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Food and medicine plants of Thailand

Aristolochia labiosa (possibly A. tagala)
ดอกกำลังวัวเถลิง (Dok Kamlang Wua Thaloeng), Aristolochia
Climbing herb used in Thai medicine for vitality.

Barringtonia racemosa
ต้นจิก (Ton Chik), Freshwater Mangrove / Fish Killer Tree
Flowers and fruits used in herbal preparations; grows near water.

Carica papaya
มะละกอย่าน (Malako Yan), Papaya
Fruits eaten ripe; unripe fruit and leaves used medicinally.

Centella asiatica
ใบบัวบก (Bai Bua Bok), Gotu Kola
Edible leaves; aids circulation and wound healing.

Chromolaena odorata
สาบเสือ (Saap Suea), Siam Weed
Used as a folk antiseptic for wound healing.

Cissus quadrangularis
เพชรสังฆาต (Phet Sangkat), Veld Grape / Devil’s Backbone
Fleshy stems used for bone strengthening and tissue repair.

Coccinia grandis
ตำลึง (Tamlueng), Ivy Gourd
Edible shoots and leaves used in soups; traditional remedy for diabetes.

Diplazium esculentum
ผักกูด (Phak Kut), Vegetable Fern
Tender fiddleheads eaten as a vegetable.

Eryngium foetidum
ผักชีฝรั่ง (Phak Chi Farang), Culantro / Sawtooth Coriander
Aromatic herb used as a coriander substitute.

Ficus racemosa
ลูกขี้กา (Luk Khi Ka), Cluster Fig
Fruits edible and used medicinally; tree holds ritual significance.

Garcinia cowa
มะม่วงชิด (Mamuang Chit), Garcinia
Sour fruit eaten and used as seasoning; bark and roots medicinal.

Garcinia schomburgkiana
มะดัน (Ma Dan), Madan / Sour Garcinia
Sour fruit used in Thai cuisine and traditional medicine.

Glechidion littorale
ต้นมันปู (Ton Man Puu), Glochidion
Shrub or small tree; young leaves eaten; bark used in folk medicine.

Gnetum gnemon
ผักเหมียง (Phak Miang), Gnetum / Melinjo
Edible young leaves used in Southern Thai dishes.

Gynura procumbens
แปะตำปึง (Pae Tam Pueng), Longevity Spinach
Leaves eaten raw; used to lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

Gynura pseudochina
ผักกาดนกเขา (Phak Kat Nok Khao), Gynura
Edible herb used in Thai folk medicine; related to G. procumbens.

Hibiscus schizopetalus
ชบาพู่ระหง (Chaba Phu Rahong), Coral Hibiscus
Ornamental plant; flowers used for skin and hair care.

Ipomoea pes-caprae
ผักบุ้งทะเล (Phak Bung Thale), Beach Morning Glory
Coastal creeper used for jellyfish stings and inflammation.

Lasia spinosa
ผักหนาม (Phak Nam), Spiny Lasia / Prickly Taro
Aquatic plant; young shoots cooked as a vegetable.

Litsea petiolata
ต้นกำมะงัง (Ton Kamamang), Litsea
Aromatic laurel; bark and leaves used in traditional medicine.

Mangifera indica
มะม่วง (Mamuang), Mango
Fruits eaten fresh; leaves and bark used in medicine.

Melientha suavis
ผักหวานป่า (Phak Wan Pa), Forest Melientha / Wild Sweetleaf
Young shoots eaten as a prized seasonal vegetable.

Momordica charantia
มะระขี้นก (Mara Khi Nok), Bitter Melon
Fruit and young shoots eaten; known for anti-diabetic properties.

Muehlenbeckia platyclada
ว่านตะขาบบิน (Wan Takhab Bin), Centipede Plant
Ornamental succulent used in Thai folk medicine.

Myristica fragrans
จันทน์เทศ (Chan Thet), Nutmeg
Seeds used as a spice and in traditional remedies.

Paederia foetida
กระพังโหมย่น (Kraphang Hom Yon), Skunk Vine
Strong-smelling climber; young shoots eaten and used for digestion.

Pandanus amaryllifolius
เตยหอม (Toei Hom), Fragrant Pandan
Aromatic leaves used for flavouring and desserts.

Peperomia pellucida
ผักกระสัง (Phak Krasang), Shiny Bush
Edible herb; used for inflammation and skin conditions.

Physalis minima
โทงเทง / พุ้งพิ้ง (Thongteng / Phung Phing), Ground Cherry / Wild Cape Gooseberry
Fruits edible; used as a tonic and mild expectorant.

Sauropus androgynus
ผักหวานบ้าน (Phak Wan Ban), Katuk / Gooseberry Leaf
Popular leafy vegetable rich in vitamins; used in soups and stir-fries.

Senna alata
ชุมเห็ด (Chum Het), Candle Bush / Ringworm Bush
Shrub with yellow flowers; used for treating fungal skin infections.

Spondias pinnata
มะกอก (Makok), Hog Plum
Sour fruit eaten fresh or pickled; leaves used as a vegetable.

Toddalia asiatica
เล็บมือนาง (Lep Mue Nang), Toddalia
Thorny shrub; roots and fruits used in traditional medicine.

Zingiber zerumbet
ข่าเครือ (Kha Khrua), Wild Ginger
Rhizomes used as spice and in herbal medicine.