#TraditionalWisdom

In the digital age, brain games like Wordle have surged in popularity, leaving many wondering if they could potentially fend off cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s. As concerns about dementia continue to rise, researchers in South Florida are examining whether such activities hold any real benefits for brain health. According to the Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to nearly double every 20 years, driving significant interest and research into preventive measures.

In the heart of Thailand’s forests and rural communities, a stately tree known as “Ngiew” (Bombax anceps) has quietly woven itself into local healing traditions and daily life. Known by many names—including นุ่นป่า, งิ้วป่า, งิ้วขาว, and ไกร—this member of the Bombacaceae family carries generations of medicinal wisdom passed from healer to healer. Today, as science casts new light on ancient remedies, the story of Ngiew is emerging anew—showcasing a fascinating intersection of Thai heritage and modern pharmacological research.

Celebrated as the “golden spice” of Southeast Asia, Curcuma longa—known to Thais as ขมิ้นชัน (khamin chan)—has long woven itself into the tapestry of daily life, traditional healing, and culinary delights across Thailand. But in recent years, this humble root, revered in ancient wisdom, has caught the gaze of modern researchers eager to investigate its true medicinal value. Today, ขมิ้นชัน stands at the intriguing intersection of ancient practice and present-day science, offering both a bridge to Thailand’s rich heritage and a potential path to future wellness.