When it comes to inhalers, there’s more to it than the shove-up-your-nose Poy-Sian sticks found at 7-Eleven. Ya dom has deep historical roots in Thai medicinal practice and can still be widely found in its more traditional herbal incarnations. Here are some of the best Thai herbal alternatives.

Credit: www.facebook.com/herbpiness

Herbpiness

Anona

What: Aromatic herbal inhaler with lemongrass scent.
Ingredients: Made from more than 10 natural Thai herbs mixed with lemongrass essential oil.
They say: Helps calm and relax the mind. Once inhaled, it’ll make you feel as if you’re at a spa. It can also relieve dizziness, colds and stuffy noses.
We say: Who would have thought a local home remedy could look this cool? In its green Tossakan Giant packaging, taking a whiff from this lemongrass scent instantly puts you in a better mood. The mild aroma gives a cooling sensation, making you feel refreshed and awake.   
How much: B129 
Available at 6/F, Open House, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 092-696-4549. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.anonathailand.com 

Credit: www.facebook.com/fungscentedherbs

Fung

What: Peppermint scented herbal inhaler 
Ingredients: A variety of herbs and spices, including mace, black pepper, bullet wood and cloves.
They say: Keeps you refreshed and relieves migraine, nausea and sinusitis. 
We say: Although we’re not so sure about its pungent smell, this inhaler might be well suited for someone who needs a good kick throughout the day. 
How much: B55
Available at 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.facebook.com/fungscentedherbs 

Credit: www.facebook.com/cheraim.jisprapat

Cher-Aim

What: Herb-scented inhaler 
Ingredients: Eaglewood, galangal, clove, aniseed and licorice extract. 
They say: Helps refresh the mind and body, relieves stuffy nose, motion sickness, dizziness and nicotine dependence.
We say: The well-balanced aroma gives a nice warming sensation.
How much: B45
Available at leading pharmacies nationwide

Jarungjit

What: Herb-scented inhaler 
Ingredients: Camphor, eucalyptus, ginger, pomelo, clove, agila wood and essential oils.
They say: It will make you feel refreshed and relaxed. Helps ease fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness and motion sickness. It can also help cure a cold.
We say: We’re not going to lie, on the first whiff the aroma is a little strong (reminiscent of the type our grandmothers love to use), but it calms down pretty quickly, giving a genuine calming effect that makes you feel at ease. 
How much: B47
Available at Boots nationwide