Thai Herb ไบ นาด

[kokesaat]

Pardon me if I'm using the wrong part of the forum for this question.....but since it's partly in Thai, I thought this would be a good place to start.

My wife uses a leaf in her steam bath that's called ไบ นาด (bai nat)......it's a longish leaf that grows on a shrub.......it's one of those kind of leaves that sticks to each other (sort of a roughish surface). I've been told that, although many Thais like to grow this herb, it must not be grown in the vicinity of one's home........I guess some sort of bad juju. Anyway, I'm trying to find out more info on this plant. Any help is appreciated.

[Neeranam]

I've heard that some people put it on their eyes in order to see ghosts, therefore ghosts like it and would be attracted to your home, if you grew it.

[kokesaat]

That would help explain why Thais don't grow it around their homes. Anyone have the scientific name for this plant?

[DavidHouston]

First, we need to establish the spelling. I am assuming that you mean "ใบหนาด". If so,

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From the Royal Institute Dictionary:

หนาด น. ชื่อไม้พุ่มชนิด Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. ในวงศ์ Compositaeใบใหญ่มีขน กลิ่นฉุน ใช้ทํายาได้ เชื่อกันว่าผีกลัว.The leaf is described as "a large, fuzzy leaf with a pungent odor; it can be used to make medications; some believe that the leave scares away ghosts.

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And from http://herbal-medicine.philsite.net/sambong.htm

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is a amazing medicinal plant. It is a antiurolithiasis and work as a diuretic. it is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, it helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body. Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) in treating particular disorders.

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The Domnern Sathienpong dictionary defines หนาดใหญ่ as the "camphor tree." I cannot tell whether these are the same or not but "Camphor (Cinnamum Camphora) Thai : Ga ra boon, seems to be something else.

Anyway, that's my two cents; any other thoughts?

[kokesaat]

David,

Thanks for the correct spelling and background. Just what I was looking for.