Thailand medical professionals in Chayaiphum develop herbal lozenges that treat smoking addiction
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 13, 2024 3 months, 5 days, 45 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: The Chatturat Hospital in Chaiyaphum Province has made a significant breakthrough in the field of traditional Thai medicine and herbal remedies. By developing a lozenge made from "white grass" (known locally as "ya dok kao" or scientifically known as Vernonia Cinerea (L.) Less), the hospital has introduced an innovative solution to help smokers quit their habit. This development not only serves a crucial public health need but also generates substantial revenue, exceeding 400,000 Baht annually, for the region.
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By developing a lozenge made from "white grass" (known locally as "ya dok kao" or scientifically
known as Vernonia Cinerea (L.) Less), the hospital has introduced an innovative solution to help
smokers quit their habit.
A Strategic Move in Health Economics
The Ministry of Public Health, under the leadership of Minister Somsak Thepsutin, has prioritized the development of health economics as a key policy initiative. This includes enhancing the standards of traditional Thai medicine and herbal products to create jobs and generate income. During a recent inspection of Chatturat Hospital, a community hospital serving over 230,000 people across the Chatturat, Thepsathit, Bamnet Narong, Sub Yai, and Noen Sa-nga districts, it was evident that the hospital has significantly advanced its capabilities in traditional Thai medicine and herbal remedies.
Chatturat Hospital has established a herbal medicine production facility that meets WHO GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. This facility, supported by the Chaiyaphum Provincial Public Health Office, produces a range of herbal medicines distributed to hospitals throughout the province.
The Success of White Grass Lozenges
One of the standout products developed by Chatturat Hospital is the "white grass" lozenge, a remedy specifically designed to help individuals quit smoking. This herbal medicine has been included in the National List of Essential Medicines for Herbal Medicines in 2023 and has proven to be highly effective. Clinical studies conducted by the hospital’s pharmaceutical care team have shown that these lozenges significantly aid smokers in quitting and improving their lung capacity.
Dr. Nitima Khamwong, Director of Chatturat Hospital, explained to local
Thailand Medical News outlets that the hospital has collaborated with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine to develop this lozenge for use in smoking cessation clinics, as well as in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The success of this initiative has led to the distribution of the lozenges to all hospitals in Chaiyaphum and plans to extend mobile smoking cessation services to temples, schools, and communities.
A Comprehensive Approach to Herbal Medicine
Chatturat Hospital's herbal medicine production facility produces 39 different types of medicines, covering 12 grou
ps of diseases. These include treatments for circulatory system disorders, gastrointestinal issues, obstetric and gynecological conditions, fever, respiratory problems, blood tonic, musculoskeletal issues, tonic and metabolic adjustments, urinary system disorders, detoxification, smoking cessation aids, and treatments for chronic illnesses.
The raw materials for these herbal medicines are sourced from local farmers who are part of the "Non Thong Song Tawan" community enterprise in Ban Kok subdistrict. This community specializes in organic farming of herbs such as Phlai (Zingiber montanum), turmeric, and various other plants. These herbs are then extracted and developed into external herbal products like Phlai oil, herbal compresses, and other medicinal forms, contributing approximately 1,000,000 Baht annually to the local economy.
Expanding the Network and Enhancing Community Livelihoods
In addition to producing herbal medicines, Chatturat Hospital has expanded its network to include other herbal product lines made from vine stems, lemongrass, pandan leaves, kaffir lime peel, tamarind leaves, and Acacia concinna leaves. This product expansion not only increases the variety of herbal medicines produced but also provides additional income opportunities for local farmers.
The initiative by Chatturat Hospital highlights the potential of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices. By leveraging local resources and expertise, the hospital not only improves public health outcomes but also strengthens the local economy. The success of the white grass lozenge is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, providing a model that other regions could potentially replicate.
Final Thoughts
Chatturat Hospital's development of "white grass" lozenges and other herbal medicines represent a significant advancement in the field of traditional Thai medicine. This initiative not only supports public health by providing effective smoking cessation aids but also contributes to the economic well-being of the Chaiyaphum Province through job creation and revenue generation. As this model continues to evolve, it promises to bring further benefits to both health and economic sectors.
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