What is Yaa Dong?

“The reason Craig had to be hospitalised with an infection was because he didn’t cleanse after his fight” A conversation with a Kru

Cleanse, what is this unspoken greatness to achieving higher heath and wellbeing?
I expect the answer with a twist of what I fondly refer to as ‘Thai Style.’ Having spent six months in Thailand living at a Muay Thai gym, I have an insight into the cultural idiosyncrasies which at times can be challenging and frequently borderline hysterical. When a Thai talks about ‘cleansing’ or ‘cleaning’ they are basically off to do a poo, not sweep the floor.

So as a Personal Trainer with an interest in bodily functions, I wonder about this cleansing drink and it’s ingredients. The search took time, like a quest for a hidden secret.

Finally, success and as suspected it is very ‘Thai style’.

Yaa Dong is this magical ‘cleansing’ drink!
In Thai, Yaa means medicine and Dong, fermentation. 11 Tigers is a brand of the only available Yaa Dong found in Thailand. The powder makes drinks red and nothing like a fancy cocktail. It is suppose to be good for joints and arthritis, amongst other things.

Look out for this packet in Thailand

Herbs, wood, bark, vines, roots, and seeds of trees and other plants thought to have curative properties are dried and soaked in liquid for a matter of hours to weeks to extract the goodness, this can then be powdered.

The “fun” variety of Yaa Dong is made with Lao Khao a local white spirit that tastes like gasoline and feels like rocket fuel (not for the weak hearted) From one that has tried and with complete certainty, a small amount of this drink will make you drunk.

Want to make your own?
Trust your Kru to know what you need after I fight.
As a personal trainer I would recommend electrolyte drinks and eating protein, a cold shower, lots of tiger balm on your sore spots and a deep tissue massage a few days after.

Or you can make yourself some Yaa Dong, if you are brave (crazy) enough.
Purchase 11 Tiger’s add to a bottle of Lao Khao, wait a week and then take your liver into your own hands. Or ask around for Yaa Dong with herbs and a bit of honey at shops and markets*.
* I cannot be held responsibility for any positive or negative affects.

I am Londoner born and bred. I came to Thailand six months ago for six weeks. I am mad about sports and training but unable to run stupid distances because of a bike accident. I needed a challenge and where better and what sport to do that is better than a kick ass Muay Thai session? I am now borderline obsessed. I am lucky to live at a Muay Thai gym in Thailand so I get up close with the quirks of the culture and also the array of trainers, each with their own twist on Muay. Most importantly I am a girl, not the traditional calling in Thailand! I could write a book of comments “you are strong, for a girl, you are like a man" or my favourite “Suzi you dress so pretty but you like to fight?” I could go on… http://gravatar.com/suzihallpt

Suzi

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