#Wellness

For generations, lemongrass—locally known as ตะไคร้แกง or ตะไคร้บ้าน—has enjoyed a treasured status in kitchens and clinics across Thailand. Its unmistakable citrus fragrance infuses classic Thai curries, soups, and teas, while ancient healers and modern folk alike have praised its medicinal powers. Today, scientific studies are beginning to unlock the reasons behind the enduring reverence for this remarkable plant, illuminating the complex chemistry underpinning its traditional uses and raising fresh questions about its future role in natural health.

Lemongrass, known in Thai as ตะไคร้แกง or ตะไคร้บ้าน, has long flavored Thai kitchens and informed traditional healing practices. Its bright, citrus aroma graces curries, soups, and teas, while healers and contemporary herbalists alike have praised its medicinal potential. Today, scientists are clarifying why this plant has earned enduring respect, examining the chemistry behind its traditional uses and exploring its future role in natural health.

Cymbopogon citratus is more than a culinary symbol. It serves as a bridge between ancestral knowledge and modern inquiry. Grounding new findings in Thailand’s cultural and medical roots helps promote responsible, evidence-informed use that respects the nation’s heritage and keeps lemongrass relevant for younger generations seeking holistic wellness.

In Thai kitchens and markets, a slender, fiery-red flower conceals a dark seed—the mace of Myristica fragrans. For generations in Thailand, mace has flavored food and served in traditional healing. Today, as interest in plant-based remedies grows, mace stands at the crossroads of old practice and modern science.

Thai healing lore treats mace as both a spice and a remedy. As wellness trends rise, Thais and researchers ask whether science supports these long-held beliefs about this scarlet spice. Thai culture links food, medicine, and daily health, with mace often used to warm the body and support balance in traditional practices.

Ngio Pa, a modest tree known to Thai communities as Bombax anceps, has long woven itself into daily life, healing practices, and cultural rituals. Today, scientists are studying its bark and wood to explore traditional remedies through modern research, bridging centuries of wisdom with evidence-based medicine.

In Thailand, Ngio Pa evokes vivid flowers and familiar landscapes. For traditional healers, it is more than a tree; it is a versatile resource for care. Wood and bark are collected for decoctions and topical applications, trusted across communities to help with fever, skin conditions, wounds, and inflammation. In northern and northeastern regions, elders share knowledge about wound care and detoxifying folk remedies that have been passed down through generations.

In the heart of Thailand’s forests stands an unassuming tree called งิ้วป่า, or Bombax anceps. For generations, it has woven itself into the daily life and healing practices of Thai communities, quietly serving as medicine, spiritual symbol, and cultural mainstay. Today, this ancient remedy is stepping into the spotlight as scientists seek to validate and decode the secrets of its bark and wood, exploring the bridge between old-world healing and modern evidence-based medicine.

Supplements are gaining popularity in Thailand and around the world. Many people take multivitamins, magnesium, and other products to boost energy or fill dietary gaps. A recent review by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, highlighted in NZ Herald, questions the proven benefits of these popular pills.

Lead with evidence, not hype: Multivitamins are commonly taken with the hope of extending life or reducing cancer and heart disease risk. A large study from the JAMA Network Open followed nearly 400,000 adults and found no meaningful longevity advantage from regular multivitamin use. The US Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend multivitamins for healthy adults; instead, it emphasizes a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. For Thai readers, this message resonates with Thailand’s abundance of fresh produce and diverse culinary traditions.

Sesame seeds—known in Thailand as “nga” (งา), whether in their white (nga khao) or black (nga dam) varieties—hold an enduring place at the crossroads of culture, cuisine, and traditional medicine. Revered for millennia across Asia and especially prominent in Thai culinary heritage, sesame seeds have recently stepped into the spotlight of scientific scrutiny. As Thailand and global communities seek healthful, natural remedies, sesame’s rich tradition and mounting scientific evidence offer both inspiration and practical pathways for modern wellness.

Across rural Thailand, Cha-em Thai – known to botanists as Albizia myriophylla Benth. – occupies a unique place in the landscape and in traditional healthcare. Locally called by many names like ชะเอมป่า (Central Thailand), ตาลอ้อย (Trat), ส้มป่อยหวาน (Northern Thailand), or อ้อยช้าง (Songkhla and Narathiwat), this woody climbing plant from the Fabaceae family has been utilized for generations as a key ingredient in home remedies for a range of ailments. As wellness-seekers look back to the roots of ethnomedicine, interest in Cha-em Thai is blossoming anew. But does modern research support its venerated role in Thai healing tradition? And how can this ancient botanical be used safely today?

A health feature showcases delicious, easy-to-make dishes designed to help reduce inflammation, a factor linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Anti-inflammatory foods emphasize fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats—nutrients that support wellness and may ease long-term health risks.

The collection blends flavorful ingredients with inflammation-fighting power. One standout is the Green Goddess Smoothie, inspired by a renowned chef. The blend of yogurt, avocado, strawberries, oranges, and spinach creates a creamy, antioxidant-rich drink that fits neatly into a busy Thai lifestyle.

