[2026-06-26] Utilization of Herbal Medicines for Musculoskeletal Pain Relief Across Health Regions in Thailand: A Retrospective Study (2019-2023)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2027.e279153Keywords:
Herbal medicine, Musculoskeletal pain, Pain relief, Health regions, ThailandAbstract
Background: Herbal remedies are prominent alternatives for managing muscle pain within Thai Traditional Medicine.
Objectives: To explore the utilization trends of herbal medicines for musculoskeletal pain relief across health regions and compare these utilization patterns among different health regions, in Thailand from 2019 to 2023.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from Thailand's Health Data Center. Descriptive statistics identified the top 10 herbal medicines for pain relief in 2023. Trend analysis employed percentage change and compound annual growth rate (CAGR), while utilization share analysis was conducted across 13 health regions.
Results: In 2023, the most dispensed herbal medicine for pain relief was Phlai cream (23.69%), followed by Thaowan-Priang capsules (17.27%), Phlai ointment (16.80%), Phlai oil (16.31%), and herbal compresses (13.76%). Other medicines in the top 10 included Sahastara capsules, Chili gel, mixed Thaowan-Priang boluses, herbal poultices, and Cannabis oil (each < 6%). A 5-year trend analysis (2019-2023) indicated a shift toward topical applications; notably, Phlai cream (+4.59% CAGR) and herbal poultices (+97.16% CAGR) showed increases, while oral Thaowan-Priang capsules declined (-7.44% CAGR). Regional analysis revealed the highest utilization in Health Regions 8 and 9 (northeastern Thailand), whereas the lowest was observed in Health Region 13 (Bangkok metropolitan area).
Conclusions: A notable shift in the dispensing trends of herbal medicines for pain relief in Thailand was observed, particularly concerning Phlai products in external dosage forms. There were regional differences within Thailand in utilization of herbal medicine for pain relief. Regional analysis revealed that Health Regions 8 and 9 exhibited the highest utilization rates, whereas the lowest utilization was observed in Health Region 13.
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