Oryza sativa belongs to the Poaceae (""true grass"") family and it is native to tropical and subtropical southern Asia. The violet rice was going to disappear due to the preference of Occidental countries for rice Thai which is also easier to cultivate. It has been reintroduced by fair trade cooperatives in Thailand and Laos. In traditional Chinese medicine, food plants are an integral part of the pharmacopeia. In Thailand, this “essential cereal” is not only consumed, it is genuinely venerated during ceremonies. Rice is a plant rich in amino-acids, vitamins (especially B type), sugars and mineral. The Khao Gram variety (violet rice) contains also anthocyanins which give this purple colour to the bran and have antioxidant properties. Offering astringent and soothing properties, rice is used to heal many skin diseases.