Umpawan Chutima, the shop's owner, is trying to revive Thailand's old tradition of herbal medicine because she believes that it has taken a back seat to Western medicine and is afraid that the local knowledge may be lost. Herb Basics sells a large variety of herbal products such as soaps, shampoo, skin care products, and herbal oils used for aroma therapy and oil massage. Herb Basic also assembles and sells the herbal massage balls used in massage spas around Thailand. The herbs all come from local farms committed to preserving Northern Thailand's herbal traditions. Aromatic tea pillows, assortment baskets, and incense all make great gift ideas. -Scott Johnson
