One of the most important things T'ai culture has brought to the world is a variety of health-care techniques, including massage and herbal medicines. For a while these were neglected, except by the poor, but interest has greatly revived. Some of the best of these herbs come from the Lampang Medicinal Plants Conservation Assembly (177 Mu 12 Ban Kelangtong, Kanmuang Road, Tambon Bawhaew, Muang Lampang 52100. Tel. 66-54-313128 or e-mail herblpg@lp.ksc.co.th). They have a great catalogue, available in English and in Thai. Thai herbs can be beneficial for a wide range of complications:

MoraKhiNok (Momordica charantia) is a blood-purifying tonic, reducing blood sugar and indigestion, normalizing the excretory system, and nurturing eyesight. It also promotes appetite, relieves fever, helps liver, spleen, colon and pancreas, fighting cancer, hepatitis, infections, menstrual problems and hemorrhoids. A protein substance from its seed is reputed to hold back HIV.

Het LinChu (Ganoderma Lucidum Reishi mushroom) relieves diabetes, heart disease & hypertension, strengthening liver function and general health, prolonging life, much like internationally popular Shiitake (Het Hom).

Borapet (Tinospora crispa or menispermacaea), is a diabetes remedy, reducing blood sugar, a digestive aid which reduces flatulence and indigestion while promoting appetite, a tonic to nurture the blood, and an aid in reducing fever. It is reputed to increase power and prolong life

Boraphet PungChang (Bellyache Bush) reduces poisons in the blood, fights diabetes, iron deficiency anemia and cancer, cures headache, adjusts blood pressure and promotes youthful, healthy appearance..

Ya BpakGing (Murdannia loriformis; Commelinacaea; this Thai name may mean medicine of Beijing; it is also called Ya Taywadah, medicine of heaven or angels) is reputed to reduce blood sugar and relieve inflammatic wounds. For leukemia, cancer of throat, liver, uterus, ileum, skin etc. Reputed even to 'cure' AIDS, eaten fresh, regularly.

NguakPlaMuh (Sea Holly, acanthus ebracteatus) a longevity tonic used to expel kidney and bladder stones, it fights fevers with skin eruptions (scarlet fever, measles, chicken pox) and relieves allergies, strengthens energy and helps generally heal abscesses and skin disease.

Fa Talai Jon (Andrographis paniculata, Creat, Kariyat, Chiretta or halviva) is used as a fever remedy and even preventative (if taken regularly), and helps with coughs, sore throats and other upper respiratory system problems, diarrhea, skin diseases and hemorrhoids. Stimulates the liver, fights allergies and intestinal infections and lowers high blood pressure.

DiBua (lotus gall) nurtures the heart and eyesight, reduces indigestion, and acts as a tonic and aids sleep.

Khi lek (Cassia siamea, the Cassaod tree) reduces anxiety and stress, promoting better sleep and appetite. It's a diuretic and toner, raises blood pressure and relieves constipation with its mild laxative properties. It shouldn't be taken continuously.

Kameng tua mia (Eclipta Alba, False Daisy) helps with chest infections, asthma, jaundice, blood disorders, exhaustion and back pains, and also offers help from inflamed kidney, liver or lungs, ulcers, dysentery and gas. A longevity tonic, it is used for chirrhosis and hepatitis.

Luk Yaw or YohBan (Morinda citrifolia, Thai Noni) - a 'miracle cure' believed by its adherents to cure almost everything - usually recommended for consumption 1st thing in the morning - stimulates the entire system, especially the liver. Antioxident for colds, tuberculosis, flu, asthma, gastritis, internal parasites, infections, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hepatatis and cancer

Kawao Krua daeng relieves exhaustion & promotes strength (Thailand's Viagra!)

KreuaHaam is reputed to increase health and strength.

SiDuang Tawan root reduces fever and promotes appetite.

Buk (Amorphophallus campanulatatus) reduces cholesterol and absorbs poisons, helping to extract them from the body.

MaTum (Bengal Quince; Aegle marmelus; Bael fruit) cools, enriches and promotes appetite. A decongestant used for tuberculosis, typhoid intestinal disorders and exhaustion. Inhibits sexual energy.

