Turmeric or Plai, the best herb that has been used in Thai traditional medicine recipe since ancient times, still popular today. Because of its medicinal properties which has been accepted both nationally and internationally. Plai has many local names such as Poo-ka-min , Mint-sa-rang (Shan-Mae Hong Son), Wan Fai, Plai Lueang (Central), Pu-loei, Pu-loi (Northern Region), Wan-pob (Northeastern Region), etc.
The appearance of the Turmeric is a herbaceous plant with a height 0.7-1.5 meters, with a rhizome underground. The bark is yellowish brown. The inner flesh is yellow to greenish yellow. The shoots stems up into clumps, consists of a leaf sheath or base overlapping. Fresh and juicy rhizomes with astringent, hot, tingly, distinctive smell with slightly spicy taste.
Properties in Thai traditional medicine recipes : cure bruises, sprains, sprains, ankle sprains, reduce inflammation, swelling, stiff tendon, treat aches and pains, beriberi, expel intestinal gas, normalize menstruation, heal intestinal ulcers, relieve intestinal inflammation, reduce abdominal pain, reduce bloody mucus, Relieve indigestion, stomachache, constipation, vomiting, and toothache. Turmeric is also can cure skin diseases, abscesses and used to prevent insects.
Properties from pharmacological researches:|
From pharmacological studies found Turmeric extract has various medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, relaxing uterine muscles and lean muscles, antibacterial and Anti-platelet agglutination.
Chemical Composition of Turmeric essential oil:
The active ingredients are terpinen-4-ol, Sabinene, Caryophyllene, Cineol, Alpha-pinene, Beta-pinene, Myrcene, Terpinene, Limonene, P-cymene, Terpinolene, Eugenol, Farneraol, Alflabene, 3,4 Dimethoxy benzaldehyde, Curcumin, Cassumunarins A, B, C, and various Phenylbutanoid group substances such as (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) butadiene (DMPBD) which has an anti-inflammatory effect and substances others include 4-(4-hydroxyl-1-butenyl)-Veratrole, Naphthoquinone derivative, Nanillin, Vanillic acid, Veratric acid, β-Sitosterol. Due to this wide range of properties, there are many drugs and products that are manufactured with Turmeric as main ingredient. To increase the healing properties, Turmeric is manufactured to be in familiar form for example Compresses, Balsams, Massage oils, Oral capsules, Dietary supplements, etc.
