Originating from a foreign land, Thailand has always portrayed their culture and cuisine as exuisite, graceful, and captivating.  With the beautiful homeland, comes the large variety of appetizing snacks, meals, and drinks.  thai cuisine resembles the yin and yang of a balanced yet, delightful diet.  In the main courses, a vast amount of rich carbs are incorporated into the meals which promote daily energy use for one's body.  Not to mention, protein intake can be found in dishes containing beans, peas, and all meamts.  The essential vitamins to the body can also be consumed in the vegetables and salads of spcific dishes.   

Provided the absence of heavy fats in Thai dishes, a large array of herbs and spices contribute to the medicinal qualities of health.  One of many examples is kaffir lime which detoxifies blood, enhances digestion, strengthens immunity, and promotes skin care.  In addition, galangal and turmeric are very popular ingredients which aid in digestion, arthritis, and many otherdisorders of the human body.  Lingnering in the air lies the freshness and aroma of these dishes, but this is due to the use of natural addivites only.  Despite the touch of refined sugars, Thai cuisine resorts to an altenative know as natural palm sugar which, ultimately lowers the glycemic indnex in regards to the effect of blood sugar levels.  Moreover, fish sauce is used as well in replacement of table salt which contains vital proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

T H A I    H E R B S       ( i n    d e p t h )

: L E M O N  G R A S S :

Serving as oneTropical as is to its native origin in Southeast Asia, this plant plalys a crucial role in Thai cuisine.  Lemon grass contains antibacterial and antifungal properties while serving as a remedy to indigestion, neurological problems and high blood pressure.  This magical plant can also alleviate pain, fevers, and inflammation.  Incorporated into curries, tea fishes and meats, lemon grass is the perfect touch to a Thai styled dish!

: T H A I   S W E E T   B A S I L :

Flavorful to many dishes, this Thai basil plant resembles a pale green pigment in its leaves however, it has a tiny touch of spice to it.  Nevertheless, this key component is added to many Thai dishes to make them stand out.  Composed of anise and licorice, these medicinal aspects allow Thai sweet basil to serve as an antimicorbial agent which alleviates constipation, indigestion, and cold symptoms.  This pretty green plant also cleanses the blood arteries and strnegthen's bone health.

: T U R M E R I C :

The universal ingredient in nearly every Thai dish being turmeric is unique in color and flavor.  In turmeric, not only are the rhizomes cooked, but also the leaves and the flowers of it.  The significances of its leaves are incorporated into most Thai fish recipes and can be added to curry soup.  Turmeric also reduces inflammation while serving as a preventive measure for liver diseases and jaundice.

: G A L A N G A L :

Seving as one of the most popular spices utilized in Thai cuisine, it takes the appearence of a "ginger looking" rhizome with a strong aroma.  This herb contrasts the hardness of ginger as well as being less yellow than it.  Importantly to note, galangal treats dearrhea and bloating while promoting digestion and antimicrobial agents.