Medicinal herbs: Traditional knowledge used for constipation therapy in metropolitan Bangkok

Abstract

<span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;color:black" lang="EN-US">This qualitative research examines constipation therapy with herbal remedies in metropolitan Bangkok. Observation, personal communication and focus group discussion techniques are used to assess traditional medicinal knowledge used in the treatment of constipation and the innovation of Thai herbal remedies. The results show that herbal remedies chosen by doctors have limitations caused by complicated formulation processes and inconvenience for use by patient in modern society. The researcher team developed a new herbal remedy named <i>Phothiphawadi</i>, which was then formulated into capsule dosage form and dispensed to patients with constipation. Patients were able to carry and use <i>Phothiphawadi</i> capsules more easily. After taking this product together with lifestyle changes, all patients recovered from constipation. The <i>Phothiphawadi</i> capsule was an effective treatment with few side effects and a low price.

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