Plai vs Cay Hy Thiem

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Plai

Zingiber cassumunar

Musculoskeletal

Siegesbeckia orientalis

Musculoskeletal

Plai

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cay Hy Thiem

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A Thai ginger species used as the primary anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant herb in Thai massage therapy.

A Vietnamese herb used for joint pain, hypertension, and as an anti-inflammatory remedy.

Active Compounds

cassumunarins, phenylbutenoids, zerumbone, terpenes

kirenol, siegesbeckin, darutoside, sesquiterpenes

Traditional Uses

muscle pain, arthritis, sprain, inflammation

arthritis, joint pain, hypertension, skin conditions

Modern Uses

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant

anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive

Adult Dosage

Topical balm. Internal: 3-6g daily

9-15g dried herb daily

Contraindications

pregnancy topically, broken skin

pregnancy

Side Effects

skin sensitization with prolonged topical use

generally well tolerated

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E