The FDA has categorized requirements for product claims. A cosmetic or personal care item, a supplement, an over-the-counter drug, and a prescription drug all must meet FDA requirements before certain things may be claimed. I personally take certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs. I prefer to use natural remedies where possible, but I stick to FDA …
There is a rich history and cultural identity associated with the diverse plant biome in the equatorial region that is Thailand. A mind-boggling and diverse cuisine emphasizes herbs, spices, rhizomes, fruits and vegetables. As with food, herbalism can hold the same overwhelming mystery and magic. While the Thais like it hot, perhaps the Cantonese prefer …
In massage, a poultice is a mass of blended plant material placed in a muslin or cotton cloth which is steamed to release the natural essential oils. The oils are released with the hot water condensate when the poultice is applied to the body by massaging with the compress. A poultice is specifically applied in …
It’s the high season in Bangkok now. It’s also Christmas. Thailand embraces Christmas for reasons of tourism, but there are many Christians here as well. High season is marked by an increase in tourism attracted by a significant decrease in temperature. The hottest months are April and May, but July through September don’t seem much …
Pronounced just like “apply”, ApplaiTM balms, roll-on oils and massage oils are all natural products that feature Plai extracts. We only add extracts from botanicals. We add non comedogenic carrier oils such as Jojoba and MCT. We do not add coloring or fragrance. What you see is the natural composition. In all our products, Plai …
Plai is a rhizome, or a subterranean plant stem that tends to grow horizontally, with shoots that grow upwards from its nodes. It is a member of the ginger family, as is turmeric and galanga. Ginger, turmeric and galanga are commonly used in food and teas as flavoring, and the three are commonly used in …
2020 is nearly upon us in the US. It’s 2020 in Asia now. I type from the past, as friends from the future wish me a happy and prosperous 2020. This is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac, which will formally begin January 25, 2020. The Rat is the first of …
Many people ask what product they should use and why we have “so many products”. Each oil and balm can be used for different aches and pains in different locations depending on what hurts. If you’re wondering which Applai Relief you should try, let us break it down for you so you know what will …
Oils for Joints, Balms for Muscles, Both for Tendons Read More »
The Thai and SE Asians live among a cornucopia of herbs, and plant matter. Rural folk can forage for ginger, galangal, turmeric, plai, guava, pineapple and more. In fact, local gardens are everywhere, and farmer’s markets are abundant. City folk are fortunate enough to get fresh material trucked in from surrounding countryside. I spend time …
Traditional and Modern Methods of Herbal Extraction Read More »
We are still dealing with the uncertainty of COVID-19. I certainly take the virus seriously, and therefore I use a certain level of precautions. However, I can’t function well if I don’t have regular massage therapy to release scar tissue, stretch tendons and get fluid into my joints. Massage therapy is a form of physical …
How Do You Choose A Massage Spa During A Pandemic? Read More »