Are Herbal Compresses A Viable Solution For Pain Relief?
Herbal Compresses: A 2015 study analyzing published data suggested that the relief felt from herbal compresses is primarily due to the heat, which increases blood flow and reduces pain.
For centuries, many countries have used herbal compresses to treat muscle pain, joint discomfort, and reduce inflammation. This method involves wrapping a combination of herbs in a cotton cloth, compressing it into a ball, and steaming it for about 10 minutes. After a massage session, the therapist typically applies the compress directly to the body.
Herbal Compresses, According to CNN, the extent to which the benefits of this practice stem from the herbs used in the compresses remains uncertain. A 2015 study analyzing published data concluded that the sensation of relief primarily comes from the heat, which boosts blood circulation and alleviates pain.
Herbal Compresses, Despite the global popularity of herbal medicine as a multi-billion-dollar industry, differences in cultural practices, beliefs, and modern scientific knowledge have made standardizing and regulating this field challenging. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2018 that nearly half of its member countries lacked national policies on traditional medicine, and only 64% had regulations governing herbal medicines.
Arunporn Itharat, director of the Center for Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Research at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani, Thailand, told CNN that the center aims to investigate the unique properties of the herbs used in herbal compresses to make this ancient remedy widely accessible.
Herbal Compresses, According to CNN, alternative therapies, including herbal medicines, are widely popular in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Surveys indicate a particularly high usage of herbal remedies in rural areas. However, much of this traditional knowledge has yet to be scientifically validated.
Herbal Compresses
Challenges In Herbal Medicine Production
Itharat explains that different herbs possess distinct properties, making research and production of herbal medicines more complex. Even verifying the process of herb extraction is crucial to ensure consistency across production batches. Moreover, a single herb may have multiple varieties, posing a significant challenge in selecting the correct type for medicinal use.
Herbal Compresses, A 2020 study by Itharat and his team, published in Science & Technology Asia, found that certain herbs enhance the therapeutic effects of herbal compresses. By isolating and testing individual components, the study identified specific compounds responsible for the compresses’ overall anti-inflammatory effects.
The research center also relies on traditional knowledge about the optimal harvesting time for plants to improve the efficacy of their herbal extracts.
“For instance,” Itharat says, “when it comes to Zingiber montanum, a type of ginger known as ‘plai’ in Thailand, elders have always emphasized that its roots should be harvested in winter when the plant has withered, concentrating its active compounds in the roots. However, such information is largely traditional and experiential, lacking scientific validation. Our center is working to standardize and verify this knowledge.”
Herbal Compresses, He adds, “We have transformed these herbal extracts into ready-to-use medicines that are not only convenient but also allow for quality control.”
Modern Applications
Herbal Compresses, These extracts are incorporated into modern products such as gels and creams, sold at the Thai Traditional Medicine Research Center’s pharmacy at Thammasat University.
Itharat is also exploring innovative uses for these extracts in cooling hydrogel patches, which release controlled amounts of herbal extracts compared to oils or creams. Additionally, an electric herbal compress is under development. This compress features a heated herbal gel powered by a built-in battery, eliminating the need for herbs inside the compress and modernizing the traditional treatment.
A Growing Industry
Herbal Compresses, According to CNN, Thailand is one of the few countries investing heavily in research and regulation of traditional medicine. In 2021, Thammasat University launched a master’s degree program in Thai Traditional Medicine—the first of its kind to integrate traditional and modern medical practices.
CNN notes that scientific interest in traditional remedies and herbal medicine is growing worldwide. A 2020 review of research literature revealed that the number of published studies on medicinal plants has risen sharply since 2001, with approximately 5,000 articles published annually in the past decade. Countries like China and India, with their distinct traditional medical systems, are at the forefront of this research.
Remaining Challenges
Herbal Compresses, Despite this progress, significant gaps in knowledge remain. Over 50,000 plant species are used for medicinal purposes globally, with their data scattered across separate databases that are not widely or uniformly shared. Furthermore, the lack of standardized naming for herbs often leads to confusion about which plant is being discussed, potentially resulting in ineffective treatments or even poisoning.
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