Hong Thai Inhaler Explained: Thailand’s Go-To Ya-Dom (ยาดม)
- Afrah F
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Thailand was my first ever travel destination, and if you've been here before, you'd know how badly you want to go back. More than its history and culture, it's the little things that get you hooked. From the 7/11 shopping sprees to tiny, delicious snacks like Luk Chup, my biggest treasure discovery was Hong Thai Inhaler. Yes, the herb compound that every local and Farang is obsessed over.
Once I was back home, I searched above and beyond to find this Thai compound herb inhaler, and decided that I needed to write about this magical Ya-Dom.
What is Hong Thai Inhaler, and what is it used for?
Hong Thai is a Ya Dom (ยาดม), a herbal compound inhaler made by mixing camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, borneol and other Thai herbs. Generally, studies show that Thai inhalers consist of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like ginger roots, clove buds, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, and citrus peels (Buddha's hand), among others. The brand Hong Thai carries a very unique family passed-down recipe, hence the exact herbs are still a mystery.
People use Hong Thai herbal inhaler primarily for nasal congestion and to control sinus flare-ups. I had a blocked nose while I was in Bangkok during my trip, and decided to visit 7/11 for recommendations. That's when I found the glorious Hong Thai herbal inhaler, and it saved 4 days of my trip.
Types of Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler
Hong Thai herbal inhaler comes in different formulas, but they all come as a compound:
Formula 2 (The most common)
Green Formula 1
Yellow Formula 1
Hong Thai Herbal Inhalant
Why do Thai People use Inhalers?
Many Thai locals use Hong Thai due to pollen allergy. Pollen is quite common in tropical countries throughout the year as seasons are different to those in the West. Flowers keep blooming year-round, producing pollen and causing sinus problems. Additionally, Thai people use herbal inhalers to get over nausea when travelling, to ease headaches, and dizziness.
Are Thai Herbal Inhalers Safe?
Generally, Thai Herbal Inhalers are safe to use. Aromatherapy is an ancient medicinal ritual followed by the Chinese, Egyptians and many advanced civilisations over 3000 years ago.
Ya Dom herbal inhalers, including Hong Thai, are prescribed as a generic household medicine as per the Thai Ministry of Public Health B.E. 2550 (2007). However, misuse of Thai Herbal Inhalers can cause respiratory failure, as per a case reported of a 51-year-old. These are extremely rare occurrences.
How long does a Thai Compound Herbal Inhaler last?
The Hong Thai herbal inhaler can last anywhere from 1 month to a year, depending on how often you use it. Mine lasted for about 6 months. However, it’s best to replace it after about 2 months, as the herbal ingredients may lose their effectiveness. The aroma also fades significantly over time. Hong Thai inhaler usually has a 3-year shelf life.
Benefits and Side Effects of Hong Thai Inhaler
Benefits of Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler
Provides quick relief from nasal congestion
Helps ease dizziness, motion sickness, or nausea
Refreshes and clears the mind with menthol and herbal oils
May reduce stress and fatigue through aromatherapy
Portable and easy to carry for instant use
Non-addictive and made with natural ingredients
Useful for cold symptoms or mild headaches
Popular for reviving fainting or light-headedness
Side Effects of Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler
Possible irritation if used too frequently
May cause nasal dryness with overuse
Not suitable for people sensitive to menthol or camphor
Can cause allergic reactions in rare cases (e.g. skin rash, itching)
Inhalation close to the eyes may cause discomfort or watering
Not recommended for children under 2 years
Excessive inhaling may lead to dizziness
Is Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler FDA-approved?
No. The Hong Thai Inhaler (along with many other Thai herbal inhalers) is not FDA-approved because they're classified under traditional medicine in Thailand, not Pharmaceutical products.
Best Yadom Inhaler in the Market
There are so many herbal inhaler brands in Thailand. Out of the 3 Thai compound inhalers that I've tried, below is my recommendation on the best Thai herbal inhalers.
Yadom Hong Thai Vs. Poy Sian
If you like herbal, earthy tones, Hong Thai is the perfect choice. Especially when you're down with a cold or sinus irritation, the soothing smell of Hong Thai is really a lifesaver.
On the other hand, if you like the strong menthol smell, Poy Sian is your go-to. Those with motion sickness and nausea prefer Poy Sian. Plus, it's a longstanding brand.
Yadom Black Inhaler Vs. Hong Thai
The Black Inhaler gives a strong, medicinal punch that feels more energising than soothing. Popular among young people, athletes, and rave-goers, it gives a quick mental boost and is often seen in Thai dramas.
However, Black Inhaler lacks the gentle, herbal comfort that Hong Thai provides.
Additionally, you'll find many other inhaler brands catering to various essence profile seekers. If you're travelling around Thailand, make sure to grab a bunch of them to try out.
How to Identify a Fake Hong Thai Inhaler?
Fake Hong Thai inhalers are rare, but spotting one can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the original scent. Many counterfeit versions still use key ingredients like menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus, making them hard to distinguish from the real ones.
Unless you're an expert, it’s nearly impossible to tell by smell alone. That’s why we’ve put together 5 simple ways to help you identify the genuine product.
Hong Thai Inhaler Original Vs. Fake
Check the logo placement at the bottom of the bottle and on the packaging. The fake one doesn't have the logo.
The genuine bottle has a clear word print on the wrapper.
The Drug Registration No. and properties are listed in both Thai and English on the genuine bottle.
The genuine bottle has a barcode with the weight (40g/25g) and the award badges, along with a QR code.
The compound gauze has smaller mesh openings in the genuine bottle.
Due to mass production across multiple facilities, some batches may have slight differences in look and feel, but the smell is always the same.
Where to Buy Hong Thai Inhaler?
If you're in Thailand, you can buy this inhaler and the Hong Thai Inhalant (which is rare to find outside) from any convenience store like 7/11 or a supermarket. It's very common and widely available.
If you're outside Thailand, the best option is an online marketplace like Amazon or AliExpress; however, keep in mind that some vendors online do sell fake versions of Hong Thai inhalers. If you're a first-time user, we recommend you buy two from two different sellers to see whether you receive the same.
Price of Hong Thai Inhaler
The regular Hong Thai herbal inhaler can be purchased for 35 Baht in Thailand (about 1$). If you're buying online, the prices may go up to 10$. But it's totally worth the price.
Concluion
And there you go! Everything you need to know about Hong Thai herbal inhaler. If you've been to Thailand before and come across this magical aromatherapy in a bottle, let us know your discovery story in the comments below!
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