Understanding "Ya That": Balancing Wind and Fire Elements for Digestive Relief

  We’ve previously discussed “Ya That” (elemental remedy), but today let’s take a deeper dive — because chances are you’ve used this medicine more often than you realize, especially when dealing with bloating, abdominal tightness, or indigestion.

What Does "That" Mean in Traditional Thai Medicine?

The term “That” (ธาตุ) comes from traditional Thai and ancient medical beliefs, which consider the human body and all things in nature to be made up of four elements: earth, water, wind, and fire. When one of these elements is out of balance, illness can occur. Among them, wind and fire elements are most directly related to the digestive system and gastrointestinal function.

When the Wind and Fire Elements Are Imbalanced

Imbalance in the wind element often presents as bloating, gas, belching, abdominal tightness, or flatulence. Imbalance in the fire element typically relates to poor digestion, indigestion, or excessive stomach acid.

What Is Ya That?

Ya That refers to remedies made from a combination of herbs or chemical substances that help restore the balance of wind and fire elements. It helps relieve flatulence, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and aids digestion.

Two Common Types of Ya That in Thailand

The two most commonly used Ya That formulas in Thailand are the red Ya That (Ya That Nam Daeng) and the white Ya That (Ya That Nam Khao), each with different ingredients and properties.

Red Ya That

Red Ya That primarily contains sodium bicarbonate, which is alkaline and helps neutralize stomach acid — a key cause of bloating and abdominal discomfort. It also contains essential oils from herbs such as peppermint, dill seed oil, ginger oil, chili oil, *Gord Nam Tao* (traditional herb), and camphor. These ingredients help expel gas from the stomach and intestines, relieve bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux, and reduce sour belching and vomiting caused by excess stomach acid.

Precautions for Red Ya That

Although red Ya That is generally safe, patients with kidney disease, heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should use it cautiously. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use, as it contains sodium which may affect those conditions.

White Ya That

White Ya That contains phenyl salicylate (salol) as its main ingredient, which acts as a mild antiseptic in the intestines. It may also contain menthol to help relieve gas and create a cooling sensation in the abdomen. Some formulations include coriander seed oil for additional carminative (gas-relieving) effects.

Precautions for White Ya That

White Ya That should not be used by people allergic to aspirin, as salol has a chemical structure similar to aspirin and can cause allergic reactions. Its mild antiseptic properties may help relieve mild diarrhea from non-serious infections. It also helps reduce flatulence and stomach discomfort but does not reduce stomach acid.

Safe Usage Guidelines

Always shake the bottle before use. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should consult a pharmacist to determine the proper dosage before using either red or white Ya That.

Important Warnings

While both types of Ya That are used for symptom relief, overuse or prolonged use beyond the recommended dosage can be harmful. Using the medicine repeatedly without treating the root cause may allow an underlying condition to worsen — for example, a person may have an ulcer or tumor in the stomach causing pain and bloating, but continue to take Ya That just to ease symptoms, which may delay diagnosis and worsen the condition.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 2–3 days, or if symptoms return after the effects of the medicine wear off, consult a pharmacist or see a doctor immediately to identify the root cause and treat it appropriately.

Shelf Life of Ya That

Please note that once opened, Ya That is only good for 6 months. Be sure to write the opening date on the bottle, and avoid purchasing large quantities that may not be used within that period.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions about medicine use, feel free to contact the Drug Information Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University via LINE: @guruya  

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthada Areepian, RPh Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwsoowan, RPh Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University