Herbal steam baths

        Herbal steam baths, based on Thai Traditional medicine can be used for therapeutic or health promotion purposes. The principle of a herbal steam bath is to boil a combination of herbs and volatile substances, similar to those used in hot herbal compresses, in a steam room or a close chamber. The steam and the volatile substances that contact the skin exert a local effect, and when inhaled, will affect the respiratory systems and exert a systemic effect. The health benefits of a herbal steam bath are i.e., stimulation of the circulatory and respiratory systems, relief of muscle tension and pain, skin rash and stress, nourishment of the skin and improved excretion of body waste; originally it was used for postpartum care.

Both hot herbal compresses and herbal steam baths are Thai Traditional medicine services that are provided in many public health service facilities and are now commonly found on the Thai spa service menu to improve general health, rid the body toxins and improve blood circulation. Luk pra kob is also well received by spa businesses aboard and among foreigners who love natural health-care products. Luk pra kob made of dried herbs and pasteurized fresh product packed in cans are now becoming important items in the herbal product category and generating good income for Thai medicinal plant growers.