What is yadom, the Thai herbal inhaler loved by Blackpink’s Lisa and Chris Hemsworth?
The inhalers contain menthol, camphor and other ingredients, and are now offered at luxury hotels – but what exactly are the benefits, and are there any downsides?
There’s something small but mighty you might be missing in your bag – a Thai herbal inhaler, or yadom. It’s a remedy in Thailand for calming stress, easing motion sickness and relieving stuffy noses and headaches, and fans of Thai dramas might recognise it from Netflix’s Mad Unicorn, where the main character often uses the iconic green bottle from the Hong Thai brand.
One of Thailand’s most famous brands, Hong Thai, recorded sales of 300 million baht (around US$9.5 million) in 2023. Remarkably affordable, these herbal inhalers cost less than US$5 each – a six-pack sells for just US$25.90 on Amazon at the time of writing.
“In Thailand, herbal inhalers are a simple yet powerful part of everyday wellness,” Sasithorn Charmorchad, wellness manager of Layan Life, tells us. “We use traditional blends of Thai herbs and essential oils that help clear the senses, boost energy and calm the mind. Visitors love them because they’re easy to carry, refresh instantly in tropical weather, and offer a little piece of authentic Thai culture to take anywhere.”
The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River allows guests to customise their own yadom, while guests of the Mandarin Hotel in Bangkok can get an inhaler from nearby MBK Center shopping mall as a welcoming touch of Thai tradition.
Here’s everything you need to know about these tiny jars that have become all the rage with celebrities and wellness influencers alike.