7 Medicinal Herbs That You Should Know

7 medicinal herbs that you should know - Human health problems have always been a concern since ancient times. In the past, humans through instinct and life experience used materials directly from nature for traditional medicine, both from plants and animals. This knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, recorded in relics, temples and inscriptions. It was from there that knowledge related to medicine began to develop until today.

Indonesia, as a multicultural country, is known for its traditional medicine recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Even in the midst of the development of modern medicines, there are still many families who prefer to use traditional medicines to deal with everyday health problems. One that we definitely know about is herbal medicine.

Indonesians, especially Javanese, have long used medicinal herbs as a source of disease prevention and treatment. These herbs are derived from various plants with a variety of different properties whose efficacy has so far been shown to be beneficial based on empirical evidence. The use of herbal medicines can be seen in the many herbal medicine vendors across the country, so much so that they carry herbal medicines, bicycles, and open their own herbal medicine shops.

The following are some spices and herbs that are still widely consumed by Indonesians.

 

Turmeric

Turmeric, Curcuma or Termeric, with proven efficacy to treat pain and anti-inflammatory (inflammation). In South Asia, turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years as the best medicine to treat pain, especially due to inflammation. Studies say that the curcumin content found in turmeric can relieve pain in arthritis better than the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium, and is as effective as the drug ibuprofen. In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, turmeric is also believed to reduce menstrual pain, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

Turmeric is usually mixed with other ingredients to make Jamu Kunir Asam. The main ingredients used include tamarind plus turmeric, sometimes mixed with sinom (young tamarind leaves), temulawak, kedawung, and lemon juice. Brown sugar mixed with white sugar and a bit of salt is used as a sweetener. The Javanese call this herbal medicine 'adem-ademan' or 'seger-segeran', which is believed to cool the body, treat sore throats, cool the stomach and speed up menstruation. Also to lower blood pressure and overcome constipation.

 

Turmeric

Temulawak or Javanese ginger is a spice native to Indonesia and has been used for centuries as a treatment for various health problems. The most frequently mentioned efficacy is that it is believed to relieve nausea, dizziness, cold symptoms and in children it is said to increase appetite. Typically, people make herbal temulawak from a mixture of ginger rhizome, often with kencur, seeded tamarind, palm sugar, fresh pandan leaves, and cumin.

 

saffron rice

Kencur rice is believed to be effective in helping the body to avoid the aches and pains that often arise after overwork. Also, there are many opinions that this herb can stimulate the appetite, thus the appetite increases and the body becomes healthier. The raw materials for kencur rice are rice and kencur. Other ingredients that are often mixed are kedawung, ginger, cardamom, kawak acid, temu kunci, keningar wood, turmeric, lime, and nutmeg. Brown sugar and white sugar are used as a sweetener.

 

This herbal medicine, among other herbs, is a favorite among Indonesians, apart from its health benefits, it also tastes fresh and delicious. Kencur, also known as aromatic ginger or granulated ginger, is rich in zinc and other minerals, and is commonly used in many traditional cooking and medicinal recipes throughout Asia. Combined with rice and other spices, this herbal drink is believed to help lower cholesterol, inflammation, and the overall immune system.

 

javanese chili

Javanese chili or better known as Puyang / Lempuyang chili is one of the spices that is often used as a condiment in traditional dishes. This herb is commonly used by the community as a medicine for fatigue and stiffness, prevents colds, increases energy, reduces flatulence, treats beriberi, rheumatism, low blood pressure, cholera, flu, headaches, impotence, bronchitis and shortness of breath. etc This herb is known to contain high levels of iron and other nutrients that can help the body produce more red blood cells and prevent anemia.

 

To make this herbal medicine, the ingredients used include puyang and other ingredients like temureng, temulawak, ginger, kudu, fennel, pulosari, turmeric, pepper, kedawung, keningar, tamarind, and temu kunci. Brown sugar, white sugar and salt are used as a sweetener. If you want to make your own, you can crush or mince the chiles, or dry them first and then boil them in water. Add honey or palm sugar to taste.

 

paitan

Paitan/Pahitan, as the name implies, means bitter, it is a herbal medicine that contains herbal ingredients that have a bitter taste, such as Sambiloto, Brotowali, Meniran, Lempuyang, Widorolaut, Doroputih, Babakan Pule, Fennel and/or Empon-empon . Based on community studies, it is claimed that the traditional benefits of this herbal medicine can be used for various health problems such as dialysis/relieves itching, hives, appetite enhancer, diabetes, body odor, cholesterol reduction , flatulence/acne, body aches, and dizziness. . Although this traditional medicine is known for its unpleasant taste, its effectiveness has been proven by time in overcoming disorders of the digestive system. In other studies it can also relieve discomfort from open wounds, fever, stiffness and headaches.

 

Kudu-Laos Herbs

The two main ingredients in this herbal drink are laos (galangal) and noni (noni fruit or cheese fruit). In addition to its warming effect on the body, this traditional herbal drink also helps relieve various stomach complaints, including menstrual cramps. Kudu-Laos is good for children and adults. If consumed regularly, it can also help to overcome hypertension and increase appetite. To make this recipe, chop galangal and noni and then prepare together. You can also add other ingredients like tamarind, garlic, puyang chili, salt and pepper to taste.

 

Singset excavations

This herbal drink has one of the most coveted words in its name: 'singset' means slim or slender. And that effect is what makes this traditional recipe so popular, especially among women. Most people also report other benefits, such as better skin, pleasant body odor, and firmer female organs. This recipe uses temulawak, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and cinnamon, mixed with tamarind, coriander, and pepper, all crushed and boiled.

 

And many other kinds of herbs,

Using jamu as a home remedy in Indonesia provides many positive things. But there are a few things to keep in mind. One of them is to avoid long-term and excessive consumption. In one study it was said that long-term consumption of herbal medicines will have a negative impact on the kidneys and digestive tract. Also pay attention if an allergic reaction occurs, stop consuming the herbal medicine immediately. For those of you who are under medical therapy, it is best to first consult with your doctor about which herbs can or cannot be taken to avoid the opposite side effects.