#Wellness

Ginger, known locally as khing, is a staple in Thai kitchens and traditional apothecaries. It fills tom yum pots with aroma and flavors home remedies for coughs. Now, scientists are examining Zingiber officinale to separate age-old wisdom from modern evidence. Ginger remains a cultural touchstone in Thailand and across Asia, where it is valued not only as a spice but as a healing root.

Thai traditional medicine has long relied on fresh ginger slices, or เหง้าแก่, to ease digestion, relieve colds, and stimulate circulation. Ginger is also a base for herbal compress therapies used in massage and spa settings. In rural homes, a cup of hot ginger tea is a familiar remedy for chills, nausea, and muscle soreness. Ginger’s role mirrors a shared Asian respect for natural therapies used to treat arthritis, migraines, and digestive issues. Research from global health libraries shows ginger’s traditional uses appear in many remedies across Chinese, Indian, and Japanese practices.

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.

For centuries, the humble leaves of khlu, known botanically as Pluchea indica (L.) Less., have quietly woven themselves into the tapestry of Thai traditional medicine. Heralded in folklore from Isan to the Southern provinces, this plant—also called หนาดงั่ว, หนวดงิ้ว, เพี้ยฟาน, ขลู, คลู, and ขี้ป้าน, depending on local dialect—has been held as a village remedy for everything from inflamed joints to kidney health. Today, Pluchea indica stands at a fascinating crossroads, with a growing body of research seeking to validate and explain the benefits extolled by generations of healers. How does ancient wisdom surrounding khlu measure up to the scrutiny of modern science, and what should health-conscious Thais know about harnessing its potential responsibly?

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies conjure as much intrigue as “khon dok” (ขอนดอก), a unique crude drug derived not from the foliage or flowers of a plant, but from the fungus-infused heartwood of ancient trees, specifically the sacred “pikul” (Mimusops elengi) and “tabak” (Lagerstroemia calyculata). Revered for centuries across the region, khon dok resonates as an intersection of deep-rooted animist tradition, classical Thai and Ayurvedic healing, and emerging biomedical research. Today, as both practitioners and scientists re-examine humble old formulas in the quest for greener, more localized therapeutics, the story of khon dok stands as a compelling model of how ancient wisdom and modern science can harmonize.

Khon dok is a remarkable Thai traditional remedy drawn from fungus-infused heartwood, not leaves or flowers. It comes from pikul or tabak trees and is used in many communities to support digestion, heart health, and as a general tonic. Today, researchers are re-examining this ancient formula as interest in local, sustainable medicines grows.

Thai herbalists across the central, northern, and northeastern regions have long valued khon dok for its purported astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the era of antibiotic resistance and concerns about side effects from synthetic drugs, scientists are revisiting khon dok to understand what makes the wood-fungus complex potentially beneficial.

For centuries, Thais have cherished the delicate golden stamens of the sacred lotus flower—not just for their beauty or spiritual symbolism, but as a valued traditional remedy known as “เกสรบัวหลวง” (lotus stamen). Today, modern science is starting to illuminate the ancient wisdom behind this revered botanical, uncovering remarkable properties that bridge the worlds of tradition and innovation. As interest in natural health continues to rise among Thai and global wellness communities, the stamen of Nelumbo nucifera (the sacred lotus) is emerging as a fascinating example of how ancient remedies can inform the future of medicine.

Thailand’s sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, has long been a symbol of purity and spiritual renewal. Thai herbalists have prized the plant’s stamen, known as เกสรบัวหลวง, for generations. Today, science is shedding new light on this traditional remedy, highlighting its potential to complement modern medicine and meet growing interest in natural health in Thailand and beyond.

In Thai culture, the lotus embodies balance and calm. Temple ponds, market offerings, and festival rituals all feature its beauty. While many parts of the lotus are used in cuisine and worship, the stamen has a special place in traditional practice. Dried lotus stamen has historically been infused in tea, tonics, and powders with claims of calming effects, cardiovascular support, and general wellbeing. As interest in herbal solutions rises, lotus stamen is attracting renewed attention from both Thai consumers and researchers.

Tucked into countless Thai kitchens and integral to the country’s healing archives, cardamom—or กระวานเทศ (Elettaria cardamomum)—sits at the bustling crossroads of culinary delight and age-old medicine. As more health-conscious Thais seek natural solutions, cardamom’s reputation is more than spice rack ornamentation: it is revered as a traditional remedy passed down through generations and now increasingly illuminated by modern research. But what does the science say about this fragrant pod, and how does its story intertwine with Thailand’s cultural and medical heritage?