A rising global trend toward higher-protein meals is resonating in Thailand. People are seeking foods that support muscle, metabolism, and overall wellness. Experts caution that protein has clear benefits, but balance remains essential. A senior dietitian warns against overemphasis on protein, noting potential risks such as kidney strain or nutrient gaps if other food groups are neglected.

Thailand’s rich culinary heritage already centers on fresh ingredients and balanced meals. The traditional Thai diet features ample fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, and a colorful array of vegetables, providing solid protein alongside vitamins and minerals. Thai households often blend flavors, textures, and nutrition in harmony, which makes the shift toward higher-protein planning a natural evolution when paired with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Public health guidance emphasizes tailoring protein choices to individual needs while preserving culinary identity.

A global wellness shift toward nutrient-dense foods and alcohol-free beverages is shaping consumer choices, offering lessons for Thailand’s growing health market. An analysis of consumer data indicates a sustained move toward foods that support energy, metabolism, and vitality.

Data collected from shopping platforms show notable increases in searches for nutrient-dense options. The term “high protein” surged, while “high fiber” inquiries rose markedly. Purchases of lower-sugar products climbed, and interest in low-carbohydrate options also grew. These patterns point to an enduring trend toward healthier, more intentional eating.

In Thailand’s lush herbal landscape, ดีปลี (Piper retrofractum Vahl) stands out as a treasured spice and medicine. Known locally as ดีปลีเชือก, ประดงข้อ, and ปานนุ, it is often referred to internationally as Javanese or Balinese long pepper. As interest in natural health grows, ดีปลี sits at the intersection of tradition and science, inviting readers to explore its flavor, folklore, and evolving scientific insights.

For generations, ดีปลี has been more than a kitchen staple. When the fruits mature but are not fully ripe, the red, slender pods are sun-dried for culinary and medicinal use. Thai wisdom says ดีปลี warms the body, aids digestion, and supports respiratory and digestive health. This traditional role resonates across Southeast Asia, with parallels in Ayurveda in India and ancient medical texts in Java and China. Research into Piper species in Thailand shows how different regions adapted Piper plants to local beliefs and needs, underscoring ดีปลี’s deep cultural roots.

In the fragrant landscape of Thai herbal wisdom, few remedies occupy as cherished a space as ดีปลี (Piper retrofractum Vahl), also known by evocative names like ดีปลีเชือก, ประดงข้อ, and ปานนุ. Revered for centuries both as a piquant spice and a potent medicinal agent, ดีปลี—known internationally as Javanese or Balinese long pepper—continues to captivate health seekers and researchers alike. Today, as interest in natural healing resurgent globally, ดีปลี stands firmly at the intersection of tradition and science, inviting us to explore the flavors, folklore, and pharmacological findings that define its story.

In the heart of Thai herbal tradition, few remedies are as evocative, symbolic, or deeply interwoven with spiritual and physical wellness as ดีบัว (dee bua), or lotus seed embryo—the delicate green shoot nestled inside the seed pod of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). Once valued by royalty and rural healers alike, dee bua bridges centuries of Thai culture, connecting Buddhist rituals, culinary delights, and age-old remedies with a growing body of scientific research. Today, as health-conscious Thais and global audiences alike seek natural ways to manage stress, sleep, and chronic diseases, dee bua is enjoying renewed attention—not only for its spiritual and culinary significance, but for intriguing scientific findings that support many traditional claims about its healing potential.

Deep within the forests, along waterways, and atop rural fences across Thailand, a twisting green vine known as โคคลาน (kok lan), or Mallotus repandus, quietly weaves itself into the cultural and medical heritage of the nation. Revered by traditional healers and often passed down in recipes from older generations, this little-known botanical—alternately called มะกายเครือ, มะปอบเครือ, กระเปี้ยะ, among numerous other names—occupies a unique intersection of folk wisdom and contemporary science. Once sought to quiet burning aches, sooth itching skin, and fortify the liver, Mallotus repandus now finds itself the focus of global biomedical inquiry, testing the boundaries between enduring Thai tradition and modern clinical scrutiny.

Across the winding hills and sacred forests of Thailand, few plants carry a legacy as rich as จันทน์แดง (Chandan Daeng), known botanically as Dracaena loureiroi. The deep red core of its wood, prized for generations, has not only painted the color palette of Buddhist altars and traditional handicrafts, but also infused traditional Thai medicine (TTM) with a symbol of vitality, healing, and spiritual protection. As global interest in herbal medicine surges, Chandan Daeng stands at the powerful intersection of cultural reverence and science-backed discovery, inviting both renewed appreciation and critical questions about its role in modern wellness.

