Introducing the Guide to Boosting Confidence in Western Medicine Practitioners

As global health awareness grows, Thai herbal medicine is gaining momentum as a concrete part of healthcare services. Recently, the Department of Medical Services partnered with various agencies to develop the “Guidelines for Herbal Medicine Use in Clinical Practice” aimed at Western-trained doctors. The main goal is to promote the safe and effective use of Thai herbal remedies alongside conventional drugs, offering patients more treatment options while positioning Thailand as a global health hub.

The guide categorizes herbal medicines into six major groups based on common health conditions:

• Digestive System Ailments, including:

• • Turmeric, to relieve bloating and indigestion
  • Ginger, to reduce nausea and stomach pain
  • Indian nightshade, to ease hemorrhoids

• Respiratory Conditions, including:

• • Andrographis (Fah Talai Jone), to reduce fever and soothe sore throats
  • Pink trumpet tree, to relieve cough
  • Indian gooseberry, with antioxidant properties to support lung health

• Muscle and Bone Issues, including:

• • Plai, to reduce bruising and sprains
  • Tinospora, to relieve muscle aches
  • Capsicum gel, for targeted muscle pain relief

• Cancer-related symptoms, including:

• • Aloe vera, to ease radiation-induced skin irritation

• Brain and Nervous System disorders, including:

• • CBD-enriched formulations (CBD:THC 1:1) for treatment-resistant epilepsy
  • Manivetch, to relax muscles and reduce pain

• Skin Conditions, including:

• • Justicia, to soothe insect bite rashes
  • Turmeric, for its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin

Note: All herbal treatments should be used under specialist supervision due to possible individual restrictions, side effects, or interactions with conventional medications.

The Department of Medical Services emphasizes that this herbal medicine guide is intended for doctors’ clinical use. A public version is under development to provide safe, appropriate information for general audiences and will be officially released once completed.

Thai herbal medicine is more than local wisdom—it is being developed with medical standards to offer high-quality alternatives within the national healthcare system. When used properly, these remedies could become a key factor in improving Thai public health and open new opportunities for the health industry both domestically and internationally.

For additional Information: Department of Medical Services

Link:https://www.dms.go.th/