Coriander Seeds: Culinary Spice and Remedy for Mental Illness
The island of Bali is renowned for its traditional healing system, relying on generations of inherited knowledge. Practitioners known as "balian" play a crucial role in healing, utilizing classic manuscripts like the Lontar Usada Buduh. And at the heart of this treatment lies coriander seeds. Beyond being a mere spice, these seeds have become a remedy for mental illness. Their presence in this treatment serves as a reminder of the natural wealth and local wisdom continually passed down from one generation to the next—a heritage that Bali proudly embraces for a better future.
Sickness is a natural part of the life of living beings, and death marks the end of this journey. No human is exempt from experiencing sickness when their body is weak. In facing sickness, various forms of treatment are pursued to seek healing, utilizing a diverse range of medicines. Bali, renowned as the island of paradise with its captivating culture, is also famous for its rich heritage of traditional healing. Traditional Balinese medicine relies on customs, experience, and knowledge passed down through generations. Healers or balians, possessing profound knowledge of traditional healing, play a crucial role in the healing process. They hold mastery over the knowledge inherited through lontar manuscripts, which are treasures of wisdom concerning traditional Balinese medicine.
One of the classic manuscript forms containing various healing methods is the "Lontar Usada." These manuscripts are inscribed on lontar leaves using the Balinese language, hence known as "Lontar Usada Bali." There are various versions of Lontar Usada, each tailored to specific types of ailments and their respective treatment techniques. These manuscripts are now widely dispersed, both within the country and abroad, with a significant portion of them being safeguarded at Gedong Kirtya, the Udayana University Library, and the Bali Language Center. Additionally, some manuscripts are held as private collections.
Despite the ever-changing times, traditional medicine in Bali maintains its authenticity, as our ancestors integrated knowledge of herbs and natural remedies derived from plants, animals, and water in their surroundings. "Usada buduh" (treatment for mental illness) holds particular importance in the context of traditional Balinese medicine. While mental illnesses can be treated medically, there are cases where conventional treatment does not yield satisfactory results. In such situations, the traditional approach becomes a highly relevant consideration.
Within the "Lontar Usada buduh" manuscript, various types of mental illnesses with distinct characteristics are documented. However, it is crucial to remember that each type of mental disorder in an individual has its specific treatment. Usada buduh offers alternatives that can serve as supplements or even primary options in addressing these conditions. By considering both medical and traditional approaches, it is hoped that individuals afflicted with mental illness can receive the most suitable care for their needs. One example of a plant utilized in this treatment is coriander seeds.
Coriander Seeds (Photo Source: Author's Collection)
Coriander seeds, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, are seeds derived from the coriander plant. This plant originally hails from the southern regions of Europe and the Middle East but has now spread globally and is extensively cultivated. With their small, round shape, these seeds impart a distinctive touch to dishes. Their sweet taste introduces a new dimension to savory dishes, while their mild spiciness adds complexity to the flavor profile. Additionally, the fresh aroma produced by coriander seeds provides a unique and captivating essence for many who enjoy cuisine from various cultures.
The history of coriander seed usage can be traced back thousands of years. Coriander seeds have been utilized in cooking, traditional medicine, and as a spice ingredient in various cultures worldwide. In ancient Egypt, coriander seeds were even discovered in the tombs of Pharaohs, indicating their significant value to ancient Egyptian society. Furthermore, coriander seeds are known in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India, where they have been used to address various digestive issues. Beyond culinary use, coriander seeds also serve a purpose in traditional medicine.
In traditional Balinese medicine, coriander seeds play a vital role in treating individuals with specific characteristics of mental disorders in various cases. Here are several examples of the use of coriander seeds in treating mental illnesses with specific symptoms:
1. Sakit Sakit Edan Kabinteha (Wandering Madness):
Treatment method for individuals exhibiting symptoms of wandering madness or Sakit Edan Kabinteha involves the use of coriander seeds. The treatment formulation comprises:
Combine all the aforementioned ingredients and administer it to the patient as a drink. This treatment is complemented with the application of boreh or Bali powder. The boreh is composed of:
Throughout the treatment process, it will be accompanied by the chanting of the following mantra:
"Ong asta astu ya nama swaha, ala ala ilili swaha, sarwa bhuta wistaya, sarwa guna wini swaha, ah astu ya astu."
Which means, "Oh Lord, may we be safe, may all diseases disappear, may all disturbances of the spirits vanish."
2. Madness with Aggressive Tendencies Towards Everyone:
To treat madness characterized by aggressive behavior towards everyone, the following treatment method is employed:
- Aged betel leaves and temu ros
Administer a mixture of aged betel leaves, temu ros, 3 coriander seeds, 3 mungsi seeds, and 3 slices of galangal into the patient's nostrils and ears. The residue from this mixture can then be used as a body powder.
3. Madness with Singing and Uttering the Names of Gods
To treat individuals exhibiting madness through singing and repeatedly uttering the names of gods, the following treatment method is employed:
Combine red-tinted turmeric, coriander seeds, and the mixture of salt with charcoal, then prepare a herbal potion from this mixture. Administer drops of this potion into the patient's nose and eyes. Following this, provide the patient with a drink of young coconut water from the type of coconut known as "kelapa mulung" (which has green skin and red base of the stem).
4. Madness with a Propensity for Laughter and Joking
To treat madness characterized by a tendency to laugh and joke, a treatment method involving coriander seeds is employed. The treatment formulation includes:
Combine paria lempuyang, coriander seeds, tri ketuka, and vinegar. Subsequently, administer this concoction to the patient. Boreh or Bali powder is also an integral part of this treatment process. The boreh formulation includes:
Throughout this treatment phase, it will be accompanied by the chanting of the following mantra:
"Ong edan edan anama swaha waras."
Meaning, "Oh Lord, may this madness be healed."
5. Madness with a Propensity to Wail Inconsolably and Weep Day and Night
To treat individuals with madness characterized by inconsolable wailing and ceaseless weeping day and night, the following treatment method is employed:
Combine all the ingredients, then administer drops of this mixture into the patient's nose, eyes, and ears. The residue from this mixture can then be used as a body powder. Additionally, utilize temu ros, 3 coriander seeds, 3 mungsi seeds, and 3 slices of galangal. Combine all these ingredients, then administer drops into the patient's nose and ears. The residue from this mixture can be used to powder the entire body.
Each type of traditional treatment for mental disorders described above is sourced from the ancient manuscript called "lontar usada buduh." In each formula, coriander seeds take center stage as a primary or essential ingredient. It is known that coriander seeds possess healing properties that play a role in alleviating specific symptoms associated with various mental illnesses. Therefore, the role of coriander seeds is crucial in the context of traditional Balinese medicine for addressing these conditions.
The traditional Balinese treatments that incorporate coriander seeds as a key ingredient have become an inseparable part of the cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge of the Balinese people. This method not only reflects local wisdom in dealing with various mental disorders but also strengthens the traditional wealth that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The presence of coriander seeds in these treatments serves as a reminder of the miraculous natural resources that offer substantial benefits to human health and well-being. By preserving and respecting these traditional healing practices, we contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity and the natural wealth of Bali for a better future.
