Thai Medicinal Herbs

Thailand, located in southeast Asia, is home to a tropical climate which allows for prolific horticulture. Medicinal herbs popular in surrounding Asian countries have influenced what are now considered Thai medicinal herbs, and most have had documented health benefits throughout history. Thai medicinal herbs can be used in many forms including topical application, or dried and ground to incorporate in food or teas.

Betel Leaves

• The Betel plant, native to central and eastern Malaysia, is cultivated for its heart-shaped leaves used mainly for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal medicinal properties, though it can also be used as an anti-flatulent or aphrodisiac. Along with vitamins and minerals, the betel leaf contains an essential oil called chavicol that serves as a powerful antiseptic. Betel leaves can be soaked in liquid and then ingested or applied to the skin to cure common symptoms such as headaches, breathing problems, constipation, boils, or as an antiseptic on shallow open wounds. When betel leaves are chewed along with betel nuts, it serves to sweeten the breath and act as a mild sexual stimulant. It has been noted that the chewing of betel leaves may cause cancer of the tongue and cheeks if used too frequently.

Turmeric

• Turmeric is an herb cultivated from the root of the curcuma longa plant, and is bright yellow-orange in color with a peppery and bitter flavor, making it common for use in dishes such as curry. It has been used, mainly in China and India, as an anti-inflammatory, condiment, dye, and healing remedy and is an excellent source of manganese, iron and vitamin B6. Turmeric has a variety of health benefits when ingested, including its use to treat flatulence, hemorrhage, jaundice, toothache, colic, bruises and chest pain. Studies on turmeric have shown that it may offer relief for rheumatoid arthritis, can help prevent or stop the formation of cancer, can provide relief for sufferers of cystic fibrosis and helps to prevent against diseases.

Rosella

• The rosella plant is grown in many countries around the world, and is most popularly used to make syrup and herbal tea. The only part of the rosella plant able to be consumed is the sheath of the flower, which can be used in foods like salad or candy. Health benefits of rosella are that it contains a high amount of vitamins C, B1 and B2, calcium, magnesium and omega 3, and works as an anti-septic and anti-inflammatory medication, helps with hypertension and heart disease and can smooth the flow of blood. As an herb, the rosella sheath can be dried and ingested, or pressed in water to release its nutrients, otherwise it is cooked into foods which may reduce its nutritional value.