Herbal approach the road to inner and outer harmony

People in Eastern countries have long believed that a balance between inner and outer harmony maintains physical and mental health.

Indonesians have practiced traditional medicine and herbal remedies for centuries, as stated in many inscriptions and other historical artifacts.

Although written records of traditional medicine in Indonesia are extremely rare, evidence of the use of herbal remedies and body massages can be found etched on the walls of Borobudur temple, Central Java.

In Bali, ancient Lontar Usadha (palm inscriptions) recorded numerous traditional medicines to cure tangible and intangible illnesses according to Balinese beliefs.

Within Indonesia, healing traditions differ from region to region.

In Java, especially Central Java, people consume jamu, one of the most widely used herbal medicines.

Jamu has four basic functions: to cure illnesses, prevent diseases or maintain health (by promoting blood circulation and increasing metabolism), relieve aches and pains (by reducing inflammation and aiding digestion) and correct malfunction such as infertility and menstrual problems.

Jamu is available in many different forms. It may be consumed as a tonic or brew, be used in body wraps, or as a massage oil. Balinese people use boreh (a scrub), a traditional village remedy originally used by rice farmers in Bali.

It is believed that boreh stimulates body warmth and relieves aching muscles and joints, especially during the cold and rainy seasons.

Hand-crushed spices were applied to farmers' legs after a day's work in the padi fields. Because they encourage body warmth, boreh scrubs are also good for relieving fevers and headaches.

Ingredients for Balinese boreh includes rice powder, clove powder, ginger root, cinnamon powder and water.

"Unfortunately, a lot of Balinese women do not consume jamu as much as their counterparts on the island of Java, particularly women in Central Java," said Ida Ayu Rusmarini, who is an avid promoter of traditional medicinal plants.

Food patterns, lifestyles and personal hygiene have led many women, married women in particular, in Bali to suffer from cervical cancer.

"Balinese men are mostly uncircumcised. If they fail to maintain hygiene in their important genital areas, they will likely suffer from various diseases including herpes, etc," Rusmarini said.

By consuming traditional medicine and herbal plants, these diseases can be cured.

Sirih (betel leaves), for instance, could be used for its antiseptic properties and has the ability to combat bad odors. Women can pick up several betel leaves and boil them into water. The boiled water can be used to cleanse their vital organs.

The juice of turmeric, tamarind, limes, palm sugar and pandan leaves is potent for boosting blood circulation, and is recommended for pre- and post- menstrual women.

To "cleanse" female genitalia, Rusmarini opened gurah vagina, a vaginal spa.

"We use old royal beauty and health treatment using various materials such as warm and genuine coconut oil, betel leaves and other spices aimed at cleansing the organs," she said.

"Most women do care about their face, hair and easily seen parts of their bodies but they ignore the well-being of their inner beauty -- their physical, psychological, mental and spiritual condition," Rusmarini added.

"When sipping herbal juices or consuming traditional medicine, people in the East may first pray to God, asking for his Blessing. This is what made Eastern traditional medicine potent for many people over hundreds of years," she said.