ยาสมุนไพร Yaa sà-mŭn prai or yaa môr ยา หม้อ Internal herbal medicine
Deeply rooted in traditional practices, passed down through generations, Herbal medicine plays a significant role in Thai culture. The healing properties of various herbs and plants are used to treat a wide range of ailments, with remedies often prepared in the form of teas, poultices, or ointments. Thai Herbal medicine is known for its holistic approach, addressing not only physical symptoms but also the overall well-being of an individual. The use of herbal medicine in Thai culture reflects the deep connection between nature and health, and continues to be an integral part of traditional healing practices in Thailand.
One of the most notable aspects of Thailand and its culture is the sophistication of its cuisine.
While popular for its flavors, the healing properties of its ingredients are attributed to the inspiration behind the recipes.
There is no doubt that these dishes have a powerful impact on the senses, arousing and soothing them. Still, the different spices and ingredients were initially included as curative or preventive measures to restore the balance of the body’s elements, thereby alleviating various symptoms and ailments.
In Traditional Thai Medicine, doctors’ remedies from the local area and treatments from local therapists are preferred over those from outside the neighborhood. Especially in rural areas, hands-on therapy is considered an integral part of everyday life. Diseases and sickness have often been deemed the product of fear, possession by spirits, or a simple imbalance of the elements. Rituals such as bai sir sukwan in the Northeast are performed to tie the lost soul back into a mentally ill person and are still an important part of Thai healing.1
Herbal remedies are prepared for use by every route into the body. Inhalants are snuffed into the mucous membrane, and solutions are gargled into the tissues of the throat. Teas, tonics, tablets, infusions, pills, capsules, and alcoholic macerates are prepared to be absorbed by the stomach. Poultices, ointments, and essential oils are created to be absorbed through the skin. Suppositories are made for another route. Herbal remedies taken orally may be classified by their taste.
A herb with a cooling flavor may be prescribed for individuals suffering from an ailment caused by an imbalance of the fire element.
Sweetness, bitterness, astringency, acridity, nutty, saltiness, and sourness all correlate with their healing attributes.
Acrid or pungent flavors are used to restore the balance for someone with a Wind deficiency.
Thai homeopaths recognize Phra Mae Thorani as “Mother Earth” and chant as they collect the plants used for their herbal therapeutics. Each district and province is known for its distinctive essence, shaped by local soil and climate. There are also specific times of the day that are best for collection, such as the evening time of the Jasmine flower (or just before sunrise). The elements are considered at their peak during the full moon, making this the best time of the month for harvesting.2
