Written by Thiti Samutharat, MD & Panpanat Tangmunchittam Medical Team Verita Life, Verita Life Thailand.

Traditional medicine has been around for centuries and is still widely used today as a form of natural healing. From herbal remedies to acupuncture, traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of practices and techniques that have been passed down through generations. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in traditional medicine as people look for alternative ways to improve their health and wellbeing.

In this blog, we will explore the world of traditional medicine and its many benefits. We will delve into the history of traditional medicine, its various practices, and how it differs from modern medicine.

Thai Traditional Medicine
Thai traditional medicine is one the most precious heritage that has been passed down since the beginning of Thai history. It is crucial in that it incorporates not only the indigenous medicinal sources of Thailand but also the principles of Buddhism and traditional philosophies. In that sense, Thai traditional medicine, like other similar traditional practices in other parts of the world, is centred upon a holistic approach, encircling the physical (body), mental (mind) and spiritual aspects (energy) of an individual, as a whole. Thus, the “heart” of Thai traditional medicine is aimed at preserving the balance between these three essential aspects.

The diminution of the popularity of Thai traditional medicine can be dated back to the loss of traditional practitioners on account of Ayutthaya’s loss to the Burmese invasion. It later started to be devalued when it was removed from the school curriculum during the reign of King Rama VI, coupled with the xenophobia where the medical masters did not want to adopt the change, kept the art secret to themselves and only passed the techniques through trusted apprentices, leading to fewer capable practitioners.

Additionally, the plunge was further affected by the introduction of “prominent” western medicine. Despite all these, Thai traditional medicine was still widely practised in many local communities across the country. Medicinal herbs were used to treat various symptoms and illness. Many Thais preferred using traditional home remedies to treat ailments. For example, using mint to relieve headaches and cold symptoms or aloe vera to treat burns.

Thai traditional herbs have been found useful in treating various kinds of diseases; most importantly, it has been found that many of them have synergistic actions against cancer. A few examples are: Triphala, a Thai herb traditionally used to increase appetite, was found to have myriads of therapeutic benefits, including inhibition of cancer cell growths, as well as its role as an anti-oxidant. Pra-sa-prao-yai, originally used as an antiemetic drug, has been found to have anti-cancer activity in patients with Cholangiocarcinoma. Indian gooseberry, which was once used to treat patients who suffer from coughs, has also been found to be able to inhibit cancer cell growth in many research studies. In the past decade, with an increase of doubts in western medicine efficacy, side effects and limitations, Thai traditional medicine has re-emerged. The Thai government and private organisations have worked together in restoring Thai traditional medicine and making adaptations, so they can be applied alongside western medicine-based treatments. Similarly, across the world, medicinal herbs have been developed into different forms such as infusions, capsules or tablets, ointments, essential oils and topical creams.

In Combination with Conventional Medicine
Traditional medicine has become more prominent and is increasingly being used together with conventional medicine and cutting-edge technologies to address one’s health holistically in Integrative Medicine. According to WHO, health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”1 So, by using a holistic approach, integrative medicine completes WHO’s definition of health. Many hospitals and private practices are gradually starting to integrate traditional therapies into their routine treatment protocols to enhance the treatment outcome.

Whilst modern medicine only focuses on the treatment of the disease, traditional treatment helps to improve the patient’s quality of life, which modern medicine often fail to address. In integrative cancer treatment, herbal therapy has an important role in boosting the body’s immune system and impacting cancer cells in various ways. It is also used in combination with chemotherapy to reduce its side effects on the patient’s body and to enhance its efficacy on cancer cells. One example is the use of curcumin which is an active form of turmeric, a native plant of SE Asia. Curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory and has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The integration of both modern and herbal medicine, the nearly-forgotten gem, may yield better results than using either one of them alone. By approaching health and illness holistically, medical treatment can become more diverse and effective for disease treatment and prevention, as well as promotion of the patient’s health and wellbeing in today’s healthcare system.

Herbs Used Across the Globe:
Not only Thai, other cultures across the globe like India, Roman, Greek, Chinese, and so on for centuries have relied on traditional medicine for their health care needs. Despite advancements in modern medicine, currently, there is a rise in the demand for herbal remedies. These natural remedies are more affordable than conventional medicine. And one of the main reasons for the preference for these medicines is they align with their ideologies. Here is a list of some herbal medicines apart from turmeric, used to treat conditions like chronic inflammation, anxiety, pain, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome, popularly used by people from different cultures around the world.

Echinacea:The extract from this flowering plant taken as tea is considered a remedy to prevent a cold by native Americans. It also is effective in treating migraine, inflammation, and pains.

Ginseng:The roots of this plant are dried and powdered and used to make tea. This powder is considered an effective remedy to boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels by the Chinese.

Ginkgo Biloba:Derived from the maidenhair tree, it is native to China. Tinctures and teas made from the seeds and leaves of this tree are excellent treatments for various illnesses like dementia, sexual dysfunction, and heart disease.

Elderberry: Medicine made by Europeans in the form of Lozenges and syrup from the cooked fruit of elderberry are used to get relief from headaches, viral infections, nerve pain, colds, toothache, and constipation.

St. John’s Wort:The Greeks and other Europeans used the small yellow flowers of this plant to make extracts, teas, and capsules. They did believe these as excellent treatments for kidney and lung diseases. It is also prescribed to people to alleviate pain and depression. It helps heal wounds and induce sleep.

Ginger:Usually, Indians eat this commonplace herb, fresh or dried, to treat various ailments. It can also be used as a remedy for nausea, colds, migraines, high blood pressure, and more in the form of teas and capsules.

Valerian:The roots of this flowering plant are dried and made into capsules or tea by the Greeks and Romans.Their intake can induce tranquility and bring a sense of calm. The extract from the roots of this plant, referred to as nature’s Valium, is also an anti-anxiety aid.

Chamomile:The tea from flowers and dried leaves of this plant gets used as a remedy for nausea, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and more. People across countries make topical compresses and medicinal extracts using these flowers, which get used to treat various ailments.
It is not an exhaustive list but just some of the most popularly known herbal medicines used across the globe.

Precautions For Using Herbal Medicine
Indeed, there is no scientific evidence for the remedies mentioned as there are not many studies on most of these herbal medicines. It is prudent to take them under medical guidance to avoid any complications on taking them.

To learn more about Verita Life or to get in touch, contact us.