Cardamom, known in Thai as กระวานเทศ, sits at the crossroads of flavor and traditional medicine in Thailand. Once a staple in everyday kitchens, it is now being revisited by health-minded Thais and researchers alike. The question is what modern science really says about this fragrant pod, and how its story sits within Thailand’s medical heritage.

For centuries, cardamom has graced Thai kitchens and healing chests for its bright aroma and rumored remedies. Thai traditional practitioners have used it to ease indigestion, freshen breath, and calm nausea. In Thai medical manuscripts and family recipes, cardamom often appears in blends aimed at stomach discomfort, respiratory congestion, and other common ailments. This reflects a broader Asian tradition where cardamom serves as both a flavoring agent and a medicinal aid.

Dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, known in Thai as กานพลู, have long drawn attention beyond their potent aroma. In northern Thailand, these tiny sun-dried buds—referred to as จันจี่ or ดอกจันทร์—are staples in cuisine and traditional healing. They are valued for warming properties and commonly used for toothache, digestion, and minor ailments. As global interest in natural remedies grows, clove stands as a compelling example of how ancient wisdom intersects with contemporary pharmacology—relevant to health-minded Thai readers.

The dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, better known as clove or กานพลู, have long carried a reputation far beyond their potent aroma. In Thailand, these tiny, sun-dried buds—known in the North as จันจี่ or ดอกจันทร์—are a fixture not only in cuisine but in traditional herbal medicine, prized for their warming properties and used to address everything from toothache to digestive disturbances. As scientific interest in natural remedies surges globally, clove offers a compelling case study at the intersection of ancient healing traditions and modern pharmacological research—a story that continues to unfold with relevance for health-conscious Thai readers.

A wave of recent studies suggests intermittent fasting (IF) could be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction. Researchers report greater average weight reduction and higher long-term adherence with IF, offering fresh insights for obesity management that resonate with Thai audiences.

In a 12-month comparison, participants following an intermittent fasting plan lost an average 7.7 kilograms, compared with about 4.8 kilograms for those on continuous calorie restriction. Dropout rates were notably lower in the IF group, with fewer than one in five participants leaving the study versus about three in ten in the calorie-restriction cohort.

In Thai forests and markets, krissana—known worldwide as Aquilaria crassna—has long symbolized healing, spirituality, and national heritage. Its prized resin, fragrant agarwood or oud, elevates incense, perfumery, and ritual practices across Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions. Today, laboratories and clinical researchers are re-examining these claims, balancing age-old beliefs with evidence-based science. The story is one of tradition harmonizing with modern discovery, where aroma meets pharmacology.

Aquilaria crassna belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. Native to many Thai regions and parts of Southeast Asia, the tree’s heartwood produces resin only after fungal infection. Krissana resin has long been central to incense, ceremonial rites, and royal pharmacopoeia. In Thai culture, krissana also appears in temples, traditional markets, and as part of rural healing wisdom.

กระแจะ, also known as พญายา, ขะแจะ, or ตุมตัง, is a tree whose bark, stem, and wood have long been central to Southeast Asian healing traditions. In Thailand, the name กระแจะ evokes centuries of folk wisdom, aesthetic rituals, and everyday remedies. Today, researchers are spotlighting its phytochemicals for beauty, health, and disease prevention, linking heritage with modern science for Thai readers.

Thai healers have long used the pale, aromatic wood of กระแจะ to treat skin conditions, fevers, and inflammation. Thai herbal texts and university summaries note that the inner wood and heartwood are often combined with other traditional herbs or used alone in topical and oral preparations. These preparations have served as deodorants, remedies for skin irritation, and even components in historical court formulations where fragrance and healing intersect.

In Thailand’s forests and herbal markets, the mystical power of krissana—internationally known as Aquilaria crassna—has echoed through centuries of folk healing, spiritual ritual, and cultural lore. Often identified by its evocative aroma and precious resin, this revered wood transcends mere material value, becoming a symbol of spiritual potency, healing, and Thai identity. But, in a modern era where evidence-based medicine prevails, krissana now faces the scrutiny of laboratories and clinical research, challenging ancient beliefs with the lens of science. What emerges is a poignant story at the crossroads of tradition and discovery: a fragrant journey of ancient healing, contemporary pharmacology, and rediscovered wisdom.

Known by many names across the region—กระแจะ, พญายา, ขะแจะ, ตุมตัง, and others—Hesperethusa crenulata is a tree whose bark, stem, and wood have long been treasured in traditional Southeast Asian medicine. In Thailand, the engraved word “กระแจะ” conjures centuries of healing practices, folk wisdom, and even romance, as this herbal ingredient not only soothes physical ailments but is often mentioned in the poetry and cultural traditions of the central plains, the north, and northeast. Today, กระแจะ’s ancient legacy is finding new life as research teams shine the spotlight on its potent phytochemicals and their promising applications for beauty, health, and disease prevention.

