🌺Thai Traditional Medicine

Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai)

Phyllanthus urinaria

About Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai)

Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai) (Phyllanthus urinaria) is a herb used in the Thai Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Liver Support, UTI, and Kidney Stones. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Phyllanthus urinaria, commonly called chamber bitter, gripeweed, shatterstone, stonebreaker or leafflower, is a herb species in the family Phyllanthaceae.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal

Conditions addressed

🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia

Climate

Tropical monsoon

Habitat

Tropical forests, temple gardens, and village herb plots of Southeast Asia

🌿 To see Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Thai and Southeast Asian grocery stores
  • Asian supermarkets with herbal and fresh produce sections
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Phyllanthus Urinaria (Luk Tai Bai), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.