A COMPENDIUM
OF
TRADITIONAL THAI HERBAL MEDICINE 141
Toothbrush Tree, Siamese Rough Bush Streblus asper
Khoi Action: Analgesic, Antiparasitic, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antitumor, Appetizer, Astringent, Carminative, Digestive, Laxative, Tonic Taste: Toxic Part Used: Leaf, Stem, Wood Internal Application: The toothbrush tree seed is a longevity tonic for the four elements. It is also a carminative and appetizer, used to stimulate digestion and combat flatulence. The bark of the stem has antidiarrheal and antipyretic properties, and is often used to combat dysentery and other cases of diarrhea accompanied by fever. Infusion of the toothbrush tree leaf is a laxative and is also taken to treat all varieties of bone disease. The heartwood is traditionally dried, cut into small pieces, wrapped in dried banana leaves, and smoked for treatment of inflamed nasal passages. Preparation: Decoction Topical Application: The toothbrush tree, as its name would suggest, is a popular traditional remedy for tooth and gum disease. It is also applied topically to kill ringworm and other skin parasites. Another common usage is for topical treatment of hemorrhoids. Preparation: For application to the mouth, make decoction by boiling a handful of bark with water and a pinch of salt; gargle 3–4 times daily. Or, make powder from dried bark; brush teeth and gums with powder. For application to the skin, mash fresh or dried bark with mortar and pestle. Mix with hot water to make paste; apply to affected areas. For hemorrhoids, mix paste with oil, cook. Let cool, and apply to affected area. Note: This plant has recently been shown to have antitumor properties. Although it is not traditionally used to treat this disease, toothbrush tree is currently being studied as a treatment of cancer.
Turmeric Curcuma longa
Khamin Action: Alterative, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Anti-inflammatory, Antipruritic, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antitussive, Astringent, Blood Tonic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Hepatic, Stomachic, Tonic, Vulnerary Taste: Hot Part Used: Rhizome, Leaf Internal Application: Turmeric is related to ginger and galangal, and shares some of the properties of these plants. Turmeric is used as a digestive stimulant and is often used as an adjuvant with preparations for gastrointestinal complaints, as it aids in treatment of flatulence, peptic ulcers, indigestion, irritable bowel, and gastritis. It is said to lower blood sugar and is therefore used for diabetes and hypoglycemia. Turmeric is also a remedy for cough, arthritis, chronic back pain, and painful or blocked menstruation. Turmeric leaves may be used as an antidote for food poisoning and for treatment of hepatitis, as it has a detoxifying effect on the blood, digestive tract, and liver, and regulates the body’s secretion of hormones.