BANGKOK, 22 April 2012 – The Public Health Health Ministry has instructed its provincial offices to be on high alert for illnesses and fatalities caused by the extreme summer heat, while recommending 6 kinds of herbal drinks to beat the heat.
According to Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri , he has instructed the ministry’s provincial offices to closely monitor risk groups, which include the elderly as well as those suffering from heart disease, hypertension and kidney disease, during the times of drought and heat given it might lead to an illness or even death. At the same time, provincial authorities are to inform the public to avoid outdoor activities or working during extreme heat.
Additionally, the people should be encouraged to wear thin clothes that could absorb perspiration and protect the body from direct heat, to consume healthy food, fruits and vegetables, to avoid alcoholic drinks as it could lead to death, and to drink at least 10 glasses of water each day.
The minister has also suggested that local herbal beverages could ward off the heat. The drinks can be easily made by boiling herbs found in the local area, without adding sugar to it. Mr. Wittaya explained that there are six kinds of herbal drinks which can quench thirst and reduce heat, including bael, pandan, Asiatic pennywort, sappan, chrysanthemum, and “Tre-Pala” drink formula, which is a combination of three herbs: Myrabolan Wood, Beleric myrobalan and Indian gooseberry.
