"A new nurse on duty accompanied the doctor, treating the patient. Politely, the doctor asked the nurse, 'Nurse, did you take the patient’s temperature?'A little awkward, the nurse answered, 'Why no, Doctor. Is it missing?'""If not effectively regulated, why can 'Money' undermine Democracy?" said sunflower while moving her inflorescence, looking for something. Then she said, "I'm looking for Mbok Sastro, a 'jamu-gendong' [jamu is Indonesian traditional herbal medicine, jamu-gendong is a jamu seller, usually a woman, selling the herbal medicine on foot, carrying a basket made of woven bamboo, and inside the basket, there are bottles containing herbal mixtures] who often passes by here. And lo, she is there," said she whilst pointing out a woman sitting down under a poster of 'Two Dwarf'—this kind of poster appeared everywhere to the point that the trees in the green belt were begging for mercy.
Citations & References:"But wait, it's not Mbok Satro, oh I see, it's Neng Ijah, her daughter. Two young men were expecting for their jamu orders prepared by Neng Ijah. While waiting, one of the young men took out his cellphone and played 'Theme from Dying Young' by Cak Imin and Pak Mahfud duo, sorry ... I mean, Kenny G with his saxophone 'whip'. It's really great!""Before delving into my question, allow me to tell you about a 10-year study of 'Jamu', by an Irish-born writer, Susan-Jane Beers.Beers writes her view—her work was published in 2001—by starting that Indonesian jamu—part of an integrated system of inner and outer health and beauty, encompassing powders, pills, ointments, lotions, massage and ancient folklore—is unknown to most Westerners. At first glance, it seems that jamu is a casualty of this modern world. Making jamu in the home has certainly declined, but in its place, the herbal medicine and cosmetics industry is expanding and is now producing some exciting ranges of safe, hygienically prepared, health and beauty treatments. The industry was slow in developing, because there was, for many years, a reluctance to share secrets. However, attitudes are changing because rapid industrialization has led, somewhat paradoxically, to an increased demand for traditional medicine.In former times, mothers handed down the secrets of these healing recipes to their daughters. Those who were skilled at preparing jamu were consulted by their neighbours; and demand eventually resulted in small family businesses. These were the forerunners of cottage industries, which in turn have become today’s conglomerates. Now, production has moved away from the home into well-equipped modern factories, and it has become relatively easy to buy what Westerners might perceive as mysterious lotions, pills and concoctions in mainstream retail outlets.Beers then tell us her first time of 'tasting' Jamu. 'The Pegal Linu' (‘pegal’ means stiff; ‘linu’ is rheumatic; therefore ‘pegal linu’ translates as ‘stiffness caused by rheumatism’ and is prescribed to alleviate aches and pains), Ibu Sri, the jamu maker, announced with aplomb, oblivious to her distress. Taking a deep breath, she consumed the potion, which made the worst Western cough mixture seem like nectar. The sugared water alleviated the aftertaste only marginally. By midnight, she still had not experienced the anticipated backlash. At 5 am the next morning, she awoke expecting to feel like death, but—to her astonishment—she had never felt better. This was extraordinary—she had actually acquired a new energy; in fact she had never felt more alive and jamu had been the only variation from her normal diet.From that moment, she was hooked. She began researching the subject in earnest, in the hope that others would benefit from her experience and discover what—if anything—this ancient Indonesian health system could do for them.Tracking down the origins of jamu is no easy task, Beers writes. Experts agree the use of plants for medicinal purposes in Indonesia dates from prehistoric times. The theory is substantiated by the impressive collection of Neolithic stone implements in Jakarta’s National Museum that were almost certainly used for daily healthcare. Tools such as mortars or rubbing stones were used to grind plants and obtain powders and plant extracts. Further proof can be found in stone reliefs depicting the human life cycle at the famous Borobudur temple dating from C. AD 800– 900. In these carvings the kalpataruh leaf (from the ‘mythological tree that never dies’) and other ingredients are being pounded to make mixtures for women’s health and beauty care. These reliefs also depict people giving body massage, a healing process recorded in many parts of the world, particularly in China, Japan and India. With the establishment of early trade routes between Asia and Asia Minor, healing techniques would have quite easily passed from East to West, and vice versa.At the end of the first millennium, the influence of Javanese culture began to spread to the neighbouring island of Bali, whose peoples had already absorbed influences from as far away as India. The powerful Majapahit empire thrived in East Java, controlling much of the seas between India and China; links were established between Java and Bali (a channel of less than five km [three miles] separates the two islands). But the Majapahit empire wanted more, and in 1343 an army under Gajah Mada was sent by ruler Hayam Wuruk to subjugate the Balinese. His success was short-lived, and the Balinese retaliated on several occasions, trying to impose their rule on the territories at the easternmost end of Java.Following the adoption of Islam and subsequent breakup of the Majapahit empire in the late 15th century, many Javanese fled to Bali, taking their books, culture and customs with them. There they remained isolated until 1908, when the Dutch subjugated the island. This accident of history means that Balinese healing frequently mirrors that of Java 400 years ago, and here, Javanese healing traditions have remained largely intact.In the case of usada (book of Healing), a collection of texts dealing with healing practices, there are two manuscripts in the Surakarta Palace library that have been dated and are arguably the best references on jamu and traditional medicine in existence—namely, Serat Kawruh bab Jampi-jampi (A Treatise on All manner of cures) and Serat centhini (book of centhini). The former probably gives us the most systematic account of jamu. It comprises a total of 1,734 formulæ made from natural ingredients, together with information on their use. A further 244 entries are in the form of prayers or symbolic figures used as powerful amulets or talismans to cure specific health problems, or to protect the owners from any black magic aimed in their direction.The 300-year-old Serat Centhini, is still considered one of the major references on jamu and has plenty of illustrative tales which not only make interesting reading but are also instructive. Prince Jayengresmi or Seh Amongraga is the main character in Serat Centhini. Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Anom presented Suluk Jatiswara to be explained and studied clearly. Many experts were asked to help according to their respective knowledge, including Kanjeng Pengulu Tafsir Anom discussing about Islam. Other experts also wrote about things such as religion, mysticism, inner perfection, superiority, strength, compassion, sexology, primbon, spiritual science, astrology, pranatamangsa [a calendar system or calendar associated with agricultural activities, especially for farming or fishing purposes], offerings, karma, pilgrimages, ancient relics, literary cases, fairy tales, historical stories, keris, horses, birds, housing, music and songs, dances, plants, agriculture, medicines and many others, including funny things and jokes. Everything is explained clearly, in-depth and pleasantly, including the mountains, caves, coast as reported from the regents and envoys, as well as explaining sacred and haunted places. Prince Adipati Anom also took time to work on and research all the contents of Serat Centhini.Serat centhini was copied and revised so often no one knows which edition is the original. Some versions are dated 1742 in the Javanese calendar, which equates with 1814 in a Western calendar, but experts say much of the material dates from centuries earlier. Yet, despite its basic approach, Serat centhini gives one of the best accounts of medical treatment in ancient Java.So, what exactly is jamu? An easy reply to this question is jamu is Indonesian herbal medicine. But Jamu is not just jamu, the answer is not that simple, particularly as it is widely believed that jamu is nothing more than a powerful aphrodisiac. Mention jamu in Asia and reactions vary from total dismissal and distrust, to amusement, knowing smiles or perhaps a lengthy discourse on its benefits. Even in Indonesia, people cannot agree on a definition. Everyone knows what jamu is, but each person draws the line in a different place between jamu, medicine and cosmetics. Each jamu may be applied in more than one way; its use depends on the complaint or need. It can be a herbal drink taken to prevent sickness, the answer to chronic illness or an infusion, distillation, brew or paste to treat lifeless hair.Jamu has also been described as homeopathic medicine. Certainly, there are similarities: both are holistic and plant-based. But the similarity ends there; homeopathy’s basic principle of diluting the remedy with upwards of 99 parts alcohol hardly fits with jamu-making techniques or Islamic laws on alcohol. Jamu covers a dazzling array of drinks, pills, capsules and powders said to cure nearly every disease known to man.Jamu can be used on its own or in conjunction with other healing techniques such as massage. Its advantage is that, if correctly administered, it has no side effects and, according to most Javanese, it is highly effective. Despite the diverse range of opinions on this sensitive topic, there is one common perception—the most popular types of jamu enhance and improve sexual performance.Jamu is a holistic therapy. The concept of harmony—balance between a person and their environment, or the balance between the hot and cold elements in the body—means that both illness and medicines are divided into hot and cold categories. The herbalist’s skill lies in contrasting a hot illness with the appropriate cold medicine and vice versa; hot medicine cures a cold illness and cold medicine is recommended for a hot illness. Jamu prescriptions always follow this