#PostpartumCare

In modern Thailand, as people seek wellness regimens that honor both tradition and science, few remedies resonate as strongly as ยาปลูกไฟธาตุ (Ya Pluk Fai Thatu). Literally “medicine to ignite the body’s element of fire,” this ancient herbal mixture is woven into the lore of postpartum recovery and the restoration of internal energy. Rooted in centuries-old wisdom yet standing at the frontier of modern research, ยาปลูกไฟธาตุ is capturing fresh interest—not just for its cultural credentials but also for emerging studies examining its medicinal properties. What lies behind this revered remedy, and how does modern science engage with its storied past?

In a revealing study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers have shed light on concerning trends in maternal health, particularly the rise in maternal deaths occurring well after the delivery period. The analysis reports that nearly one-third of maternal deaths in the United States take place more than six weeks postpartum, highlighting an urgent need for extended healthcare for new mothers.

The study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s division of reproductive health, which, until recently, played a pivotal role in tracking maternal mortality rates and identifying health disparities. This research found a 28% increase in pregnancy-related deaths between 2018 and 2022, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic.