Discovering the Efficacy of Galangal as an Usadha Dalem Herb
Balinese people already have guidelines regarding the process of healing various diseases called Usadha. One of these Usadha has the ability to cure internal bodily diseases, namely the Usadha Dalem. The author will try to describe the efficacy of a prescribed plant in Usadha Dalem, namely the Galangal.
The Covid-19 pandemic has successfully served as a reminder for mankind to remain vigilant about the dangers of diseases that lurks around us. For hundreds of years, mankind has created several guidelines on dealing with problem regarding diseases that attack either the external or internal parts of the body.
Hindus in Bali have several guidelines to heal diseases that have been passed from generations to generations and written down into Usadha. Various Usadha have been created according to the type of disease that they can cure. Few common examples of Usadha that are recognized by Balinese people include Usadha Rare, Usadha Kucacar, and Usadha Dalem.
The various Usadha are prescribed through the medium of lontar which has been successfully translated into Bahasa Indonesia in 2007 by the Udayana University's Faculty of Bali Literatures team. Internal diseases such as inflammation, pain in joints, muscles, and internal organs such as the stomach and ulcers remain as a continuous threat since the dawn of mankind. The Usadha that plays a significant role in curing various internal diseases is Usadha Dalem.
The treatment guidelines recorded in Usadha Dalem use a variety of plants, which can be used individually or processed and mixed as needed. One of the prominent plants found in the Usadha Dalem guidelines is Galangal.
Galangal Plant (Image Source: Personal Documentation)
Galangal (Kaempferia galanga L.), also locally known in Bali as cekuh is believed to have the ability to cure certain diseases such as stomach ache and bruising. The preparation required to utilize Galangal in order to heal bruising can be seen in the nineteenth row in Usadha Dalem.
... Ta, lupa, sa, pulasahi, ckuh, bras tambus, pipis wedakna.
The translation of the excerpt above can be inferred as followed
The cure for bruising, mix warm water with alyxia, galangal, and roasted rice. Grind and apply them directly to affected areas of the body
The translation from the lontar stated that the mixture of galangal with other herbs such as alyxia and roasted rice may help to heal bruising that occurs in certain parts of the body. The mixture can be applied directly in body parts that are experiencing bruising.
Application of Galangal (Image Source: Personal Documentation)
Other uses of galangal can be seen from the twenty fourth row in the Usadha Dalem lontar. In this row, galangal is believed to have the power to cure stomach ache and mouth ulcers.
... Ta, buh ring jro mambarah, jampi sisya kunang, sa, pancarsona, atin langkwas, ckuh, gula, santen kane, sindrong sadharna, banketmu, tahap, mwang lepakna.
The translation of the excerpt above can be inferred as followed
The cure for stomach ache, fever and mouth ulcer is sand ginger, galangal, sugar, coconut milk, and water. Ingest or apply mixture as required.
The translation from the lontar stated that galangal can be used together in combination with other herbs and plants such as sand ginger, sugar, and coconut milk. The preparation of this curative is by mixing all the required plants and herbs in water and ingesting the mixture. One can also directly apply the mixture in body parts that require further care, such as the mouth in case of mouth ulcers.
