The Legend of Ya Hoksing in Singkhranakhon Town and the Search for the Possibility of Using the Drug for COVID-19 Treatment

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Ya Hoksing, a folk/local medicine of the southern region originating in the old city of Singkhranakhon, is used by southerners for self-healthcare when there was an epidemic in the past. The medicinal properties of Ya Hoksing (six-herb decoction) are for relieving fever due to meningococcal disease, influenza, herpes simplex, shingles, erysipelas, smallpox, and sangwan phra-in fever. When there is an epidemic in every era, many people died, including the doctors who treated them. So, there was a need to invent a treatment formula and preserve it until the present day. Ya Hoksing is a decoction of six herbal roots for the patients to drink. This study aimed to gather the knowledge and relevant textbooks on Ya Hoksing for the treatment of COVID-19, based on folk medical practices, and for promoting the preservation of local wisdom.

Methods: This documentary research involved the review of literature related to the history and textbooks of Ya Hoksing for the treatment of diseases in the past and the prevention of COVID-19, including research and academic articles as well as online databases related to the legend of Ya Hoksing and the inhibition of the COVID-19 virus. The study also involved in-depth interviews aiming to seek the knowledge and the process of experience transfer from those who had experiences in the utilization of herbs in the study area.

Results: In the study and collection of knowledge from the textbook on Ya Hoksing for the treatment of COVID-19, the folk medicine was used in the past for treating meningococcal fever, influenza, herpes simplex, shingles, erysipelas and smallpox; all the patients were cured. As a result, the drug has become a legend and is still being used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge and wisdom have been passed on to youth in the community from generation to generation; and awareness has been raised for the youth about the conservation and cherishing of such local resources. The study of Ya Hoksing is part of the development of Thai traditional and alternative medicine so that it meets international standards and quality criteria.

Discussion: As per the legend of Ya Hoksing in the old town of Singkhranakhon and the search for the possibility of using the herbal drug against COVID-19, in the past folk healers used medicinal herbs to enhance immunity and strength of the body. As there were no modern medicines in the past, herbal drugs needed to be used for healthcare and the treatment of illnesses in the community, especially toxic fever, meningococcal fever, or viral infections. At present, the knowledge and textbooks on Ya Hoksing have been gathered and passed on to the following generations for a long time. According to the review and analysis of research results on the treatment of diseases and inhibition of viral growth with Ya Hoksing, the herbal drug has been found to help relieve illness symptoms with a good anti-inflammatory property.

Conclusion and recommendation: According to the study, the data on the Ya Hoksing formula can be used for further studies on herbal medicines especially their biological activities in the laboratory and clinical settings. The purpose is to develop the knowledge of Thai herbs in public health work and for use as guidelines on the establishment of herbal drug formulas for Thai traditional medicine practitioners.