Luk pra kob (or "Thai herbal balls" as they are sometimes called in English) can be purchased premade, or you can choose to make them yourself. Most commercially available premade herbal balls are imported from Thailand, and are made of dried herbs and roots. They are wrapped in cheesecloth and have a distinctive long handle made of cloth tied with cotton string or thin strips of bamboo. In Thailand however, most serious healers do not use pre-wrapped herbs, but prefer to make their own compresses from fresh herbs and roots rather than dried materials.
Select Thai herbs and their medicinal properties
EUCALYPTUS is a term that encompasses several different species, all of which have medicinal use. It is an extremely effective remedy for colds, sinus and lung problems, coughs, and asthma. Symptoms are relieved by inhalation of the vapors and topical application to the chest, throat, and the area under the nose. Eucalyptus tea is good for indigestion and fever, and the leaves are used topically on infections and skin burns. When steamed, the vapors of the herb open air passages and clean the sinuses and lungs.
PEPPERMINT LEAF is considered a hot and aromatic herb in Thai medicine and is a common treatment for stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion. The aroma is delightful when steamed in compresses, and the vapor treats nervousness, insomnia, and stress-related conditions such as exhaustion and headaches. Peppermint has a stimulating effect on skin, and inhalation of vapors can calm coughing and relieve asthma.