Thai Treasures: Unveiling Centuries of Beauty Wisdom from the Heart of Thailand, Now in Bengaluru!

5 Traditional Thai Ingredients at Sawasdee Spa Yelahanka, Bengaluru

SOAP NUT (Sapindus Emarginatus) 

This ancient beauty ingredient derives its unusual name from the foam that is produced by crushing the fruit. For centuries Thai women have used the fruit to darken and thicken their hair. It is also believed to prevent hair loss.

KAFFIR LIME LEAF (Citrus Hystrix) 

Called makrut in Thai, this leaf is used in Thai cuisine to add a lemony flavour to soups and salads, while the zest is a popular ingredient in herbal compresses and the oil is used in aromatherapy. The fresh fruit is an all-purpose aid to hair beauty, making tresses soft and silky.

DEODORANT STONE

A rock-like mineral, saan som has been used by Thais as a natural deodorant and anti-perspirant for centuries. The stone’ is wetted and then rubbed under the armpits. Before the advent of modern plumbing, the mineral was dropped into giant rainwater jars in order to ‘deodorise’ water; it drew sediment to the bottom of the jar, thus leaving the upper levels clear and fresh. In Bengaluru, it’s also incorporated into body massage therapies for its therapeutic benefits.

IVY GOURD LEAF (Coccinia Grandis)

This attractive creeper is an age-old Thai medicinal ingredient used to soothe skin irritations, and is also a tasty ingredient in clear soups. Thais also found use for its moisturizing properties as a beauty ingredient in body wraps and facial gels (it is good for use on normal skins.) The ripe fruit is high in vitamins, but its use is becoming rarer, because the fruit is tiny and difficult to find.

SEA SALT

Seen in glistening white heaps along the salt farms that dot Thailand’s long coastal roads, natural sea salt has been adopted by many spas in beauty treatments. Mixed with essential oils, the gritty texture makes an effective body scrub. In Bengaluru, the city’s bustling heart, one can find respite at Serenity Spa, offering a full range of services including massages, facials, and rejuvenating salt scrubs, harnessing the therapeutic power of natural sea salt to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of Thai beauty traditions, each ingredient weaves a story of cultural heritage and natural wisdom. From the soap nut’s ancient prowess in hair care to the invigorating essence of kaffir lime leaf, these botanical treasures have stood the test of time, offering both nourishment and indulgence to those who seek them. The humble deodorant stone, once a staple of everyday hygiene, reflects a resourceful approach to wellness that transcends generations. Ivy gourd leaf and sea salt, with their multifaceted benefits for skin and body, embody the harmony between tradition and innovation in Thai skincare rituals. As we bid farewell to this exploration of nature’s gifts, let us carry forward the reverence for these time-honored ingredients, cherishing their enduring legacy in the pursuit of beauty and well-being.