According to Myanmar traditional medical belief there are 96 diseases, which afflict humankind. Using fresh or dried roots, stems, barks, leaves, buds and flowers of medicinal plants, and the hair, fat, bones and organs of certain insects, reptiles and mammals, Myanmar indigenous medicine is able to heal and cure all 96 maladies. Indigenous medicines are administered as powders, mixtures, decoctions, infusions, percolates, pastes, extracts, preserves, pills or tablets. During World War II with its attendant shortage of western drugs, people took recourse to indigenous drugs. Today there are 185 township clinics, three herbal gardens, two museums, two drug manufacturing factories, one diploma course school and nearly 16,000 indigenous medical practitioners throughout the country.

Myanmar are inveterate snackers, consuming relishes and savory treats at all times of the day and night. The Myanmar word for snack "Thayaysar" literally meaning food for the salivary juices. The people are averse to giving their digestive glands any prolonged rest. Probably this is the reason there is the plethora of shops, stalls, mobile vendors and hawkers selling every imaginable kind of food, drink and snacks. The Chin-ngan-sart [sour, salty, hot] recipe is also favored in other types of snacks like Monhinga [rice noodles with fish gravy], Oan-no-Kaukswe [noodles with coconut milk chicken gravy], Letthoke [salad of noddles, vermicelli, Monhinga and vegetables] and some other types of soup and food. The Chin-nga-sart formula can readily be adjusted to suit the consumer's taste as slices or cubes of lime or lemon, vinegar, fish paste sauce and the ubiquitous roasted chili powder made from sliced green chilies are on hand. No self-respecting food seller in Myanmar will be caught with a short supply of the Chin-ngan-sart requisites. In case visitors fear that only a one-combination flavor is available. Candied tamarinds, plum, tomatoes, figs, all having a sweet-sour taste are also sold here. In addition, boiled ripe mango pulp in dried sheet form, durian and pineapple jams which are sweet and maintain their original smell and taste, vegetable marrow candy, groundnut and sesame brittles all have sweet, rich tastes. Salted, roasted groundnuts, sunflower and watermelon needs with their salty rich flavors also see brisk sales, proving that Myanmar's fond of all flavors and tastes. What is it that makes Myanmar's snack addicts? Certainly not hunger, for all can count on at least two square meals a day to which they do full justice. Chewing something does keep a person wide-awake and alert, eases boredom and can freshen up the mouth; sour-tastes like lime and lemon are known to relieve or cure giddiness and headaches so there are ample reasons for the enjoyable habit.