Aroma Pets

Plai - Zingiber Cassumunar

History and Character

Approximately 60 cm/2 ft. tall, plai has grass like lancelet leaves die anually. The flower stalk bearing white or yellow flowers grow directly from the root.

The tuberous root is thick and white inside with a wonderfully characteristic ginger scent.

Plai is native to Thailand, where for centuries it has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly to combat joint and muscle pain.

While closely related to "normal" ginger, it is not hot. Plai has a unique cooling action on inflamed areas, whether they are joints and muscles or kidneys and lungs.

There is some research suggesting that undiluted plai works as well as ibuprofen for pain relief in humans. Plai has also been used to counter irritable bowel syndrome and for asthma.

Plai from central Thailand has a significant percentage of dimethoxyphenyl butadiene, known for it's analgesic effects. Plai is energetically cooling, allowing dogs who are wound up or hot tempered to feel more grounded and trusting.

Principal Uses

Physical

Astma - Catarrh - Digestive upset - Fevers - Inflammation of Joints and Muscles - Influenza - Respiratory problems - Soft tissue damage, Sprains and stains.

Behavioral

Agitated - Bad tempered - Confused - Impatient

I most often use Plai for: For any musculo-skelatal pain or injury, especially if dogs are bad tempered or worn down by injuries, have an occasional dry cough, or digestion is disturbed.

Extraction and Characteristics: Steam distilled from the fresh or dried root.

Fragrance: Cool, green, pungent, with a hint of earth.

Actions: Analgesic, anti-neualgic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic-antitoxic, antiviral, carminative, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, ruefacient, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.

Safety & Cautions: No known safety issues.

Maximum dilution: 5 drops in 5ml/1 ts.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag