Thai Herbal Compress Ball (Luk Pra Kob)
compress
Ingredients
Conditions addressed
How to use
Apply a small amount to the affected area 1–2× daily. Patch-test on a small area of skin first.
- A traditional compress made from Lemongrass, Galangal, Turmeric, Kaffir lime peel, Camphor.
- Prepare in small batches and store in a cool, dark place.
Interactions & contraindications
Lemongrass
Full profile- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
Galangal
Full profile- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
Turmeric
Full profile- 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
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel)
Curcumin has antiplatelet activity; increases bleeding risk when combined.
Diabetes medications
May enhance blood-sugar-lowering effects.
Stomach acid reducers / gallbladder disease
Stimulates bile production and can worsen gallstone symptoms.
Kaffir lime peel
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
Camphor
Full profile- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.