Thailand's herbalists and folk healers have drawn heavily on this southeast Asian country's rich supply of plant substances with reputed medicinal properties. These medicinal herbs, known as "samunphrai" in local Thai dialect, form the basis of that country's traditional medicine. Medical researchers around the world are studying these herbs to learn more about their medicinal properties.
Anti-Inflammatories
Thai herbalists have at their disposal a wide array of herbs that show promise in reducing inflammation. Traditional healers crush the fresh leaves of Abrus precatorius, also known as American pea and crab's eye vine, or Aegle marmelos, sometimes called Bael, with oil and use the macerated end-product in poultices. Acorus calamus, also called myrtle grass, eases the pain and swelling of arthritic joints, according to the APBN article. Another herb with anti-inflammatory properties is Lantana camara, or hedge flower. Traditional healers grill and crush its leaves and use the resulting mixture as a poultice. Vichien Keeratinijakal, director of Kasetsart University's National Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology in Bangkok, also singles out turmeric and Zingiber cassumunar, locally known as Plai, for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-Asthmatics
Citron, or Citrus medica, appears to be effective against some symptoms of asthma, according to Hugh T.W. Tan, a professor in Singapore University's Department of Biological Sciences. Acanthus ebrateatus, Acorus calamus and Jasminum sambac, also called Arabian or Chinese jasmine, also have anti-asthmatic properties, according to a 2007 article in "Asia Pacific Biotech News." The flowers of the jasmine are brewed into a tea and given to patients suffering acute asthma symptoms, while the roots of the Acanthus also are brewed into a tea for the treatment of asthma. The asthmatic preparation of Acorus involves drying the roots and crushing them into a powder that is then administered to asthmatic patients.
Anti-Hypertensives
Apium graveolens, known as Chinese celery; Cassia tora; and Hibiscus sabdariffa, often called red sorrel, all appear to have some value in treating high blood pressure. Fresh leaves of the Apium herb are boiled in water, and the resulting brew is given to those suffering from hypertension, while the seeds of the Cassia tora are grilled and then steeped in water to produce an anti-hypertensive tea. The calyx, or sepals, of the Hibiscus herb are also boiled in water to produce a tea-like concoction for the treatment of elevated blood pressure.
Cardioactive Properties
Plumeria rubra, known in Thai as "lan thom daeng" and in English as temple tree, has been recognized as a source of cardioactive glycosides that can help to regulate the force of the heart's pumping action, according to APBN. These glycosides can be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, a condition in which the cardiac muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet all of the body's needs.
References
- "Asia Pacific Biotech News"; Medicinal Plants of Thailand; Dr. Robin Mitra et al.; 2007.
- "Bangkok Post"; Thai Herbalist Finds the Best Natural Remedies; Arusa Psuthipan; August 10, 2008.
- "Herbs and Spices of Thailand"; Hugh T.W. Tan; 2005.
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