If you spend any time in Thailand, one small cultural curiosity quickly becomes obvious: people constantly sniffing small tubes or bottles of mentholated herbs. On the BTS, in offices, in markets, even in nightclubs, someone will inevitably pull out a tiny inhaler and take a quick sniff.
These products are called “ya dom” (ยาดม), which literally means “medicine for smelling.”
They are herbal nasal inhalers containing menthol, camphor, and other aromatic compounds. Although the idea of stuffing a piece of plastic up your nose every 5 minutes is somewhat weird to us foreign folk, ya dom is deeply embedded in Thai daily life and traditional medicine.
In fact, for many Thais, a ya dom is as normal as carrying lip balm or chewing gum.
What Exactly Are Thai Inhalers?
Thai inhalers usually contain a blend of aromatic substances such as:
- Menthol (derived from peppermint oil)
- Camphor crystals
- Borneol
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, clove, or lemongrass
These compounds stimulate sensory receptors in the nasal passages, creating a strong cooling sensation and the feeling that the airways have opened up.
Most come in a small two-sided tube. One side is a cotton wick soaked in essential oils for sniffing. The other side contains liquid oil that can be applied to the skin or a handkerchief.
Where Did the Practice Come From?
The widespread use of inhaled herbal scents in Thailand comes from traditional herbal medicine and aromatherapy, which have been practiced across Asia for thousands of years.
In Thailand specifically:
- Aromatherapy became fashionable during the reign of King Rama II (early 1800s).
- Historical texts from that period mention the royal court’s appreciation of fragrant herbs.
- Traditional herbal inhalers were originally made from natural ingredients such as citrus peel and aromatic plants.
By the 20th century, commercial brands emerged, and inhalers became a common household remedy. Poy-Sian and Hong Thong are two of the most iconic brands, with Poy-Sian reportedly dating back to the 1930s. These inhalers are now officially classified as traditional medicines by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, cementing their place in daily Thai life.
Why Do Thais Use Them So Much?
Several cultural and environmental factors explain their popularity.
1. Relief From Dizziness, Tiredness & Mental Fog
Thailand’s heat and humidity can cause dizziness and tiredness, and often a hazy head, particularly when standing for long periods in the baking heat. A quick sniff of menthol or camphor stimulates nerve endings and increases airflow sensation, which can make people feel instantly more alert.
2. Clearing Nasal Congestion
Menthol creates the sensation of open airways, which is why similar ingredients appear in products like chest rubs and decongestants.
3. Combating Pollution and Smells
In crowded cities, inhalers help mask unpleasant odors from traffic, markets, or drains.
4. A Cultural Habit
Over time, what began as medicine became a social norm. Today students, office workers, taxi drivers, and elderly people all carry them.
For many Thais, the inhaler provides a small moment of refreshment or mental reset during the day.
Why Do Some People Seem Addicted?
Although ya dom does not contain narcotics, it can become habitual.
Menthol and camphor stimulate sensory nerves in the nose and produce an immediate refreshing sensation. Because the nasal cavity has a thin barrier to the brain, the stimulation is felt very quickly, which can encourage repeated use.
This leads to what is essentially psychological reinforcement:
- Quick relief
- Instant cooling sensation
- A mild “wake-up” effect
Over time, people may reach for the inhaler automatically whenever they feel tired, stressed, or congested.
It's almost like vaping, or even carrying a mobile phone; you keep reaching for it if it's in your pocket. In some ways, ya dom seems to give people something to do during mundane work, which may explain its prevalence among shop workers and taxi drivers waiting at ranks for business.
So while it isn’t chemically addictive like nicotine, the behaviour can become compulsive.
Is It Healthy to Use Them Regularly?
Used occasionally, they are generally considered safe. But heavy use isn’t ideal.
Potential Issues
1. Nasal Irritation
Excessive inhalation can irritate the nasal lining or respiratory tract. Frequent inhalation can dry out or inflame the nasal mucosa. Damaged mucosa is less effective at trapping bacteria and viruses, making you more susceptible to upper respiratory infections.
2. Habit Formation
Some people end up sniffing them dozens of times per day, creating psychological dependence. While not chemically addictive, the immediate cooling sensation and sense of alertness can reinforce repeated use, making the inhaler a constant comfort or “go-to” during work, commuting, or stressful moments. Over time, reaching for it can become automatic, similar to checking a phone or sipping coffee, which is why some Thais carry a Ya Dom almost everywhere they go.
3. Hygiene Risks
Because the inhaler is placed directly under the nose, sharing it with others can easily transfer germs, including colds or flu. Even touching the tip repeatedly can introduce bacteria, sharing is not advised.
4. Masking Underlying Problems
The inhalers only provide short-term relief from dizziness, congestion, or a feeling of stuffiness. Relying on them too much may mask underlying health problems, such as sinus infections, allergies, or circulatory issues, delaying proper treatment.
Thai health guidance typically advises moderation and avoiding direct contact with the nasal cavity.
The Bottom Line
Menthol and camphor inhalers are not just a quirky habit, they’re a product of traditional herbal medicine, climate, and culture.
They became popular because they provide quick relief from dizziness and congestion, offer a refreshing sensation in hot climates, and are small, cheap, and socially normalized.
Used occasionally, they’re generally harmless. But frequent use can become habitual and may irritate the nose over time.
In other words, they are closer to a herbal stimulant or sensory comfort item than a true medicine, which probably explains why you see so many people reaching for them throughout the day.
Get Good Health Insurance:
Get a quote here from Cigna. It takes two minutes. You can then compare it to other companies.
Send Money to Thailand:
If you are sending money to your loved one, or your Thai bank account, try Wise. It is fast and low-fee. Me and a large number of my readers use it.
Improve Your Thai Skills:
Learning Thai makes life much easier here, and way more fun. I use Thaipod101. Click here to get a free account. It is really easy to use.
[/tipsBox]
Last Updated on
Jaroslav Kovaricek says
I always take it to Australia and people there enjoy it very much.
Mar 26, 2026 at 12:15 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 26, 2026 at 4:36 pm
mark stephenson says
Mar 25, 2026 at 11:29 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 25, 2026 at 4:04 pm
Munnster says
Mar 25, 2026 at 8:26 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 25, 2026 at 4:03 pm