Thanakha - Mystery Gift of Myanmar Nature
Become one of the long-aged traditions in Myanmar with the adoration of Burmese people, Thanakha – the secret, the pride, the culture - turns into an impressive point for any traveler when coming to “The country of pagodas”.
Art of making Thanakha, Myanmar
Thanakha is supposed to be used in the 11th century when people saw a woman painting in a Bagan pagoda, she was wearing Thanakha on her face. We can know Thanakha has been used for thousands of years, a tradition that has accompanied the milestones, throughout the very long history of Myanmar.
So what is special about Thanakha, the Mystery Gift of Myanmar Nature? Let's explore this tradition with Asia Private Travels!
1. What is Thanaka?
If you travel to Myanmar and see the yellow paste on the cheeks of children, girls, elderly women, and even men; you wonder what is on their faces. Thanakha, this is what it’s called!
Thanakha is a traditional cosmetic, and skincare product, and also a “medicine god” for health. It is made from the ground bark of the Thanakha tree (Botanical name: Limonia acidissima) and has been used for centuries in Myanmar as a natural beauty treatment. Women and girls often apply on the face, neck, and hand; men sometimes use Thanakha but it’s not common.
Wooden pieces to make Thanakha
With Burmese people, Thanakha plays an important role in their culture. They believe that it helps them avoid bad luck and “the devil”; and also bring blessings to their life. Therefore, they maintained using it for nearly 2000 years for its wonderful meaning. If you have the opportunity to use it, try applying a little more Thanakha powder on your face to feel the instant cooling!
2. Is it difficult to make Thanakha?
The Thanakha tree used to get the bark for cream form must be the tree that has lived for more than 2 years and is abundant in central Myanmar. To obtain quality bark pieces, Thanakha trees must be at least 35 years old. Traditional Thanaka is sold as logs but today people can also buy it in cream or powder form.
Yangon shop owner applies Thanakha
To prepare Thanakha, you will need a stone slab called a KyaukPyin, some water, and a piece of Thanaka tree bark on it to prepare your paste. Wet your slab and the bark of the Thanakha tree is ground into a fine powder, and mixed with water to form a paste. Remember that it will initially appear fairly watery and colorless before developing a lovely golden tone as it dries on your skin.
Thanakha-based cosmetics in the local Thanakha market
The paste is then applied to the face and sometimes other parts of the body, creating decorative patterns or a full-face mask. It is usually left on for several hours or overnight before being washed off.
Please remember! Authentic Thanakha comes from the Limonia acidissima tree, but substitutes like pre-made powders or creams may be available in some regions.
3. The key benefits of Thanakha
The use of Thanaka according to the oral tradition of Myanmar people is probably no different from "panacea". So what is Thanakha used for?
Thanaka Myanmar - The natural beauty secret of Burmese women
Thanakha is favored by women and girls because of the granted reason: Beauty! Almost all other nations use the tree parts for medical, but only Myanmar is known to use them initially for beauty purposes. Thanaka bark is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants so it can be a natural sun protection as a natural sunscreen, providing protection against harmful UV rays and helping to prevent sunburn. In Myanmar, the weather is hot and dry all year round so Thanakha soothes their skin and makes it cooler. Particularly, moisturizing the skin, and keeping it hydrated is another Thanakha benefit! Especially when mixed with other hydrating ingredients like honey or yogurt. Also, it can help reduce the occurrence of breakouts and promote clearer skin; that’s why you see there are no more acnes in Burmese people’s faces!
A Myanmar baby girl with Thanakha
One more Thanakha benefit is medicine for the skin. Thanakha possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm skin irritations, reduce redness, and alleviate inflammation caused by conditions like acne, rashes, or insect bites. Besides, this paste has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in preventing and treating skin infections.
Natural Thanakha does not contain any of the chemicals and synthetic oils used by traditional cosmetics, with no allergies, skin irritation, or any other side effects, even in a lifetime of use.
An interesting point when using Thanakha is you can apply Thanaka powder to the face in many different and creative shapes: Bodhi leaf shape, circle, spiral, rectangular streaks, etc. on important festivals, going out, or in your daily life. Such a special privilege when you visit Myanmar!
4. Is Myanmar the only place that sells Thanakha?
If you have read this far, you must have wanted to use this special product, but can we buy it with high quality and a variety of types when we are not in Myanmar?
In case you are in Myanmar, you will easily find it at every market even in local markets. There are two different types of Thanaka: original wood blocks or powder/cream forms. It has many Thanaka wood blocks available; depending on the location and age of the wood harvested, the cost of these blocks may change. The log will be of greater quality and cost more as it gets older.
Read more: Top 10 Things to Buy in Myanmar
Myanmar girl with traditional Thanakha
Especially, in popular tourist areas that are mentioned in the Myanmar itinerary, such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, or Inle Lake, you can find Thanakha products in souvenir shops and stores catering to tourists. These shops often offer packaged Thanakha products as well as locally-made skincare items. If you want to buy this paste and also have a holiday, you can refer to the Myanmar tour from Asia Private Travels for a great experience!
If you are a foreigner and wonder where to buy Thanakha, you can look for specialty stores or shops that focus on traditional and natural products in Myanmar or Southeast Asian countries. These stores may have a dedicated section for Thanakha products, offering different varieties and brands. Besides, some international stores and online retailers outside of Myanmar also import and sell Thanakha products. These stores might cater to a global customer base interested in traditional.
5. Ending
As an old Asian saying, the world's most beautiful ladies have a Thai smile, Indian eyes, and Burmese skin. Look at the beautiful and bright faces of the Burmese people, it is right! “The country of pagodas” with Thanakha and other special cultures is waiting for your arrival in Myanmar travel!
Let’s find out more about the most impressive Myanmar tourist attractions at Asia Private Travels, we are ready to serve you best! Feel free to send your requests and tailor your dream itinerary to Myanmar!
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