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Top 10 Herbs used in a Herbal Compress
Top 10 Herbs used in a Herbal Compress
- CAMPHOR
- EUCALYPTUS
- GINGER ROOT
- JASMINE
- KAFFIR LIME
- LEMONGRASS
- PEPPERMINT
- PRAI
- TAMARIND
- TURMERIC
| Herb |
Properties |
Taste |
Application |
|
Camphor
|
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic antitussive, bronchodialator, cardiac, diaphoretic, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, stimulant |
Hot, aromatic |
Thai saunas, decongestant inhaled to treat colds, congestion, sore throat, cough bronchitis, and sinusitis, blocked menstruation, eye infections, fevers, typhoid, and lung infections. Stimulates brain, heart and circulation. Calms stress, anxiety and insomnia |
|
Eucalyptus
|
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant, diaphoretic, pectoral, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti migraine, and also an insect repellent. |
Hot, aromatic |
Treats bronchistis, colds, congestion, sinus, lung, cough, asthma, sore throat and respiratory aliments aches & pains, blisters, burns, catarrh, chicken pox, circulation, cuts, cystitis, diarrhea, diphtheria, emphysema, fever, headaches, herpes, influenza, insect repellent, lice, measles, migraines, nephritis, neuralgia, rheumatoid conditions, sinusitis, skin, ulcers, sprains, throat infections, wounds.
|
|
Ginger Root
|
Analgesic, anti emetic, anit-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antitusssive, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic |
hot |
General tonic for health and longevity. Stimulant for digestive tract. Combats flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, sluggish digestion, nausea, vomiting. |
|
Jasmine
|
Alterative, antiseptic, astringent, cardiac, emmenogogue, nervine, sedative |
Aromatic |
Saunas and steams, used for calming nervousness, stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Tea and inhalation help with infection of eyes, heart disease, fever and chronic thirst |
|
Kaffir Lime
|
Antioxidant, antitussive, astringent, blood tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stomachic |
Sour, bitter |
Main ingredient in compress, and saunas. Treats colds, congestion, and cough. Digestive stimulant. Blood purifier, cancer preventing properties, treats high blood pressure, regulates menstruation |
|
Lemongrass
|
Anti emetic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, carminative, expectorant |
Sour |
Heated is stimulant for digestion, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and back pain |
|
Peppermint
|
Analgesic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antitussive, aphrodisiac, appetiser, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, nervine, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, tonic |
Hot, aromatic |
Calming effect on nervous system. Vapor treats nervousness, insomnia, stress related or migraine headaches |
|
Prai
|
antiseptic |
hot |
Skin beautifier, nourishes skin, smooths stretch marks during pregnancy. Home uses include aches and pains, inflammations, joint problems, muscle spasms, sprains and strains, torn muscles and ligaments, asthma, catarrh, chronic colds, colic, constipation, diarrhea, fevers, flatulence, heartburn, immune problems, influenza, nausea, respiratory problems, wounds, improves circulation, tones the stomach, improves appetite, increases mental alertness and improves memory |
|
Tamarind
|
Antiseptic, anti-stringent, blood tonic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, female tonic, laxative, nutritive tonic, purgative, refrigerant, stimulant |
Sour |
Lowers blood pressure, diarrhea and fever, skin ulcers and sores |
|
Turmeric
|
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
|
Inflammation and antioxidant damage, including cataracts, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. It is also used to treatment of scabies and digestive disorders, promote wound healing, and strengthen the immune system, treat infections, gallbladder problems, dysentery, arthritis, liver disorders. indigestion, and heart disease. |
There are many other Thai herbs that can be used such as: basil, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, lemon, mandarin orange, garlic, nutmeg, and lavender.
Compiled work from C. Pierce Salguero, "A Thai Herbal". Article written by Lana Cummings |
