#Traditionalmedicine

In the quest for natural skin care, honey has emerged as a popular household remedy, touted as a gentle facial cleanser that promises to moisturize, heal, and brighten skin. From beauty blogs to dermatologist offices in Thailand, raw and manuka honey are praised for their antibacterial and antioxidant powers. But are these claims backed by science, and are there risks consumers should weigh before adopting honey as part of their daily facial routine?

As hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, and other life-altering conditions, medical experts are urging those living with hypertension to pay closer attention not just to diet and lifestyle, but also to the supplements they might be taking. A new analysis published by nutrition and cardiology professionals highlights five common supplements—bitter orange, licorice root, caffeine-containing products, yohimbine, and ephedra—that could spell danger for individuals struggling to keep their blood pressure under control, a finding especially important to Thailand where herbal remedies are deeply ingrained in the culture (EatingWell).

A groundbreaking new study has added weight to the growing evidence that medical cannabis could play an important role in the fight against cancer, capturing international attention this week. The research, described as the largest-ever investigation into medical cannabis and cancer outcomes, found that certain cannabis-based medicines may help slow disease progression and improve quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer. Published results have sparked hope among patients, clinicians, and medical researchers globally—including in Thailand, where conversations around both cannabis regulation and cancer care remain highly relevant. [Source: The Guardian]

A groundbreaking study has found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice daily can reduce gut inflammation by as much as 40% in patients with ulcerative colitis—a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This discovery, led by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire and University of Hertfordshire, comes as hopeful news for millions suffering from debilitating digestive conditions worldwide. For Thais coping with similar problems, the findings offer a promising, natural supplement strategy to improve quality of life alongside standard medical care (source).

Across the lush landscapes of Thailand, the towering shade of the มะเดื่อชุมพร (Ficus racemosa) whispers stories woven into the fabric of traditional healing and everyday life. Also known in Thai as มะเดื่ออุทุมพร, เดื่อเกลี้ยง, and more, this versatile tree—known globally as the cluster fig—has been a cornerstone of local remedies passed down through generations. But as contemporary science delves into the healing secrets of this age-old botanical, new light is being shed on why the roots, bark, and fruits of Ficus racemosa have remained steadfast in Thai herbal medicine. These intersections offer a compelling bridge between cultural heritage and evidence-based healthcare that Thai readers can walk across, equipped with knowledge and curiosity.

In the heart of Thailand’s herbal tradition, Kluai Teep (กล้วยตีบ), a unique banana plant from the Musa ABB group, stands as both food and medicine, cherished through generations for its healing potential. This banana—distinct in appearance and less sweet than its dessert cousins—has long been a staple in rural Thai apothecaries, featuring prominently in folk medicine. But how does traditional wisdom about this “stubborn banana” (as its name’s literal translation suggests) hold up to scientific scrutiny? Today, a growing body of research is casting renewed light on Kluai Teep, reconnecting the past with the future for a new generation of health-conscious Thais.

Few substances straddle the worlds of ancient ritual, traditional medicine, and modern industry quite like lac (ครั่ง)—the intriguing resin secreted by the lac insect, Laccifer chinensis. Known in Thai as ครั่ง and in Chinese as จุ้ยเก้ง, this natural exudate has colored textiles, sealed documents, delivered vivid reds in temple murals, and, more quietly, worked as a healing agent in traditional remedies across Asia for centuries. Today, as scientists revisit the pharmacological potential of natural compounds, lac is in the spotlight once again—not only for its rich legacy but for surprising early evidence supporting some of its traditional uses. What makes this glossy, carmine-tinted resin so special, and how can today’s health-conscious readers separate myth from material fact?

For centuries, the spicy, aromatic vine known as สะค้าน (sakaan)—derived from the species Piper interruptum, Piper ribesioides, and Piper wallichii—has occupied a unique place in Thai and Southeast Asian herbal tradition. Sometimes called ตะค้านเล็ก or ตะค้านหยวก, this plant has been handed down through generations of healers as both a culinary delight and a medicinal powerhouse. Now, as the scientific community shines a modern spotlight on herbal medicine, sakaan invites us to examine its rich cultural tapestry as well as the emerging evidence behind its traditional uses.

For generations, communities across Thailand have celebrated the deep-rooted legacy of มะดูก (Maduk), or Siphonodon celastrineus Griff., integrating it into a rich tapestry of traditional herbal medicine. Local names such as บักดูก (Isan), บักโคก (Khmer), and ยายปลวก (South) reflect its widespread recognition, while the regional moniker ดูกหิน hints at its multifaceted roles in Thai life. Today, as a wave of scientific curiosity washes over ancient remedies, Maduk stands at a fascinating crossroads: its historical healing wisdom now meets the transformative lens of modern pharmacology. How does tradition measure up to laboratory scrutiny, and what can health-conscious readers in Thailand glean from this botanical heritage?

