It's that one herb that many men have asked me about in whispered tones, over the years, often in a slightly embarrassed way. In my old herbal store, in messages and in emails. Mostly foreigners. Men who have heard it is THE thing. "Do you know where I can get some?" they often whisper.
The legendary Thai Black Ginseng. Kaempferia parviflora. Locally called "Krachai Dam".
High in the mountains of northern Thailand, the Hmong ethnic hilltribe cultivate it and consume it before hard physical labour, believing it gives them stamina and endurance. Does it work? According to a clinical study conducted in 2010, apparently not. You can read more about it here but basically, "Our results indicate that acute ingestion of K. parviflora failed to improve exercise performance during repeated sprint exercise or submaximal exercise to exhaustion." Clearly in some things the placebo effect is everything.
Hmmm...
But it's a beautiful plant. Shy. It's power hidden from view and it's flowers (almost like little orchids) delicate, and often hidden by lush foliage.
It's has been sold traditionally as a component of Ya Dong - a potent alcoholic drink made with "fortifying herbs" (and sometimes whole scorpions, snakes etc etc) soaked in potent rice spirit for 3-6-12 months. 16 years ago, when I first came to Thailand, it was not uncommon to see bottles for sale at temple fairs, festivals and markets. The recycled whiskey bottles would be lined up with the herbs proudly sitting inside. But, as westernization has crept into Thailand and the big companies and excise-tax-collecting government have tightened control of alcohol sales, it's not easy to find anymore - at least openly, on display. Regular photos like the one which follows are published in the Thai news to show that the police are sharp, on the job and that the distillation and sale of unlicensed (read untaxed!) alcohol will not be tolerated.
But ask any Thai person - discreetly! - and it can be easily magicked up for you. After a few baht have slid under a table.
So now it's more often sold online, dried and in capsule form as a male sexual enhancer. The Thai natural viagra.
Is it's legendary "natural viagra" status warranted? In light of the earlier study quoted when "stamina" and "endurance" were generally studied, and NOT shown to be improved, one needs to ask a harder, more pointed question. Pun Intended. Does Kaempferia parviflora actually improve erectile dysfunction? And yes, there DOES appear to be a clinical, peer reviewed, body of knowledge to support Krachai Dam's legendary status. You can read one of those studies HERE
Do I have it growing in my garden? Well, yes, I believe I do. Currently dormant during the hot season and just a bunch of old roots hidden under the ground - I saw some growing last year under the pomegranate tree next to the noni. When the rains come, it will spring up and I shall be watching it grow and multiply with pleasure, with a view to harvesting some lush roots after the rains and making my own private Ya Dong stash for Christmas Gifts. Cos I'm guessing it will be enjoyed a whole lot more than my pomelo-ginger marmalade or lavender pillows. Please form an orderly queue. LOL.
Smiling at the wonderful abundance of Mother Earth, and hoping you enjoyed reading my contribution to this week's Plant Medicine Challenge.
Contributing to the @earthtribe. Cos it MATTERS.
