Buddhists advised to offer herbal medicine to monks

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) - Buddhists are advised to offer herbal medicine, especially citronella mosquito repellents to monks because they are exposed to mosquitoes which are carrier to several diseases. A spokesman of the Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine said monks are prone to mosquitoes bite because they have to wake up early in the morning and conduct prayers both in the morning and the evening. The advice is made as Buddhists throughout Thailand are preparing to celebrate Makha Bucha Day on Monday. Official statistics released by the Department showed that there are more than 290,000 Buddhist monks plus over 50,000 novice in Thailand. In 2015, many monks received medical treatment for cholesteral related illness, diabetes and high blood pressure at Bangkok’s Monk Hospital. The monks suffered from the diseases because they ould not refuse food or offerings given to them by the general public. (TNA)