For centuries, alum, known in Thai as “สารส้ม” (san-som), has shimmered as a crystalline cornerstone in Southeast Asian households. Its appearance in the home—whether a chunky mineral block resting beside a rural water container or a fine powder in bathroom cabinets—reveals a legacy interwoven tightly with both daily life and healing customs. But as modern science explores ancient remedies, alum emerges as a unique case: a mineral of almost mythical versatility, yet one that requires scrutiny for safety in contemporary times.

Few plants hold as esteemed a place in Thailand’s culture and kitchens as ข่า (kha), known in English as galangal and classified scientifically as Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. Beyond its unmistakable aroma infusing tom yum soup and curries, galangal’s gnarled rhizome has, for centuries, played a starring role in Thai, Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medical traditions. Today, science is shining new light on why this fiery root has endured in the apothecaries of Southeast Asia and around the world.

The green wetlands of Southeast Asia nurture many ancient botanical treasures, but few rival the enduring popularity of ผักกระโฉม (Limnophila rugosa). Known by Thai names such as อ้มกบ, ผักกะโสม, and ราน้ำ, this aromatic marsh plant has grown alongside Thai civilization—seasoning food, perfuming homes, and playing pivotal roles in both folk and formal medicine. Today, amidst a resurgence in interest for time-tested natural remedies, Limnophila rugosa stands out as a compelling example of how traditional wisdom and modern science can enrich our path to wellness.

Amidst the fragrant gardens of Thai temples and the bustling markets of the North, the delicate yellow-white blossoms of the Saraphi tree (Mammea siamensis) exude a sweet, uplifting aroma. Yet beyond their ornamental charm, these blossoms have secured a place of deep reverence in Thailand’s traditional medicine, enduring through centuries as both remedy and symbol. Today, Saraphi stands at the intersection of heritage and scientific research, revealing a story that blends ancestral wisdom with emerging medical evidence—one that continues to captivate health-conscious Thais seeking harmony between body, mind, and nature.

For centuries, the shimmering grey seeds and medicinal leaves of Savad—also known in Thai as ป่าขี้แฮด or หวาด—have played a quiet but consequential role in traditional healing across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Emerging from the branches of its thorny shrub (Caesalpinia bonduc), this ancient remedy is more than just folklore; it represents a fascinating nexus where spiritual belief, cultural tradition, and the frontiers of pharmaceutical science meet. As modern research peels back layers of inherited knowledge, Savad’s story exemplifies both the promise and the complexity of traditional medicine in a contemporary world, offering hope and inspiration for those seeking holistic health solutions.

In the world of traditional Thai medicine, few remedies have endured as universally and unassumingly as “เกลือสินเธาว์”—also known as rock salt, เกลือหิน, or เกลือเทศ. This simple crystalline mineral, gleaned from underground salt beds in Thailand’s northeast, has quietly shaped rituals of healing, daily cuisine, and even cultural identity. But as modern science investigates the claims of ancient tradition, what does evidence reveal about the true health benefits—and potential risks—of this everyday ingredient?

For generations across Thailand and Southeast Asia, the striking leaves of หมากผู้หมากเมีย (Cordyline fruticosa) have adorned gardens and temples not just for their beauty but for their revered properties in traditional medicine. This “good luck plant,” recognizable for its vibrant, palm-like foliage, stands at the intersection of ancient healing wisdom and contemporary scientific inquiry. Increasingly, researchers have begun to untangle the story behind this botanical treasure—known by many Thais as มะผู้มะเมีย, หมากผู้, or ปูหมาก—to validate, reinterpret, and, in some cases, challenge inherited knowledge in light of emerging pharmacological evidence. What does science now say about the long-trusted remedy, and how should modern Thais approach its continued use?

Nestled beneath the lush canopies of Southeast Asian forests thrives Wan Ron Thong—known to botanists as Ludisia discolor and cherished in Thai herbal lore as “ว่านร่อนทอง” or “Jewel Orchid.” This unassuming ground orchid, with its velvety dark leaves etched in golden veins, is far more than an ornamental plant. Across generations, its rhizome has figured prominently in folk remedies intended to soothe a range of ailments, from mysterious abdominal discomforts to urgent wounds. Modern science, armed with phytochemical analysis and laboratory models, is gradually illuminating the truths behind this legend, sparking new questions and fueling the ongoing dance between tradition and evidence-based medicine.

