Basic Herbal Remedies

These traditional herbal solutions, passed down through generations and endorsed by Thailand’s Ministry of Health, provide accessible options for addressing issues such as flatulence, indigestion, coughs, skin infections, and more. Here are some herbs that you can easily find at the local market in Thailand.

Clove
Dried cloves are effective for treating flatulence and indigestion. Boil 5-8 dried flowers (0.12-0.16 grams) in water, then drink, or grind them into a powder and brew as a tea. Cloves can also alleviate flatulence in infants. Place 1 dried flower in the hot water kettle used for making formula milk if the infant is not breastfeeding.

Cardamom
Utilize cardamom fruits from plants aged 4-5 years, collected between August and March. These fruits, known for their fragrance and spiciness, help eliminate excess air and phlegm.

For flatulence and indigestion, mix 1.5 – 3 teaspoons of cardamom powder with warm water and drink. Cardamom is also combined with herbal laxatives to ease stomach discomfort.

Galangal
Use mature rhizome, fresh or dried.

For flatulence and indigestion, use fresh or dried rhizomes the same size as your thumb (fresh 5 grams or dried 2 grams), smash, boil with water, and drink.

For ringworm, slice galangal into thin slices or smash it and soak in rice whiskey (or vodka) overnight. Clean the affected skin area and use a thin piece of wood to scratch until reddish before applying the galangal solution. Apply twice a day until healed.

Garlic
Use the underground bulbs from garlic plants which are at least 100 days old. Garlic is hot and spicy, which helps get rid of excess air in the intestines and aids digestion. It also treats ringworm on the skin and is an expectorant and anti-cough.

For flatulence and indigestion, eat 5-7 peeled cloves (5g) of raw garlic after a meal or when symptoms occur.

For ringworm, slice the garlic and then rub it on the area or crush it and take the juice to apply to the area. Use a little stick to rub the skin until it is reddish before applying. Apply frequently or twice a day, morning and evening.

Ginger
Use fresh old root (rhizome), collected around 11-12 months old. For bloating, gas, nausea from unbalanced elements, carsick, and seasick; take a fresh old root about the size of your thumb (5g), crush, boil with water, and drink.

For cough and mucus (wet cough), mix fresh ginger with lime juice. Or crush it in a mortar by adding a little water and extract out the juice, add a little salt and sip it often, or wipe the throat with it.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.)
Use fresh or dried leaves, fully formed, and not too old or young. It is spicy and helps release excess wind in the stomach.

For flatulence, indigestion, and nausea from food, use 1 fistful of leaves and terminal buds (fresh 25g, dried 4g), and boil with water. Suitable for children. Can also be used for cooking.

“Namwa” Banana
Use unripe bananas for diarrhea that is not severe. Eat 1/2 – 1 green, unripe “namwa” banana (which is half the size of the bananas you see in the supermarket).  Or you can slice the unripe “namwa” banana into round slices, dry them in the sun, grind them into a powder, and brew them into a tea, using 1/2 – 1 banana each time. Or you can roll the powder into little balls then take 4 pills 4 times a day, before meals and before bed. You may feel bloated after taking this. To prevent bloating, take it with ginger tea, pepper, or other herbs which can get rid of excess gas in the stomach.

Turmeric
For bloating, gas, and indigestion; use fresh root (rhizome), cut into thin slices, and let dry in strong sun for 1-2 days. Crush into powder, mix with honey, and roll into small balls the size of the tip of your pinky finger. Take 2-3 pills, 3-4 times a day after meals and before bed.  (Precautions: If you develop diarrhea because of turmeric, stop taking it immediately)

For skin infection, skin allergic reaction, and insect bites; take the root about 2 inches long, crush (traditionally, rub with rough stone) with boiled water, and apply on the skin 3 times a day. You can also use turmeric powder to apply on skin rashes and insect bites.

Whether it’s the comforting warmth of ginger tea or the healing touch of turmeric, these remedies embody a holistic approach to health. Using these herbs from your local market allows you to tap into nature’s healing power while honoring a tradition of self-care and embracing the wisdom of the past.