HaeoMu (Nutgrass) strengthens energy and relieves stomachache, indigestion and flatulence; fights hypertension, menstrual cramps and PMS.

Luk Tai Bai (Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbiacaea) for stomach pain, venereal diseases, jaundice and hemorrhoids.

Klu Phlu Daw (Star Betel) - the oil of the leaves fights bacteria and virus, helps the skin and is reputed to dry lymph.

Khlu (Pluchea indica, Indian marsh Fleabane) is a longevity tonic used as a diuretic for hemorrhoids, diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Phlu (pak kaoTong, piper betel leaf), used to wrap the betel nut once commonly chewed throughout Southeast Asia (and still popular in Burma) - antiparasitic, antipruritic, antiseptic, bronchodilator, expectorant and stimulant good for allergic rashes, uturus inflammation, asthma, lung disease and coughs.

Ta Krai (lemongrass) - a general tonic for pains, colds, throat problems, it relieves indigestion, flatulence and constipation and also destroys bacteria and fungus.

Ma Kham Pom (Indian gooseberry) - increases health immunity, cures cough and releases phlegm.

Ya Ko-tung relieves allergic rashes, uturus inflammation and lung disease (coughs and bronchitis)

Dongdueng (gloriosa superba L.) has colchicine, useful for treating cancer

Salet Pahng Pawn tua mia (Clinacanthus nutans) capsules, tea and ointment help relieve herpes symptoms, skin ulcers, allergic and rashes, hives and insect bite itching.

Lep meuh nang (Quisqualis, Rangoon Creeper) is a purgative for tapeworms and intestinal parasites, especially in children.

Yak ha (Imperata, Wolly grass root) is used topically for acne and complexion problems (skin too red or white) and internally as a diuretic for fevers, urinary tract infections, kidney and gallbladder stones and cystitis.

Sapankon is used for headaches, sore throat and stiff joints.

Paan Samao is eaten or used as a compress for headaches, colds, dizziness or intoxication.

Farang (guava) and Mangkut (mangosteen) are also helpful for the immune system; and the shorter, wider kind of banana (Kluay Nam Wa) is also reputed to help fight AIDS. The peel mean to the short banana fights fungus and bacteria, and the raw fruit has high levels of tannin. Some Mien tribespeople, among others, have spoken of coconut hastening AIDS deaths.

Petsangkat is used for hemorrhoids, Luad Ngam for menstrual pains, and Prab Chompoodaveep for allergies (as is bee pollen).

Bai Toei, a favorite in north Thailand, as elsewhere in the Southeast Asia, is a long, wide bull-rush grass-like blade, not unlike the annoying bush-grass Ya-kah. Tied up and boiled, it provides a fine refreshing and healthful drink after cooling down. It's good for the heart, and like lecithin, lowers levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

When a baby is born, it has a soft spot on the top of its head. Here makreut juice is applied, fresh from the halved fruit (which looks like a wrinkled lime). Makreut is also used to condition adult hair. This was once explained to me as "to wash your thinking." 60 years ago, 'nam daeng' wood ash shampoo was used on hair - ash was rinsed twice then filtered through cloth and used on the hair. Then, before shampoo, makreut was the thing to use. Now it's in Bergamot Brand at the stores - for cleaning hair follicles and pores, and reducing dandruff or hair loss (bergamot is an ancient European herbal aid; the fragrant herb soaked in oil is reputed to warm and sooth chaffed, chapped skin).

The root of Hua Pak Khao produces foam, and of old was the clothes-washing detergent. Mieang leaf was chewed to clean teeth after betel and tobacco.

As cool season turns to dry season (after the Papaya rains, mid-February), it's time to gather and eat red ant eggs (and the sour tasting queens!). With a bag or bucket and long bamboo pole, one can plunder the leafy nests, which at this time are not well hidden, up in the trees. The red ants are a pest - although they don't come into houses, they do aggressively bite. They also drove away a hive of bees living in an awning above one of my windows (bee hives in house walls are considered by Thais to be great good luck). As the red ants plundered the bees' honey, the bees moved away! Like bee royal jelly, red ant eggs are considered good for sexual energy. A Valentine's Day treat!! Just cover the ants with white flour, or drown them. The eggs are fine with rice or in (chicken egg) omelets, or eaten fresh and raw.