Cool Boreh: A Balinese Usadha Heritage to Relieve Body Heat and Flu
Cold boreh or boreh kencur is a traditional Balinese medicinal remedy rooted in the heritage of Usadha Bali, made from soaked rice, water, and kencur (aromatic ginger) that are ground into a smooth paste. This boreh is used as a topical treatment to help relieve fever, colds, and flu, especially in children, by applying it to the nose, forehead, and the back or shoulders. Its use is recorded in traditional medical manuscripts such as Usadha Taru Pramana and Usadha Rare, which describe kencur as a cooling medicinal plant with an important role in Balinese traditional healing, making cold boreh not only a health remedy but also a form of local wisdom that remains relevant to this day.
Cool Boreh in Balinese Healing Traditions and Usadha Manuscripts
Cool boreh, or boreh kencur, is a traditional Balinese healing remedy that is still widely used today and applied as a natural topical treatment. In Balinese tradition, boreh is not only regarded as a means of physical healing, but also as a form of local wisdom that brings together knowledge of nature and ancestral experience. The use of boreh made from rice and kencur is recorded in several Usadha manuscripts, such as Lontar Usadha Taru Pramana, which explains the medicinal properties of various plants, and Lontar Usadha Rare, which discusses treatments for infants and children. In these manuscripts, kencur is described as a cooling plant used to relieve fever, colds, and mild respiratory disorders, while rice functions as a balancing medium, demonstrating that boreh kencur is an integral part of a traditional Balinese medical system that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients and Preparation of Cool Boreh
Ingredients for Cool Boreh (Source: private collection)
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Water
- Kencur
Preparation Method:
The rice is first soaked in water for approximately 10 minutes until it appears white and softened. After that, the rice is drained and ground together with kencur until a smooth paste is formed. If necessary, a small amount of water can be added to achieve a texture that is easy to apply.
The grinding process is traditionally done by hand using a mortar and pestle, in accordance with customary practice, to ensure that the natural properties of the ingredients remain intact and well combined.
Method of Use and Benefits of Cold Boreh
Cool Boreh (Source: private collection)
Cool boreh is applied evenly to several parts of the body, such as:
- The nose
- The forehead
- The back or shoulders
This application aims to help relieve colds and flu in children, provide a cooling sensation, and help the body feel more comfortable. The distinctive aroma of kencur is also believed to help ease breathing. As a traditional external remedy, cool boreh does not produce a burning or irritating effect, making it safe to use under parental supervision and according to need.
Conclusion
Cold boreh is a clear example of how Usadha Bali offers nature-based health solutions that are simple yet meaningful. Made from basic ingredients such as rice and kencur, this remedy functions not only as traditional medicine but also as a symbol of local wisdom passed down through lontar manuscripts and the daily practices of the Balinese people. Amid modernization, the continued use of cold boreh serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving ancestral knowledge so that the heritage of Usadha Bali remains alive and known to future generations.