Deep in the herbal traditions of Thailand, “หมักม่อ”—known also as “ต้นขี้หมู,” “หม้อ,” or “หม่อ”—has long been a steadfast remedy referenced in the annals of folk medicine. Sourced from the wood and heartwood of Rothmannia wittii, a member of the Rubiaceae family, this plant intertwines centuries of healing folklore with an emerging body of scientific research. Today, as health-conscious Thais increasingly seek natural ways to maintain wellness, หมักม่อ stands at a fascinating crossroads: respected by traditional healers, scrutinized by scientists, and ready for a new generation of curious minds.

In the vibrant markets and shaded courtyards across Thailand and Southeast Asia, the distinctive reddish tinge of betel nut-chewers’ lips reveals a tradition as old as Thai civilization itself. The seed of the Areca catechu palm—better known as “หมาก” or “betel nut”—stands at the crossroads of culture, medicine, ritual, and modern controversy. Today, it continues to be revered as both a symbol of hospitality and a medicine of tradition, while modern research sheds new light on its potential and peril (Wikipedia).

In the realm of natural remedies, Bhulan Bel, known scientifically as Cuscuta and colloquially as dodder, has been revered for its calming properties that may offer a natural solution to stress relief, anxiety reduction, and mental clarity. Emerging research and rediscovery of its historical applications in Ayurveda have sparked renewed interest among the global scientific community and wellness enthusiasts.

Bhulan Bel’s emergence in modern discourse is tied to its unique capabilities as a parasitic plant used in traditional medicine to effectively soothe the nervous system without notorious side effects associated with pharmacological interventions. Its calming compounds are believed to provide a natural balmy effect, easing tension and reducing anxiety, which could signal an important breakthrough for individuals seeking holistic approaches to manage mental wellness in today’s fast-paced society.

In the fragrant tapestry of Thai herbal medicine, few remedies are as enduring and evocative as อบเชย — the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus, globally known as cinnamon. Revered for centuries in traditional Thai practice and now validated by an emerging body of modern scientific research, cinnamon’s story is one of remarkable intersection, where ancient wisdom and cutting-edge pharmacology converge. As cinnamon once wove itself into the heart of local temples, kitchens, and healing ceremonies, today it stirs renewed curiosity among health-conscious readers and researchers wishing to unlock the secrets behind this cherished bark.

In the dense, rain-soaked forests of Southeast Asia, towering ferns unfurl above the undergrowth, their presence as timeless as the traditions that cherish them. Among these botanical giants, the Mahasadam (มหาสดำ) – scientifically known as Cyathea podophylla – has been treasured for generations in Thai and neighboring cultures for its medicinal virtues. Today, this “tree fern” is sparking new scientific curiosity, as researchers untangle the plant’s folklore, chemistry, and possible modern health applications. What lies at the crossroads of ancient herbal wisdom and contemporary biomedical science – and what should today’s health-conscious Thais know before seeking Mahasadam as a traditional remedy?

In a world where modern pharmaceuticals dominate medicine cabinets, the ancient remedy of makhwaeng khreua—known scientifically as Solanum trilobatum—stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between Thai culture and healing plants. Revered for generations and intertwined with folk knowledge, this hardy climbing nightshade continues to find a place in both rural pantries and city herbal shops. But does science validate its traditional uses, or does its promise reside solely in memory and folklore? With Thai society redefining its embrace of traditional medicine in light of contemporary research, makhwaeng khreua’s journey from ancient kitchens to biomedical laboratories is both fascinating and instructive.

For generations, the humble มะแว้งต้น (mawaengton), a native shrub found across much of rural Thailand, has held a prominent place in pharmacy cabinets and folk wisdom. Today, as health-conscious Thais turn back to herbal remedies for gentle relief and global researchers re-examine ancient cures, Solanum indicum L. stands at a fascinating crossroads—its pungent, bitter berries long trusted for soothing coughs now being verified and expanded upon by modern scientists.

มะแว้งต้น is known by several regional names—มะแค้งขม and มะแค้งดำ in the North and Northeast—and its distinctive round, greenish-black fruit is a familiar sight in fresh markets and traditional medicine shops throughout Thailand. Sometimes intermingled with closely related species like มะแว้งเครือ (Solanum trilobatum), the มะแว้งต้น is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also includes eggplant, potato, and tomato. It is the fruit of this plant, often simply called “mawaeng” in Thai pharmacies, that’s prized as a gentle expectorant, cough soother, and phlegm reliever in the traditional Thai pharmacopoeia (thaiherbinfo.com).