A major scientific advance maps how mitochondria—the brain’s energy producers—are distributed across the human brain. Researchers have created MitoBrainMap, a detailed tool showing how energy is allocated in different brain regions. Findings point to new directions for understanding neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions and for developing innovative treatments.

For Thai readers, the study highlights the link between brain energy management, mood, memory, and overall cognition. With rising mental health concerns in Thailand—especially among younger people—these insights could guide interventions and support strategies that reflect local bioenergetic patterns.

A growing body of research suggests that placing breakfast as the day’s largest meal can align with the body’s natural rhythms, potentially boosting digestion and daytime energy. Nutrition experts note that morning metabolism and insulin sensitivity are higher, making a substantial, balanced breakfast strategically beneficial.

In Thailand, breakfast habits range from hearty staples like khao tom to lighter starts, reflecting cultural emphasis on wholesome, protein- and fiber-rich options to power busy mornings. In Bangkok and other urban centers, there is a rising demand for quick yet nourishing morning meals that fit fast-paced lifestyles.

Magnesium matters for health, and its benefits are drawing increasing attention in Thailand. Markets and research alike highlight its role in everyday wellbeing, making it a timely topic for Thai audiences seeking practical health guidance.

Magnesium powers more than 300 bodily processes. It supports the heart and blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, helping with energy, stress management, sleep, and the prevention of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis. It helps regulate blood pressure, supports bone density, and assists in blood sugar control, which can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also aids in muscle recovery and nerve function, may reduce migraine frequency, and contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

Magnesium, a mineral essential for human health, is gaining remarkable attention for its wide-ranging benefits and its impact on overall well-being. As one of the few supplements endorsed by Consumer Reports and celebrated by high-profile figures like Taylor Swift, magnesium’s popularity is rising and is strongly reflected in a global market value approaching $13 billion. Given its crucial role in the body, understanding how magnesium benefits health and the recommended daily intake is increasingly important for consumers in Thailand and beyond.

In an extraordinary step towards unraveling the mysteries of our brain, scientists from Columbia University have mapped the distribution of mitochondria — the cellular powerhouses — across the human brain. This groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nature, presents MitoBrainMap, a comprehensive tool that reveals how energy is allocated within different brain regions. The findings herald significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and ultimately developing innovative treatments.

For Thai readers, this research holds particular relevance as it underscores the connection between brain energy management, mood, memory, and overall cognitive function. With mental health becoming a growing concern in Thailand, particularly among younger populations, these insights could steer future interventions and support strategies tailored to the unique bioenergetic landscapes of individuals.

Reese Witherspoon, the celebrated American actress, has ventured beyond her cinematic pursuits to offer a practical solution to anxiety that has captured widespread attention on social media. She recently shared a succinct nine-word mantra on Instagram: “Get out of your head, and into your hands.” This advice follows her experience assisting a friend’s daughter in alleviating anxiety through creative engagement. Witherspoon’s insights pivot from her well-known roles on screen to an emergent role as a wellness advisor, sparking discussions across communities interested in mental health strategies.

A nine-word mantra from Reese Witherspoon is sparking conversations on anxiety management. The American actress shared on social media: “Get out of your head, and into your hands.” The idea grew from helping a friend’s daughter ease anxiety through creative, hands-on activity. The post hints at a broader shift where celebrities speak about mental health beyond movie roles, inviting readers to explore practical coping strategies.

For Thai readers, anxiety is a familiar challenge in school, work, and daily life. The hands-on approach invites people to focus on tactile activities—crafting, cooking, or simple art projects—that can shift attention away from worrying thoughts. In one example, a teenager overwhelmed by school stress found relief by making chocolates, a mindful task that redirected her focus.

A new beverage category has surged into markets worldwide: prebiotic gut sodas. Bright packaging and simple flavors like Cherry Cola and Crisp Apple have grabbed attention, presenting a healthier twist on traditional sodas while claiming gut benefits. This trend mirrors a broader push in food and beverage toward accessibility-friendly health improvements in everyday products.

In the United States, gut soda sales are booming. Brands such as Olipop and Poppi reportedly reached hundreds of millions in revenue within a year, drawing interest from major players. Coca-Cola projects billions in sales from prebiotic offerings by the end of the decade, while PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi signals a strategic pivot toward healthier options. These shifts suggest a growing appetite for wellness-forward choices in mainstream markets.