Tag Archives: Respiratory Health

During the rainy season, we often hear the phrase “Don’t get wet, or you’ll catch a cold.” But is it true that rain can actually cause us to catch a cold? The common cold is caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. During rainy weather, there is rain and strong winds, which may carry the viruses that cause the common cold. Additionally, the decrease in temperature can make the nasal passages cooler and more conducive to the replication of viruses. Furthermore, coming into contact with a high concentration of viruses before the rain falls can weaken the body’s immune response, making it unable to fight off the viruses effectively. This can result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and a sore throat. Early signs indicating that you may have a cold include: Sore throat Nasal congestion or runny nose Cough with mucus Mild fever or slight headache Symptoms of the common cold typically last for no more than 1-2 weeks. Although they are not usually severe, they can still be contagious, especially among individuals who are in close proximity to each other. Transmission can occur through shared items or by inhaling air containing droplets of nasal mucus or saliva from someone who is sick. This is often observed in environments such as schools, factories, or large offices. Treatment and management for the common cold include: Getting plenty of rest Dressing warmly to keep your body warm and avoiding exposure to rain or cold environments Drinking plenty of fluids to help reduce fever and replace lost fluids Taking medication as needed according to the advice of a doctor or pharmacist Therefore, for good health and strength, it’s important to take care of ourselves by consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting adequate rest.

The perception that herbal remedies for treating diseases come from plants or nature often gives a sense of safety. However, sometimes improper or incorrect use of herbs can lead to adverse effects on the body. Therefore, choosing and using herbal remedies correctly requires knowledge for effective treatment. The principles of selecting and using ‘herbal remedies for treating diseases’ or herbal products. 1. Authenticity: Since many herbs often have similar or duplicate names, some may even have region-specific names that differ despite being the same plant species, or sometimes different plants may share the same name. Therefore, when using herbal remedies, it is essential to verify their authenticity to ensure accuracy. 2. Correct Parts: Different parts of herbal plants, such as roots, flowers, leaves, bark, fruits, or seeds, as well as their maturity levels (young, ripe, raw), may contain different chemical constituents or essential compounds. In some plants, different parts may have similar constituents but in varying amounts. For example, in foxglove, leaves may contain more digitalis glycosides than the stems, resulting in varying strengths or therapeutic effects. Additionally, while some parts of certain plants are used as medicine, others may be toxic. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and thoroughly research before use. 3. Appropriate Dosage: While many herbal remedies may not be inherently dangerous, excessive use or dosage can potentially pose risks to the body, especially in young children who may have lower tolerance to medications compared to adults. Moreover, the duration of use should not exceed the recommended guidelines to allow the body to rest and eliminate the herbal remedy from the system. It is advisable to choose herbal products that clearly indicate the dosage, proportions, or specific ingredients to ensure safety and effectiveness. 4. Correct Preparation Method: The method of preparing herbal remedies or incorporating them

After the COVID-19 pandemic which had occurred during the past two to three years, ‘Fa Thalai chon’ (Andrographis paniculata) has become another popular herbal remedy recommended by medical experts to always have at home. It has outstanding properties in treating and relieving symptoms of common cold in those with symptoms of respiratory system-related illnesses, such as sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, or symptoms of flu-like syndrome. It is also used in patients with non-infectious gastrointestinal problems or those with diarrhea, non-mucus bloody stool. ‘Fa Thalai Chon’ has been included in the National Essential Drug List and has been used to treat early symptoms of COVID-19 as well as seasonal common cold and flu. Getting to know ‘Fa Thalai Chon’ and its benefits on our body. From the above information, we know that Fa Thalai Chon (Andrographis paniculata) has basic benefits in alleviating symptoms of common cold and in treating early symptoms of COVID-19. Today, we will delve deeper into more understanding of this herbal remedy. Fa Thalai Chon is classified as a bitter-tasting herb belonging to the cooling group in traditional Thai medicine. It has been used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as cough and sore throat. This herbal remedy has been included in the National List of Essential Medicines of Thailand since 1999 (Herbal Medicines List) as a single drug. Information from clinical research supports its use, by showing that taking Fa Thalai Chon can effectively treat symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections, such as cough and sore throat. In 2012, clinical research revealed that taking Fa Thalai Chon extract combined with other herbal medicine in a capsule form at 31.5-200 mg per day continuously for 3-10 days could significantly relieve symptoms of cough and sore throat in patients with common cold. How does ‘Fa