The ancient Balinese left us their thoughts, must knowledge and information regarding their past activities through the tradition of writing inscribed massages onto pieces of palm-leaf, better known as lontar manuscripts. On one such lontar one of the topics found inscribed was concerning herbal ingridients for beauty care.
Some of those lontars are held in private collections, while reproductions and some others can also be found at institutions like the Gedong Kirtya (Singaraja) and Center for Lontar Documentation (Renon, Denpasar). Meanwhile, Indonesian compilations such as Lontar Usada by I Ketut Suwidja, and Taru Pramana herbal by I Nengah Tinggen can easily be found in book form.
Have you ever experienced one of the many spa treatments in bali? If you have, you may also have heard about boreh. It is a Balinese spa product made from natural ingredients and is a treatment used for cleansing and exfoliating the body. The Balinese make it from assorted herbs, seeds, and grains. As a matter of fact, it is deeply rooted in ancient Balinese tradition. Many local people today continue to believe and feel its efficacy, at least, for relieving pain in legs, back or headaches. Boreh is commonly used by the older generation.
In the meantime, to look beautiful seemingly has been an aspiration for every single human throughout the ages. Such a fact is evident in the lontar which mentions beauty care. The Rukmini Tattva and Indari, for instance, mention the use of grated tubers for simpe facial powder to make the face ‘shine like the moon’, and skin rejuvenation. More than this, the lontar also details the making of skin lotion, the ingredients to strengthen the teeth and mouth refresher as well as acne remover.
Accordingly, it is not surprising that in keeping with the movement to return to nature, more and more people prefer to take advantage of the natural products. They consume organic food and maintain health by herbal remedies. For their beauty care, modern products inspired by local tradition as mentioned above, and assorted spa products are used these days. Here, it combines the knowledge and practices of traditional health and beauty care with modern process that creates a more convenient and long lasting product. Right now, particular local youngsters may still feel ashamed of applying boreh if they have light pain. However, they will feel proud when entering spa outlets to take traditional treatment, either its boreh or traditional massage.
Other than healing matters in general, people today are also greatly interested to talk about vitality in marital relationship. The Rukmini Tattva also suggests in detail about what ingredients to apply for this purpose. Mostly, they are prepared in the form of boreh. Meanwhile, other lontar namely Usada Lara Kamatus describes the ingredients used for healing the erection dysfuction and spermatic disorder. These are only some examples that can be found in the ancient tradition that now has become a valuable legacy.
Other than being intended for health maintenance and heritage conservation, this tradition surely can enrich the treasure of alternative healing.
News by International Bali Post
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