The Study of Folk Medicine Wisdom Used for Immunity Strengthening Against Flu during Epidemic Situation in Kabinburi District, Prachinburi Province

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic is the threatening situation for human body. Infectious disease results in illness and death since ancient times. The possible solution to fight with the disease is to strengthen immunity of the people. At present, there are many herbal medicines such as Andrographis paniculata, Boesenbergia rotunda, etc. that are effective in promoting the immune system of the body and prevent flu. The objective of this study was to collect and conclude the knowledge from the Thai folk doctors about herbal medicine used for immunity strengthening and preventing flu in Kabinburi District, Prachinburi province. Qualitative research was conducted using in-depth interview as a tool. The key informants were 20 Thai folk doctors in Wang Tha Chang, Wang Takhian, Bo-Thong, Kabin, Muang Kao sub-districts, Kabinburi district selected by purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using percentage and content analysis.

It was found that there were 5 Thai folk doctors (25 %) using Andrographis paniculata as a single herb in their recipes. There were 3 Thai fold doctors (15 %) using Boesenbergia rotunda as a single herb in their recipes. Herbs which were mostly used in herbal recipes were Boesenbergia rotunda (9 recipes), following by Andrographis paniculata (7 recipes), Cymbopogon citratus (5 recipes), Zingiber officinale (4 recipes), Biancaea sappan (3 recipes),  Alpinia galanga, as well as Cymbopogon nardus, Citrus aurantifolia, Curcuma zanthorrhiza, and Gomphrena globose (2 recipes).