When people think of Thai herbs and their benefits, they usually think of Thai chili. But did you know there are many different kinds of herbs in Thailand? Let's take a look at some of the most common ones and how they can be used to improve your health.
Galangal
Galangal, also known as Laos or Thai ginger, is an aromatic rhizome used for thousands of years in Asian cooking. Galangal's most popular use is in Thai curries and soups. It also makes tea and alcohol, such as Thai rum and whiskey.
Galangal has been shown to help relieve cold symptoms like coughs, congestion, and fever through its warming properties which help clear the lungs and sinuses. The anti-inflammatory properties can also be helpful in calming arthritis pain. It has antifungal properties, which can help with fungal infections such as athlete's foot or candidiasis (thrush) of the mouth or throat.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most commonly used herbs in Thai cooking and medicine. It can be added to almost any dish but is particularly good in curries, soups, and salads.
Lemongrass has been used for centuries as a digestive aid by many cultures around the world, including India, China, and Thailand.
The essential oil in lemongrass contains compounds such as citral, which can help reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart diseases by relaxing muscles throughout your body.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and it helps with arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. It is an ingredient in curry powder. Thai uses it to make food taste better by adding it to cooking.
But not just for food and unique recipes, Turmeric is also used in some of our favorite products such as Sunday Riley CEO Glow Face Oil, a Vitamin C + Turmeric glow-giving face oil that recharges the radiance of your skin; Anima Mundi Golden Sun Milk: Cordyceps Chai with Turmeric milk touted for its healing, anti-inflammatory properties largely thanks to the compound, curcumin, found in turmeric and Ingredients Throat Spray which brings together ingredients such as concentrated Elderberry Juice, a blend of Ginger, Thyme and Turmeric Extracts are combined with Lemon Juice and Australian Meluka Honey.
A Couple of Leaves
- Pandan Leaf - This herb is a natural food coloring for rice and desserts in many Southeast Asian countries. It is also used for stomach ailments like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves - These leaves have a distinct fragrance that adds a unique taste to Thai dishes, such as curries and soups. They can be used whole or ground into powder by crushing them with your hands. The flavor they impart is tart but not bitter, making it ideal for pairing with sweet ingredients like coconut milk or sugar cane juice.
Safflower
Safflower – Has antioxidant properties that help protect the body against heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol when taken orally. It also helps with digestion issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil is a great herb for treating muscle pain, tension, and spasms. It works by tightening the muscles that relax the muscle spasms or tightness caused by tension or overuse. Holy Basil also helps treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, heartburn, and upset stomachs. To use it orally, chew up fresh leaves and place them under your tongue to absorb the oil from the leaves. You can also make an infusion by boiling the leaves in water for about 20 minutes before drinking them as tea. You can add honey for sweetening purposes if desired!
There are many different herbs and spices that you can use to make your life healthier. You can find them in any grocery store or natural food store or often in the products we work with. We hope this article has helped you learn about new herbs that can help make your life better!
