Herbal Body Applications

Many of the herbs listed below have already been cited for their internal curative properties. Often, while a certain fruit can make a refreshing snack or beverage, other parts of the plant offer very effective skin, body, and hair treatments.

Aloe Vera (Wan Hang Jorakhe) The gel extracted from the leaves is high in vitamin E. It’s an excellent treatment for burns and sunburn, as well as dry, flaky skin.	Coconut (Maphrao) The oil softens and restores damaged hair.
Basil (Horapha) It works wonderfully to refresh the senses and relieve exhaustion.	Frangipani (Lanthom) A plant often found flowering in Buddhist temples, the sweet aroma creates a very serene ambiance.
Camphor (Kalabun) The leaves are used in steam baths, and a white powder can be extracted from the tree, which, because of its cool, refreshing scent, relieves cold symptoms.	Guava (Farang) After boiling the leaves, gargle to remove bad breath.
Cassumunar (Phlai) A ginger-like rhizome, it is ground and boiled and then applied as a compress to relieve pain and reduce swelling. The oil is also used as a scalp conditioner and in aromatherapy.	Gourd Leaf (Bai Buap) Used in a body wrap for its excellent moisturizing properties, it can also soothe skin irritations.
	Kaffir (Makrut) The fruit juice is an excellent remedy for dandruff, while stimulating hair growth. After applying, rinse after three minutes with clean water.

Jasmine (Mali) The scented oil and aroma can be soothing in tea.	Menthol (Pimsen) Often used in herbal steams, with a fragrance much like camphor, it relieves coughs and cold symptoms.
Lemon Grass(Takhrai) After squeezing juice from stalks, apply to hair to treat dandruff and stimulate hair growth.	Mint (Saranae) In addition to being a refreshing tea, the oil is used to invigorate the senses in aromatherapy.
Lime (Manao) The juice treats acne and skin infections	Papaya (Malako) Because of its AHA content, it is a popular ingredient in body wrap exfoliate and treatments.
Loofa / Dried Gourd (Buap) An excellent exfoliating sponge because of its thick fibers.	Pineapple (Sapparot) The fruit rubbed on the skin is a excellent facial cleanser. After rubbing it on, rinse with warm water.
Mangosteen (Mangkut) After boiling the peels in water, apply the water to the skin to treat infection and remove dark facial marks.

Red Lime (Nam Pun Sai) An excellent deodorant, it also relieves inflammation.	Tamarind (Makham) Applied as a paste, the fruit cleanses and nourishes the skin.
Rice (Khao) In addition to being the main staple of the Thai diet, it makes an excellent natural body scrub when it’s uncooked and dry.	Thai Copper Pod / Cassod (Khilek) Boil the leaves in water and then apply to hair as a shampoo to treat dandruff and leave hair soft and glossy.
Sea Salt (Kluea) Another very effective natural body scrub, usually mixed with essential oils.	Tumeric (Khamin) Grind and mix the powder in water to relieve rashes.
Sesame (Nga) The oil is an excellent moisturizer, as it softens skin.	White Turnip (Hua Phakkat) Rub thin slices of the root on the face to remove freckles.

Fresh Fruit and Herbal Juices and Infusions

A good juicer that’s easy to clean is a big help, and even a necessity, in producing some of these beverages. Then, a blender is useful for mixing your favorites, either after juicing or chopping them up into small pieces.

Aloe Vera (Wan Hang Jorakhe) Relieves peptic ulcers and aids digestion. Also high in vitamin E, it accelerates healing and improves the complexion.	Banana (Kluai) Every part of the banana, from root to tree, leaf and flower, as well as the fruit has medicinal properties. The roots are a diuretic, the sap an astringent, and the leaves can even stop bleeding. While the unripe fruit is also an astringent, the ripe fruit is an excellent laxative.
Asiatic Pennywort (Bua Bok) Very bitter, it is rich in vitamin A and well known as a remedy for internal injuries and wounds. It is also applied to accelerate the healing of burns and eczema, as it helps to prevent scars.	Champak (Champi) Another favorite, sweet, fragrant night flower, it reduces body temperature and stimulates the heart.
Bael Fruit (Mathum) Unripe, it is an astringent and tonic; when ripe, it is a mild laxative. It also increases appetite while relieving thirst. Contains vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.	Chrysanthemum (Kek Huai) Drunk hot or cold, it eases heartburn and reduces body heat.