rule, which is why there is a catalogue of antonyms: hot and cold; sweet and sour; bitter and sugary; strong and weak. Similarly, if a formula is developed to treat a specific problem in one organ of the body, the effect on the rest of the system must always be taken into consideration. The numerous leaves, roots or barks in a single jamu comprise three categories: the main ingredients, the supporting ingredients and those that are added simply to improve the taste of the jamu. Once mixed and administered, all the ingredients interact together to work on the symptoms.Jamu has four basic functions. It treats particular illnesses (problems as varied as kidney stones, cervical cancer or diarrhoea); it maintains continuing good health (through the promotion of blood circulation and increased metabolism); it relieves aches and pains (by reducing inflammation or by aiding digestive problems); and it also addresses particular malfunctions in the body (such as lack of fertility or unpleasant body odour). Sometimes it can be multi-functional: for example, a jamu may be a general tonic, but it also acts as an antiseptic to prevent stomach infections.Jamu is not an overnight remedy. Results can only be achieved with regular use over a period of time. And because the ‘cure’ is gradual, patients do not usually experience any side effects. Some jamu are made from poisonous herbs and if they are not made up and administered correctly, they can be potentially toxic. The herbalist’s art lies in knowing how to neutralize these poisonous elements to produce a powerful and curative medicine. Sometimes, jamu will be taken alongside a course of traditional massage to speed up the healing process.Jamu has four basic functions. It treats particular illnesses (problems as varied as kidney stones, cervical cancer or diarrhoea); it maintains continuing good health (through the promotion of blood circulation and increased metabolism); it relieves aches and pains (by reducing inflammation or by aiding digestive problems); and it also addresses particular malfunctions in the body (such as lack of fertility or unpleasant body odour). Sometimes it can be multi-functional: for example, a jamu may be a general tonic, but it also acts as an antiseptic to prevent stomach infections.Jamu is not an overnight remedy. Results can only be achieved with regular use over a period of time. And because the ‘cure’ is gradual, patients do not usually experience any side effects. Some jamu are made from poisonous herbs and if they are not made up and administered correctly, they can be potentially toxic. The herbalist’s art lies in knowing how to neutralize these poisonous elements to produce a powerful and curative medicine. Sometimes, jamu will be taken alongside a course of traditional massage to speed up the healing process.Making and selling jamu was very much a one-man (or, more usually, a one-woman) show until the beginning of the 20th century. A few jamu makers, aware of the increasing demand for jamu and perhaps aware of potential profits, began making and selling in larger quantities. As word spread of their jamu’s quality and effectiveness, they were inundated with orders and Indonesia’s herbal medicine sprouted a cottage industry.Indonesia is rich in flora, it consists of many unique varieties of plants. Blessed with a tropical climate and roughly thaousands islands, Indonesia is the nation with the second highest biodiversity in the world. Jamu—recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of the Global Intangible Cultural Heritages from Indonesia—is one of the herbal medicines known in Indonesia. Cincai [grass jelly] or green camcau shrub in gel form is very well known to the Indonesian. Grass jelly is often served as a mixture in mixed ice or even served as grass jelly ice. Rosella tea is a beverage product resulting from the fermentation of steeping Rosella flower petals, which can be used as a traditional medicine to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins and a number of resistant starches that are beneficial for health. And many more can be used as alternative and complementary medicine.The two young men has left after drinking their herbal medicine order. Neng Ijah slowly carries back her fully laden basket of jamu. I'm touched of this young girl's heavy baggage. However, by the mercy of the Rabb of mankind, and with the effort to drink Beras Kencur and Kunir Asem every day and occasionally one of the bitter recipes, she looks very healthy. Ijah starts to walk and kindly offers her herbal medicine, 'Jamuu... Jamuuu... Jamune Maas!"On next episode, 'Money in Politics' will be our discussion, okay? Bi 'idhnillah."Then, sunflower went on with Rihanna 'Umbrella',Now that it's raining more than everKnow that we'll still have each otherYou can stand under my umbrellaYou can stand under my umbrella *)
- Susan-Jane Beers, Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing, 2001, Tuttle Publishing
- Soewito Santoso & Kestity Pringgoharjono, Stories from the Serat Centhini: Understanding the Javanese Journey of Life, 2013, Marshall Cavendish International
*) "Umbrella" written by Christopher A. Stewart, Shawn C. Carter, Terius Youngdell Nash & Thaddis Laphonia Harrell
[Session 10]
[Sessiom 8]
