It’s a bad day for the people who rely on scent therapy to get through life. Thai herbal inhaler manufacturer Hong Thai Panich has recalled a batch of its Hong Thai Herbal Mixed Balm after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand issued a warning that a product sample tested positive for microbial contamination.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Department of Medical Sciences found contamination in three particular categories: total aerobic microbial count, total combined yeasts and mould count, and Clostridium spp., a spore-forming bacterium.
The Thai FDA said that Hong Thai Panich has already recalled all products from the contaminated batch, manufactured on December 9, 2024, so hopefully the pieces of Hong Thai you have are safe.
But if you’re still in doubt, here are five alternative herbal products for you to inhale — plus, what your choice says about you.
Vicks Inhaler
If your choice is the Vicks inhaler, you either have a maternal instinct, or are in deep need of a hug from your mom. The more popular Vicks product is the VapoRub, the go-to for kids in need of relief from a cough or headaches, but if you find yourself in a dizzying UV Express ride between places, the inhaler also comes with a keychain you can attach to your bag or lanyard.
Katinko Nasal Decongestant
Like Vicks, Katinko also has an inhaler, but the Filipino menthol brand’s product is specifically called “Nasal Decongestant” and is geared towards relief for stuffy noses. If you choose Katinko, you’re probably prone to colds — or in our own terms, “sipunin.” You radiate major kawawa vibes. Maybe you should be wearing a mask, while you’re at it?
White Flower Oil
Ever wound up in your school clinic with a headache, a fever, period pains, a sprained ankle, or any other malady? Chances are, you’ve been handed a cotton swab soaked in this clear, minty substance. I still don’t know if this actually helped with my thumb sprain after a volleyball game in high school, but it does smell good. White Flower oil is for when you don’t know what to reach for yet, because you’re indecisive.
Efficascent Oil
Whenever parents get a home massage service, their room always smells strongly of Efficascent Oil after the masseuse leaves. It’s used more as an oil to relieve muscle pain, but its scent is so strong it can literally fill a whole room. If this is your go-to “inhaler,” and if there’s a stale or expired bottle of Efficascent Oil in your medicine cabinet, it means you’re sentimental, and probably getting old.
Poy-Sian Mark II Inhaler
Still in need of a Thai alternative to Hong Thai? Poy-Sian is the Apple of inhalers. You probably hustle, because it’s for people on-the-go and the self-declared “corpo slaves” who need something versatile. The Poy-Sian Mark II Inhaler sounds like a software upgrade: double-sided for inhaling and massaging your sinuses. You can even Labubu-fy it with cute cases from Shopee. You’re discerning, but possibly to a fault.
