Exploring Loloh Cemcem : Traditional Balinese Herbal Medicine Drink

Bali boasts a range of traditional beverages, including arak, which contains alcohol. Beside that, Bali also has another traditional drink, that called loloh cemcem. Loloh cemcem is traditional drink from Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency. Penglipuran Village presenting loloh cemcem as a signature drink.

Loloh cemcem is a traditional beverage that already exist since the colonial era. Loloh cemcem can also called as traditional herbal medicine drink or in Indonesia we called it “jamu”, because it is made from plant-based ingredients. The name “loloh cemcem” is derived from Balinese language, where “loloh” means herbal medicine drink and “cemcem” refers to the leaves that used as the main ingredient. Cemcem comes from the word kecemcem (Spondias pinnata) which is a type of wild hog plum plant that grows abundantly around Penglipuran Village.

The cemcem plant itself has many beneficial health properties. Based on data summarized by the Functional Pamong Culture of the Bangli Regency Tourism and Culture Office, Sang Made Suda Adnyana, the cemcem plant is mentioned in three Balinese lontar usada, namely usada rare, usada buduh, and usada cukil daki. Lontar usada is a manuscript or text containing the traditional healing system in Bali, and the three lontar usada are part of the lontar usada.

Usada rare contains information about traditional healing methods for infants and children. In this manuscript, there are three diseases that can be treated with cemcem, namely hemorrhoids with bleeding (referred to as “tuju moro”), infants with phlegm cough, and infants afflicted with “tiwang brahma” disease.

On the other hand, usada buduh addresses the treatment of mental inllnesses. And usada cukil daki contains information about traditonal treatments, offer (banten), and antidote to internal disease. Cemcem can be used to treat baled (a skin condition), spotted scabies, joint pain that can lead to paralysis, and general body aches. Additionally, cemcem can also be used for those affected by black magic.

Cemcem Leaves (Source : Personal Collection)

The preparation of loloh cemcem involves various ingredients, such as cinnamon, betel leaves, kaffir lime leaves, dhapdhap leaves, coconut, coconut water, tamarind, palm sugar, salt, and honey. No preservatives are used in the making of loloh cemcem, so its just lasts only 2-3 days. To make loloh cemcem, first, cemcem leaves are crushed until finely ground and then combined with the other ingredients. After that, mixed all the ingredients and boiled in water until dissolved and then strained.

Loloh cemcem is typically packaged in 600ml mineral water bottles and then its available for sale. The bottled version of loloh cemcem gained popularity around 2014-2015. Loloh cemcem is often produced as a home-based business and sale for prices ranging from Rp 5,000.00 to Rp 6,000.00 per bottle. Production of loloh cemcem can be found in various locations, including in Tegalalang, Gianyar and also in Denpasar. As a result, loloh cemcem is easily accessible throughout Bali, where usually loloh cemcem seen in traditional markets and small roadside stalls.

Despite being classified as a traditional herbal medicine drink, loloh cemcem has a unique flavor compared to other herbal medicine drinks. Loloh cemcem has a dark green color that may not seem appealing at first glance. However, the taste of loloh cemcem quite interesting and complex like “nano-nano”, with hints of sourness, bitterness, sweetness, and a touch of saltiness in each gulp. The sourness comes from the tamarind. The bitterness comes from the cemcem leaves. While the sweetness and saltiness are come from sugar and salt. Inside every bottle of loloh cemcem also contains pieces of coconut to add texture and savory taste. Loloh cemcem is usually more enjoyable when consumed cold because it provides a refreshing sensation when drinking it.

Behind its interesting taste, loloh cemcem offers numerous health benefits. Cemcem leaves can help treat various ailments, such as high blood pressure and digestive issues. This can happen because loloh cemcem contains potassium, which aids in blood circulation. Loloh cemcem also contains fiber and substances that can help increase digestion.

And besides quenching thirst on hot days, loloh cemcem can help alleviate internal heat due to the antioxidants found in its ingredients. It can boost immunity due to its nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also, loloh cemcem may even stimulate apetite and serve as a cough remedy.

Other benefits of loloh cemcem include reducing the risk of kidney problems, strokes, and heart attacks. It is also safe for consumption by pregnant and nursing mothers. Despite its sour taste, loloh cemcem can be consumed by individuals with gastritis, provided their stomachs are not empty.

Lastly, loloh cemcem is a traditional beverage or herbal medicine drink as well as a Balinese usada made from natural ingredients, making it a healthy and also refreshing choice. Loloh cemcem which is types of herbal medicine drink, classified as local cultural inheritance, particularly in the culinary field and has been passed down through generations. Presently, the Bangli Regency Government has proposed loloh cemcem as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Indonesia to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Hopefully, loloh cemcem will be officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), so that it can be known by many people, both nationally and internationally. And hopefully, this drink will continue to be produced so that it is easy to find and can be enjoyed by everyone because of the many benefits taht can be obtained, especially from the main ingredient, cemcem, as mentioned in the Balinese usada manuscript.