Digestion

Thai digestive remedies: turmeric, Ya Hom, probiotics, fibre, antacids

Thai food is spicy, rich and plentiful, so "stomach" remedies are sold on every corner: fragrant Ya Hom powder for nausea and faintness, turmeric capsules for heaviness after meals, Sukkhaphap D probiotics, Donutt and Handy Herb fibre for regularity, Belcid antacid for heartburn. Over 60 products from Thanyaporn, Herbal One, Handy Herb, Sukkhaphap D, Donutt, Khaolaor and Preaw.

How to choose

Heaviness and bloating after meals — turmeric, 1–2 capsules after food for 2–4 weeks. Nausea, travel sickness, weakness in the heat — Ya Hom: a pinch of powder under the tongue or pills with water, works within minutes. Constipation — soluble fibre in the evening with a large glass of water; senna only briefly. After antibiotics or when travelling — Bacillus coagulans probiotic, a spore form that needs no fridge. Heartburn — Belcid as needed; if more than twice a week, see a gastroenterologist.

Good to know

These are herbs, supplements and over-the-counter products, not treatment: abdominal pain lasting over a day, blood in the stool, vomiting, fever or weight loss need a doctor immediately. Senna causes dependence with long use. Turmeric — with caution with gallstones and anticoagulants. Drink fibre with at least 250 ml of water. In pregnancy, consult a doctor.

Questions and answers

What is Ya Hom?

A traditional Thai aromatic powder of dozens of herbs and spices for nausea, faintness, heat weakness and a heavy stomach; sold as powder, pills and tablets.

Does the probiotic need refrigeration?

Bacillus coagulans does not: its spores survive heat and transport — the main advantage for shipping from Thailand.

How is the order shipped?

From our warehouse in Thailand with a tracking number; liquids are packed separately.