Village awakens to promise of the 'gurah' method

By Gigin and R. Fadjri

YOGYAKARTA (JP): New technologies may have produced better forms of medicine, but there are still no guaranteed cures for a number of nagging health problems and simple ailments. Many people still prefer traditional medicine and alternative treatments to consulting a general practitioner.

To get rid of excessive throat phlegm and nasal mucus, gurah (to cleanse in Javanese) is the technique preferred by most residents of Giriloyo village in Bantul, 17 kilometers south of here. The gurah method is used to clear respiratory passages from the mucus and phlegm often caused by heavy smoking, sinusitis or inflammation of the mucus membrane near the nose bridge.

The method involves using an herbal potion made from the roots of the sirgunggu plant, which is then dripped into the nasal passage with a leaf to dissolve any throat or nasal mucus. After the medicine has been administered, in a few minutes the mucus will flow out of the nose.

The technique was first used by Koran readers who wanted to make their voices louder and clearer for their religious readings. The technique was developed in Giriloyo by the late Haj Marjuki, a Moslem leader also known as a soothsayer in his lifetime. After his death, the gurah technique was taught to other villagers. The number of people seeking the treatment also grew, and many of those engaged in batik-making began to supplement their incomes by practicing gurah.

There are now hundreds of gurah practitioners in this village of 4,860 people. Visitors to the place are struck by the sight of small billboards offering gurah services as they enter the village. Competition has resulted in a variety of eye-catching billboards and ojek (motorcycle taxis) drivers just outside of the city offering to take people into town for treatment.

A well-known gurah practitioner in the village is 56-year-old Muhammad Hisyam. According to the father of three, gurah is able to cure a variety of ailments, including asthma, prolonged flu, sinusitis and tuberculosis. He treats about 10 patients a day and has been in the gurah business for 14 years. He says he has treated at least 40,000 patients in his life.

The names of those he has treated are all registered in a guest book. Among the famous names are actress and singer Widyawati, actor Sophan Sophian, singer Nicky Astria, comedian Dorce Gamalama, keroncong singer Eny Kusrini, child singer Bondan Prakosa, and the owner of the comedy group Srimulat, Jujuk Juwariah.

"They have not been here only once, some of them have come up to four times," said Hisyam.

The alternative form of healing also includes praying and the reciting of verses from the Koran.

"All of our efforts are in the hands of God," said Hisyam. "Gurah is only a tool. The most important thing is that God be willing to heal a patient."

Koko Tole, a Javanese pop singer now living in Jakarta, has undergone several gurah treatments in Giriloyo. He said he decided to try the treatment because his voice was being affected by blocked nasal passages, likely brought on by heavy smoking.

"My voice improved a lot after the gurah treatment," he said, adding that he has since given up smoking.

Hisyam recommends the treatment for smokers, who usually suffer from excessive mucus with a high nicotine content.

"If it stays in the system it could be dangerous," he said.

The herbal mixtures can also be taken in the form of tablets.

Djawadi, another gurah practitioner, said the tablets he makes of sirgunggu and other herbs will cure a whole host of maladies. Research has yet to be done on the sirgunggu plant, but it is clear that the gurah profession has created a number of opportunities for locals.

"Even the city's main industry of batik-making has lost some of its craftsmen to the gurah business," said Hisyam.