Development of Innovative Tom Yum Menthol Herbal Inhaler and Value-Added Packaging: A Community-Based Approach for Agricultural Income Enhancement in Nong Khai Province, Thailand

Abstract

Agricultural communities in Nong Khai Province possess abundant indigenous herbal resources that have yet to be effectively transformed into high-value commercial products. This study aimed to develop an innovative Tom Yum menthol inhaler by integrating signature Thai herbs commonly used in Tom Yum—namely galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, chili, and shallots—with menthol for therapeutic functionality, alongside culturally expressive packaging design intended to strengthen the local identity and enhance farmers’ income under the Nong Khai Model framework. A sequential mixed-methods research design was employed in three phases: 1. formulation optimization using response surface methodology (RSM), 2. sensory and consumer satisfaction evaluation (n = 100), and 3. packaging assessment through conjoint analysis. The optimized inhaler formulation consisted of 18.2% menthol (w/w) combined with a balanced blend of Tom Yum herbal essential oils in a 2:3:2:1:2 ratio (galangal: lemongrass: kaffir lime: chili: shallots), packaged in 8-gram containers. The resulting quadratic RSM model was highly significant (R² = 0.9318, p < 0.0001), and the optimized formula achieved an overall acceptability score of 8.31 ± 0.29 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Consumer satisfaction with packaging design was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, with packaging satisfaction rated at the highest level (overall mean score of 4.63 ± 0.89). The marketing dimension received the highest average score (4.66 ± 0.90). Conjoint analysis further revealed that the storytelling-based packaging design (P3) generated a 31.2% price premium compared with a minimalist alternative. The developed product had an 82.5% increase in market value, from THB 120 to THB 219 per box (6 units). Furthermore, the projected Social Return on Investment (SROI) under a 1-year operational assumption yielded a ratio of 3.30, indicating that every THB 1 invested generated THB 3.30 in social value. This highlights a significant potential for sustainable economic and social value creation within the community enterprise. Ultimately, the findings demonstrate a replicable model for converting local herbal resources into high-value innovative products, with significant implications for sustainable rural economic development.