Northern Thailand is home to some of Asia’s most distinctive herbs. The region’s altitude, mineral-rich soil, and constant humidity shape plants that are more aromatic and concentrated in natural compounds than their lowland counterparts. Many of these herbs are not grown as commercial crops but as household plants — part of daily cooking, tea-making, and basic wellness.
Practical tradition
In the northern villages, herbs are used functionally, not symbolically. Lemongrass to ease digestion, kaffir lime leaf to clean the air, turmeric to preserve food and health. Every home garden holds a few of these plants within arm’s reach. The habit of using them daily is what keeps the tradition alive.
A less-known fact: many mountain herbs in this region grow stronger because of temperature fluctuations — warm days and cool nights. These shifts trigger higher production of essential oils and polyphenols, which explain the deeper scent and flavor compared to herbs grown in uniform tropical heat.
Sourcing and cultivation
At EastWest Organics, we source from small farms in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Nan. Most farmers rely on natural shade, compost, and rainfall rather than irrigation or chemical inputs. Their methods resemble forest gardening — low disturbance, steady cycles, and mixed crops that protect the soil. This balance produces herbs with higher vitality and longer shelf life.
Core herbs from the north
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Lemongrass – clean citrus aroma, supports digestion and circulation.
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Jiaogulan – adaptogenic vine, helps maintain energy balance.
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Butterfly Pea – cooling flower rich in anthocyanins that support visual and skin health.
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Galangal – warming root that aids respiration and adds depth to food.
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Turmeric – known for its curcumin content, used in both cuisine and traditional care.
A quiet continuity
Mountain-grown herbs from northern Thailand are not exotic to the people who use them — they’re part of a simple, functional life. Our aim is to preserve that connection and share it with clarity: clean herbs, grown naturally, carrying the quiet strength of the place they come from.
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