The leaves's aroma is distinct and hard to describe, somewhat nutty, reminiscent to fresh hay and definitely pleasant. A similar scent is found in some aromatic rice varieties grown in South East Asia (e.g., Thai jasmine rice). The scent of pandanus leaves develops only on withering; the fresh, intact plants hardly has any odour.

History of the Black Seed For over two thousand years the black seed, a plant from the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, has been traditionally used by various cultures throughout the world as a natural remedy for several diseases and ailments and to improve health in general.

Regular use of a face pack made by mixing Kasturimanjal with yogurt or milk helps tocleanse the skin from deep within. This tends to remove skin blemishes and in turn, helps to make the facial skin appear brighter and fairer than before.

Fenugreek is taken by mouth for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). Fenugreek is also used for diabetes, painful menstruation, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, arthritis, poor thyroid function, and obesity. It is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis) and for high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides

While studies are not conclusive, cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin resistance, a possible benefit for all of us, but especially those with diabetes. If you have to watch your blood sugar, it may be wise to add more cinnamon to your diet. Research shows that cinnamon can help slow blood sugar levels when eaten with carbs. It may also lower levels of bad fats and cholesterol in the blood. Important: there’s no established research on a direct link to weight loss, but all of its potential benefits—like curbing inflammation and balancing blood sugar—can contribute to helping you achieve a healthy weight.

During the past several decades, the medicinally important phyto-constituents have been identified including essential oil, flavonoids and other polyphenols, fatty acids and alkaloids. A survey of the literatures shows Houttuynia cordata possesses a variety of pharmacological activities including antiviral, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects.

Boesenbergia rotunda, commonly known as Chinese keys,[2] fingerroot, lesser galangal or Chinese ginger, is a medicinal and culinary herb from China and Southeast Asia. In English, the root has traditionally been called fingerroot, because the shape of the rhizome resembles that of fingers growing out of a center piece.

Amla acts as a diuretic agent and is therefore thought to enhance food absorption, balance stomach acids, fortify the liver, and nourish the brain and mental functioning. It also strengthens the lungs, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, improves skin quality, and promotes healthier hair. This fruit increases vitality, aids in vision care, and improves muscle tone.

The lingzhi mushroom have been used medicinally. Lingzhi is listed in the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium.

Kaempferia parviflora, the Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng or krachai dum, is an herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae, native to Thailand. Kaempferia parviflora has been the subject of increased scientific interest in recent years. In a systematic review in 2016, 683 records and 7 studies were analyzed, with a reference that krachai dum significantly increased hand grip strength and enhanced the response to sexual erotic stimuli.[1] An earlier study found that acute dosing did not have an effect on sprint and endurance exercise in humans, but indicated that chronic effects or actions in other populations cannot be excluded.[2]

Kaempferia parviflora, the Thai black ginger, Thai ginseng or krachai dum, is an herbaceous plant in the family Zingiberaceae, native to Thailand. Kaempferia parviflora has been the subject of increased scientific interest in recent years. In a systematic review in 2016, 683 records and 7 studies were analyzed, with a reference that krachai dum significantly increased hand grip strength and enhanced the response to sexual erotic stimuli.[1] An earlier study found that acute dosing did not have an effect on sprint and endurance exercise in humans, but indicated that chronic effects or actions in other populations cannot be excluded.

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., commonly name in Thai known as plai (Figure 1), is widely used in folklore remedies as a single plant or as component of herbal recipes in Thailand. It can use for treatments of inflammation, sprains and strains, rheumatism, muscular pain, wounds, and asthma, cough and respiratory problems, and as a mosquito repellant, a carminative, a mild laxative and an antidysenteric agent [1]. The essential oil exhibited a topical anti-inflammatory effect when tested using various experimental models [2-5]. Individual assessment of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the major components of the oil demonstrated that (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)but-3-en-l-ol (compound D), (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)butadiene (DMPBD), (E)-4-(3, 4-dimethoxy phenyl)but-3-en-l-yl acetate, (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) but-3-en-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, (E)-4-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-but-1,3-diene, (E)-trans-3-(3,4-dimethoxy phenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxy styryl] cyclohex-1-ene, and (E)-trans-3-(4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene significantly inhibited oedema formation [6-8], whereas sabinene and terpinen-4-ol were inactive, but they were reported as antimicrobial activities in comparison with commercial terpinen-4-ol [1, 9, 10].

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree.

contains carbohydrates and dietary fibre in moderate amounts.[9] These macronutrients evidently reside in the fruit pulp, as M. citrifolia juice has sparse nutrient content.[10] The main micronutrients of M. citrifolia pulp powder include vitamin C, niacin (vitamin B3), iron and potassium.[9] Vitamin A, calcium and sodium are present in moderate amounts. When M. citrifolia juice alone is analyzed and compared to pulp powder, only vitamin C is retained[10] in an amount that is about half the content of a raw navel orange.[11] Sodium levels in M. citrifolia juice (about 3% of Dietary Reference Intake, DRI)[9] are high compared to an orange, and potassium content is moderate. The juice is otherwise similar in micronutrient content to a raw orange.[11]

Many people believe that lemongrass tea offers multiple health benefits, but researchers have not yet conducted enough large-scale studies to prove these benefits. Doctors do know that the tea can help fight against free radicals, thus reducing the incidence of inflammation in the body. Lemongrass contains the inflammation-fighting compounds chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin. Inflammation is a factor in many adverse health conditions, including pain and heart disease. As such, lemongrass tea could be a beneficial drink for people to incorporate into their diet.

Mentha (bai saranae) This mint (Mentha arvensis) is similar to the mint used for mint sauce in England and is used in Thai food as a vegetable and a flavoring.