Coconut (Ma Phrao) Removes toxins, flushing the kidneys and bladder. High in phosphorus, calcium, and carbohydrates.	Lime (Manao) Dissolves phlegm and dislodges parasitic worms, and reduces fever and reduces thirst. High in vitamin A and C.
Ginger (Khing) Improves circulation and relieves nausea.	Mango (Mamuang) Like the banana, the entire tree has medicinal attributes. The bark cures dysentery; the dried leaves stop diarrhea; and the fruit itself helps digest proteins. It’s also high in the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Guava (Farang) Cures diarrhea and indigestion. High in vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C, and iron and calcium.	Mulberry (Mon) Reduces sugar in blood as it refreshes. Also relieves sore throat.
Lemon Grass (Takhrai) While the roots act as a diuretic and relieve diarrhea and gas, the plant is used to treat asthma, as it’s rich in menthol and camphor. It’s also high in vitamin A, calcium, and phosphoric acid.	Orange (Som) High in vitamin A, B, and C, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Pandan / Screw Pine (Toei Hom) A refreshing beverage on hot days can be produced from the leaves, which are also known for treating eczema. The plant itself is an excellent diuretic and the roots an anti-diabetic. Also reduces swelling when applied as a compress.	Pomelo (Som O) High in vitamin C and potassium.
Papaya (Malako) The unripe fruit relieves peptic ulcers, and unripe or ripe, it aids digestion. It’s also high in vitamin A and C.	Roselle (Krachiap) Reduces fats in the blood and lowers body temperature. It works as a diuretic, reduces cholesterol, and destroys bile. And it’s high in vitamin A and C and citric acid.
Passion Fruit (Saowarot) High in vitamin C and natural sugars.	Safflower (Khamfoi) Reduces fats in the blood.
Pineapple (Sapparot) Aids digestion and improves menstruation. High in vitamin B and C, calcium, and magnesium.	Star Fruit / Carambola (Mafueng) Anti-diabetic, as it reduces sugarlevels. It is also a diuretic and relieves coughs. Refreshing in hot weather as well.

Sugar Cane (Oi) High in fructose, it boosts energy. Also relieves coughs and is a diuretic.	Tamarind (Makham) An excellent laxative, it relieves indigestion and coughs, reducing phlegm in the colon and throat. High in vitamin A and C.
Thai Copper Pod / Cassod (Khilek) A remedy for insomnia, it also relieves constipation.
Sugar Palm (Tan) Relieves fever and thirst. High in vitamin C and phosphorus.

Medicinal Herbs

In addition to treating various symptoms and ailments, many Thai medicinal herbs are used to spice up the various dishes. Thais love to combine very different flavors, hot, sour, sweet and bitter, which create culinary delights that are also curatives, as they balance the four elements: wind, water, earth, and fire.

Basil (Horapha) An anti-bacterial, it also relieves constipation and indigestion as well as cold symptoms. It also helps reduce body fat.	Betel (Phlu) A very mild stimulant.
Bitter Cucumber (Mara) Reduces blood in sugar and relieves different liver ailments.	Chili Pepper (Prik) Rich in vitamin C, it can help prevent colds. It also stimulates blood circulation and assists in digesting starchy food.
Clove (Kan Phlu) An aid in digestion, it also relieves cold symptoms and works as an antiseptic for toothaches.	Coriander (Phak Chi) A good diuretic and detoxicant, it also relievescold symptoms. Some believe it is an aphrodisiac as well.
Cumin (Yira) An efficient cure for flatulence, indigestion, and diarrhea.	Galangal (Kha) An excellent treatment for colds and respiratory problems.

Garlic (Krathiam) A great treatment for colds, coughs, and bronchitis. It also purifies the blood, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, and controls acne.	Ginger (Khing) Improves circulation and digestion. Relieves coughs as well as nausea and flatulence. An excellent remedy for sea and car sickness.
Hibiscus (Krachiap Daeng) Reduces fat in the blood.	Kariyat (Fathalai Chon) An excellent treatment to reduce fever and relieve indigestion.
Wild Ginger (Krachai) A treatment for dysentery, diarrhea, and flatulence, it is also an antidote for certain local poisons.	Mint (Saranae) A mild stimulant, it relieves headaches and cold symptoms and reduces flatulence and indigestion.
Tumeric (Khamin) An excellent cure for liver problems and jaundice, particularly when taken in tonic form.	Nutmeg (Chanthet) Relieves digestive and liver disorders, as well as flatulence. It is also used as a natural stimulant and is thought by some to be an aphrodisiac.
Nightshade (Mawaengkhrua) Relieves cold symptoms and cough.