FAQ - Medicated Oil and Green Balm
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• What is the difference between Yamong and Khee Phueng?
In ancient times, the term “Yamong” did not appear in traditional Thai medical texts. Topical medicines with a semi-solid consistency, intended for external application and commonly prepared with natural beeswax, were referred to as “khee phueng” (ointment). In more refined usage, the term “si phueng” was also employed as a polite alternative, followed by a description of the medicine’s specific purpose or method of use.
• Differences Between Medicated Oil and Green Balm
Medicated oil and Green Balm are suited to different applications and uses.
Medicated Oil and Green Balm originate from the same traditional formula and share identical therapeutic properties. When beeswax is incorporated into the Medicated Oil, it becomes a Green Balm.
Because Medicated Oil absorbs rapidly beneath the skin, beeswax is added to slow its absorption and allow the active ingredients to remain closer to the skin for a longer period. This is intended to address conditions affecting superficial areas or to support massage therapy.
The choice between Green Balm and Medicated Oil therefore depends on whether the condition affects superficial areas near the skin or deeper tissues beneath it, as well as on whether massage is intended as part of the treatment.
• What is the difference between the Original Medicated Oil and the Hot Formula?
Differences between the Original Medicated Oil and the Hot Formula
- The original Medicated Oil is more versatile and suitable for a wider range of applications.
- The Hot Formula Medicated Oil is based on the same core formulation, with additional warming herbs incorporated to enhance heat generation. This allows the active ingredients to penetrate more deeply, making it particularly suitable for chronic muscle aches and persistent tendon discomfort.
However, due to its warming properties, this oil is not suitable for areas where heat is already present, as it may cause a stinging or burning sensation, such as:
- During fever accompanied by body aches
- In cases of inflammation
- On fresh or open wounds
- On sensitive skin areas, or near the eyes, nose, and mouth
How can one determine whether to use Green Balm or Medicated Oil, and whether to choose the original or the hot formula?
The herbal tendon care range consists of four formulations: the Original Green Balm, the Hot Formula Green Balm, the Original Medicated Oil, and the Hot Formula Medicated Oil. All four are prepared from the same core traditional formula. Beeswax is added to allow the medicine to remain on the skin for a longer period and to make it suitable for massage, resulting in the ointment form.
For the hot formula, additional warming herbs are incorporated into the original recipe to enable deeper penetration of the active ingredients and to stimulate improved blood circulation. This enhances the body’s ability to repair and relieve areas of discomfort more effectively.
The selection of the appropriate formulation should therefore be based on whether massage is desired and on whether the underlying condition is superficial or deep. The suitable order of application, according to the depth of action required, is as follows—from superficial to deep:
- Green Balm
- Hot Formula Green Balm
- Medicated Oil
- Hot Formula Medicated Oil
Depth of Action of the Four Herbal Tendon Care Formulations, from Superficial to Deep
If there is uncertainty regarding the depth or cause of the condition, it is advisable to begin with the (Original) Medicated Oil. This formulation does not require massage, is versatile in use, and is generally effective for a wide range of conditions. Moreover, it may be used when inflammation is present. In such cases, the hot formula is not recommended, as additional heat may aggravate inflammation and cause a burning or stinging sensation.