Across Thailand’s bustling markets and the aromatic kitchens of many Thai homes, there is a slender, fiery-red flower hugging a dark seed—the “dok jan” or “dok jan thet,” known in English as mace. Harvested from the seed’s aril of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), this fragrant botanical has not only delighted generations with its sweet aroma but also played a storied role in Thai traditional medicine. Today, as the global wellness movement looks east for ancient remedies, dok jan stands poised at the intersection of centuries-old practice and 21st-century science.

Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia, along the forested trails of Thailand and neighboring countries, grows a humble shrub known by many names—Jetaphangki, Chettaphangki, and a host of local monikers such as “plao ngam” and “tawng ta phran.” For centuries, the roots and leaves of Cladogynos orientalis, or Jetaphangki, have been prized in traditional Thai medicine cabinets, used to soothe stomach troubles, restore harmony, and invigorate the body. Today, scientists and health seekers alike are rediscovering this botanical treasure, probing its traditional roots while putting its ancient claims to the test.

In the vivid palette of Southeast Asian tradition, few plants are as striking—visually, culturally, and medicinally—as คำเงาะ, a botanical treasure whose ruby-red seeds have journeyed from indigenous ceremonies to modern scientific scrutiny. Often seen as the secret behind the iconic orange hue of Thai tea and Buddhist monk robes, คำเงาะ (Bixa orellana), known globally as annatto, is much more than a natural coloring. For centuries, it has occupied a central role in folk medicine, cuisine, and ritual, and is now finding renewed interest as researchers probe its potential health benefits and safety. As Thailand’s wellness movement embraces ancient herbal wisdom, the story of คำเงาะ reveals how tradition and modern science intersect in profoundly colorful ways.

In Thai villages by forest streams, a resilient vine known as kok lan (Mallotus repandus) sits at the heart of local healing traditions. Various regional names—makay krew, makay krew, and kobieya—reflect its wide cultural footprint. Traditionally used for muscle and joint pain, skin irritations, and liver support, kok lan is now the subject of scientific inquiry exploring its therapeutic potential.

Mallotus repandus is a climbing plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It has a broad native range from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to New Guinea and northern Australia. In Thailand, communities use its heartwood, leaves, or whole vine in topical applications, infusions, and multi-herb recipes. Northeastern villagers, including those in Kut Chum District, historically valued kok lan as an antibiotic and as a remedy for bone pain. Other communities linked it to venom neutralization and fever recovery, illustrating a healing philosophy that emphasizes balance between body and environment.

Angelica dahurica, known to Thai herbalists asโกฐสอ (Got Saaw), sits at the crossroads of tradition and modern medicine. Its earthy aroma and sun-bleached roots have long signaled healing in markets across Asia. Today, researchers are examining how this ancient root aligns with contemporary science, offering Thai readers a clearer view of its potential benefits and cautions.

For generations, Angelica dahurica has been a staple in East Asian healing systems. In China, Korea, Japan, and Thailand, the plant thrives along riverbanks and has been valued for its purported ability to expel wind and cold, ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve circulation. In Thailand, practitioners recognize its pungent, aromatic character and use it to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothaches, skin inflammation, and other “wind”–type disorders that reflect disruptions in the body’s natural flow of energy.

For centuries, Artemisia annua—known in Thailand as โกฐจุฬาลัมพา and in Chinese tradition as qinghao—has been revered as a multi-purpose remedy across Asia. Its journey from local herbal tea and folk medicine to the front lines of global pharmaceutical research stands as a compelling testament to the power of tradition meeting scientific innovation. In the current health landscape, where interest in natural remedies is surging among Thai consumers, Artemisia annua’s story offers a timely lesson in respecting ancient wisdom while demanding scientific rigor.

Artemisia annua, known in Thailand as โกฐจุฬาลัมพา and in Chinese tradition as qinghao, traces a path from local herbal tea to a centerpiece in global medicine. Its journey demonstrates how traditional knowledge can spark scientific breakthroughs, while underscoring the need for rigorous evaluation before widespread use. For Thai readers attentive to natural remedies, the plant offers a timely reminder to balance wisdom from the past with modern evidence.

In Thai traditional medicine, โกฐจุฬาลัมพา has long been used to ease fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. It appears in local pharmacopoeias alongside other cooling herbs and is often combined with multi-herb formulas. Ancient Chinese texts describe similar applications for fever, wounds, and conditions associated with heat, reinforcing a shared history of herbal practice across East and Southeast Asia. Archaeological findings from Han-era tombs indicate the plant’s medicinal role dating back more than two thousand years. Research from Thai and regional scholars situates Artemisia annua within a broader tradition of cooling, anti-inflammatory remedies used to support convalescence and general well-being.

Khao Yen, a tuberous rhizome long used in Thai traditional medicine, sits at the crossroads of culture and science. Known scientifically as Smilax species, this cooling root appears in many herbal blends across Thailand. In rural communities from the north to the south, healers prize its cleansing properties and its role in balancing the body’s heat. As interest in ancient botanicals grows globally, Smilax roots are once again attracting attention from researchers and wellness enthusiasts alike.