Jamu That You Don't Drink
Learn about the jamu mantra and the types of jamu that aren't made to be consumed
By Indonesia Gastronomy Network
Indonesia Gastronomy Network in collaboration with ACARAKI
Jamu Cekok by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Javanese people have a habit of taking caring of their health by drinking jamu. They even have done a detailed classification of jamu based on; ‘jamu that is consumed’ and ‘jamu that cannot be consumed’.
There are jamu that can be drunk, eaten, diloloh (hand fed) and dicekok (squeezed into the mouth).
Pilis by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Meanwhile jamu that 'may not be consumed' is classified according to the location of use; "pilis" contains ingredients that are placed on the forehead, "pupuk" is placed on the fontanel of the baby until toddler age.
TapelIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Tapel contains ingredients that are smeared on the stomach (sometimes up to the chest).
BorehIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Boreh contains ingredients that are applied to the whole body.
SinggulIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Singgul is ingredients used as a ‘deterrent’ from "dlingobengle" which is mashed and then rubbed behind the ears when the user mourns the dead.
Param beras kencurIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Parem concoction is applied onto the bruised part of the body because of sprains, veins or fatigue, for example after long distances walking or exercising.
Param, Lulur, SinggulIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Lulur body scrub is used to clean the pores, or smooth the skin.
Bedak Dingin (Cold Powder) by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
‘Pyok-pyok’ is used to pat the part of the face that is cleaned using cold powder.
Pilis (2020-08-18) by Prawoto IndartoIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Abu Merang Water by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
‘Jamas’ shampoo uses ‘merang’ ash water
(a dried rice stalk after its rice grains are taken off during the harvest process). The soaked ash is usually overnight and then filtered to be reused, jamas is a form of natural shampoo without foam nor addition chemicals.
Teh Wayu (Wayu Tea) by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
‘Rambang’ is a method for curing, cleaning, or treating the eyes due to eye irritation and itching. It usually uses betel leaves which are crushed and then filtered; ‘wayu’ tea water (which sits overnight before use) can also be used.
Pilis by JamupediaIndonesia Gastronomy Network
Jamu Sembur is where someone sprays the jamu or clean water that has been given a spell or prayer by a shaman. ‘Sembur’ is widely used to treat children with a fever, cough or have been possessed.
Beyond the four methods of healing such as mantras, rituals, massage or rub as well as the consumption of concoctions of medicinal plants, the Javanese community believe there is divine power as a 'true owner and healer'.
Therefore before consuming or using jamu, there are spells or prayers that are usually recited. Tembang Lonthang kaca 323 from Serat Centhini jilid III can be taken as an example;
“…wontên malih jampi watuk lisah klapa kunci asêm-kawak nanging mawi donga Illa iya Allahu amung punika …” meaning :
"... there is another jamu for cough treatment from coconut oil Kunci asem kawak but it needs to be completed with a prayer Illa iya Allahu is the only prayer "
In addition to the prayer (mantra), some spells or prayers are also developed which are very popular in Javanese society. Uniquely, the prayers are very 'universal', because they can be used for all types of jamu and all types of diseases/illness.
The simple prayer consists of only seven words:
“ Tambo teko loro lungo. Lungo kersaning Allah…”meaning ;"Medicine comes (drunk), sickness goes (healthy) (because of) the power of God ..."
When it’s examined deeper, simple prayer or mantra has built a relationship between physical, psychological and spiritual, a simple level of holistic healing.
Javanese people’s awareness of the concept of 'healthy' is embraced as a single union of microcosm and macrocosm to maintain cosmic balance is a concrete manifestation of the Sound of Nature, 'revelation' from the Creator, the owner of health and true life, Allah.
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