ in central areas—the climbing vine sits at the intersection of ancestral knowledge and contemporary science. Today, researchers are exploring its potential medicinal properties while honoring generations of Thai herbal practice.

Maa Krathueb Rong represents more than a plant; it embodies Thailand’s long-standing trust in nature’s healing power. Traditional healers and elders have used its woody stems in decoctions and tonic brews, often paired with other herbs to address fatigue, general wellness, and vitality. As Thai communities reconnect with their herbal heritage, Maa Krathueb Rong illustrates how age-old remedies may gain new relevance through scientific inquiry.

In the lush forests and rural villages across Thailand, “ม้ากระทืบโรง” (Maa Krathueb Rong), scientifically known as Ficus foveolata Wall., carries a legacy steeped in local tradition, folk remedies, and cultural reverence. Known by many evocative names such as “เดื่อเครือ” in Chiang Mai, “ม้าทะลายโรง” in the Northeast, “พญานอนหลับ” in Nakhon Sawan, and “กาโร” in Ranong, this robust climbing herb has found its place at the crossroads of ancestral healing and the search for scientifically validated remedies. Today, contemporary research efforts are illuminating its potential medicinal properties while honoring the generations of knowledge embedded in Thai culture.