In traditional Thai medicine, herbs are used to complement massages that treat illnesses. The herbal bolus (bags) treatment, also known as "herbal heat revival", is believed to calm nerves and redirect the energy that is vital to good health. The original Thai Herbal heat compress is known since the Thai-Burmese battles of the Ayutthaya period (over 200 years ago).

Typically, an herbal bag consists of herbs and spices that are wrapped tightly in muslin or cotton and then infused in hot water or steam. An herbal bag can be used in several ways, from using hands to apply soothing strokes to full massage. This type of massage is said to be particularly good for muscle aches and pains resulting from excessive physical exertion. As the steam vapours penetrate the skin's open pores and enter the lungs, the molecules from the herbs are absorbed into the body.

Alternatively, an herbal bag may be placed onto various parts of the body to relieve sore muscles, stimulate circulation and refresh the skin. The steam from the bag is absorbed by the skin and inhaled. It is believed that toxins are removed from the body via the perspiration caused by the heat. Pressing the steamed herbal bag to parts of the body helps to soothe the aching muscles and joints, removing pain and fatigue. Allow the heat to penetrate into your muscles, and feel stress and tension ease away beneath the healing kneading of a firm (but never painful) massage.

Steamed herbal massage also has cosmetic effects on the skin as it contains natural herbal ingredients. Thai women use it to help ease the tired, blocked feeling that follows childbirth. In rural areas they still swear by this treatment, which is especially popular after childbirth and dieting.

Many of the ingredients used in herbal massage have antibacterial and antifungal properties; the aroma is also a relaxant.

Herbal ball ingredients: Plai, Turmeric, Kaffire Lime, Acacia, Tamarind Leaf, Aloe, Camphor, Barleria Lupulina Lindl, Curcuma Amada, Salt, Criptolepis Buchanani Roem ets.