#Traditionalmedicine

For centuries, the aromatic root of Angelica sinensis—known in Thailand as โกฐเชียง (got chiang) and widely as “Dong Quai” or “Tang Kuei”—has held a mystical place in traditional Asian medicine. Cherished in classic Chinese and Thai remedies for women’s health, this unassuming root is both steeped in cultural tradition and, increasingly, the subject of scientific scrutiny. Today, Dong Quai’s tale offers a fascinating lens through which Thai readers can see the interplay between ancient botanical knowledge, deep-rooted cultural beliefs, and the ever-evolving rigor of modern research.

For generations, the robust trees of Knema angustifolia—known in Thai as กำลังเลือดม้า (gamlang lueat ma) or sometimes as ประดงเลือด, and in English by its scientific name—have quietly offered their bark to folk healers across Thailand’s countryside. Local herbalists, passed down wisdom through word of mouth, have prized its blood-red sap for its reputed power to invigorate blood, fortify the body in times of weakness, and ease various ailments. Today, as the world looks anew at traditional remedies, a new chapter is being written for this storied botanical, reaching from Lanna village clinics to the cutting-edge labs of modern phytochemistry and pharmacology.

In the heart of traditional Thai medicine, nestled among revered herbal legends, stands the rhizome of Khao Yen (ข้าวเย็น), known scientifically as Smilax spp. This humble yet potent underground stem, referred to by various names such as หัวยาข้าวเย็น, ข้าวเย็นเหนือ, and ข้าวเย็นใต้, carries a legacy that bridges generations—one of healing, protection, and the enduring wisdom of nature. As the global wellness community circles back to ancient botanicals, Smilax spp. is experiencing renewed interest, prompting both cultural curiosity and scientific scrutiny.

Ginger, known in Thai as “khing,” is a staple rhizome found in nearly every Thai kitchen and traditional apothecary, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and fiery warmth. Yet, as ginger slices simmer in a pot of tom yum or bubble in a home remedy for cough, this humble herb stands at the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern science. Scientists worldwide are now peeling back the layers of tradition to uncover the true medicinal value of Zingiber officinale, the botanical name for ginger, long revered across Asia—and especially in Thailand—not only as a culinary delight but as a trusted healer.

Long revered in sacred temples and in homes across Asia, the herbal medicine known as โกฐชฎามังสี, or “spikenard,” continues to spark curiosity among both traditional healers and modern scientists. Known scientifically as Nardostachys grandiflora DC. and often referred to by its synonym Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard stands at the intersection of centuries-old wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research. Buried deep within Thai traditional medicine and world pharmacopoeias, its story is one of healing, ritual, and the ever-evolving quest to understand nature’s remedies in today’s world.

Bitter ginger, known locally as “กระทือ” (kra-thue) and recognized by many names across Thailand and Southeast Asia, has captured the imagination of both traditional healers and contemporary scientists. This ancient rhizome, classified scientifically as Zingiber zerumbet, has found new life in recent years as a spotlight shines on its unique blend of folkloric uses and emerging scientific research, inviting Thais to revisit a herbal treasure with deep roots in both culture and medicine.

Deeply embedded in the fragrant traditions of Asia, the camphor tree – known locally in Thailand as “การบูร” and scientifically as Cinnamomum camphora – has captivated generations with its distinctive aroma and remarkable healing properties. Revered as much in temple rituals as in household medicine chests, camphor (การบูร) bridges the world of ancient herbal wisdom and contemporary pharmacological research, serving as a vivid illustration of how tradition and science can intertwine for the benefit of health-conscious individuals today.

Red holy basil, known locally in Thailand as “กะเพราแดง” (gaprao daeng), is cherished across the country both for its distinctive spicy aroma and as a revered medicine in traditional healing. Although famed globally as “holy basil” or by its scientific name, Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonyms: Ocimum sanctum, etc.), it is the dramatic red-tinged cultivar—celebrated in Thai folklore, kitchens, and herbal medicine—that captures the nation’s deep connection to plant-based health. Long before the rise of modern clinics and pharmacies, gaprao daeng was already a mainstay of Thai homes, used to treat everything from coughs and fevers to spiritual malaise. Now, as researchers worldwide search for new therapies to tackle chronic diseases and stress, science is returning its focus to this humble herb, striving to validate the ancient wisdom held by countless Thai elders.

Known locally as “กระวานไทย” and scientifically as Amomum krervanh Pierre ex Gagnep, Thai cardamom has held a revered place in Southeast Asian kitchens and apothecaries for centuries. With a pungent aroma and a lineage traced to the Zingiberaceae, or ginger family, this modest spice has been at the core of both Thai culinary arts and traditional medicine. Researchers are now looking beyond its fragrance, finding that ancient Thai wisdom may be holding new answers for 21st-century health challenges. What is the truth behind the folklore, and which claims stand up to rigorous scientific inquiry?

In the vast herbal apothecary of Thai tradition, few remedies inspire as much fascination—and caution—as “กลอย” (Kloi), known in science as Dioscorea hispida Dennst. Revered by generations for its potent medicinal properties, yet infamous for its toxic nature, Kloi epitomizes the delicate balance between healing and harm inherent in many of nature’s gifts. This enigmatic tuber, found lurking beneath the forest floor across Southeast Asia, has sustained communities during times of hardship, but also demands deep cultural respect and wisdom in its preparation. Today, modern science is peeling back the layers of mystery surrounding Kloi, revealing how ancient detoxification rituals have a foundation in chemistry and pharmacology, while new applications in medicine and cosmetics beckon—but not without important warnings.

For centuries, the thick, gnarled roots of Pueraria mirifica have been unearthed from the misty forests of northern Thailand and lovingly brewed into potions or dried into powders with a singular promise—youthfulness restored. Known locally as กวาวเครือขาว (Kwao Krua Kao), this fascinating member of the legume family occupies a unique niche in both traditional Thai medicine and the budding landscape of natural health supplements worldwide. But what is the science behind its enduring popularity? And how does the legend of an ancient “elixir of youth” meet the scrutiny of the modern laboratory?