Kemuning, A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant: From Relieving Rheumatism to Lowering Cholesterol

Kemuning (Murraya paniculata) has small, white flowers, glossy green leaves similar to citrus, and red berries when ripe. Its strong fragrance often makes it a favored ornamental plant. However, its medicinal properties, derived from the leaves, bark, and roots, add to its value. These parts contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and essential oils that offer numerous health benefits.

For generations, people have used kemuning to treat inflammation, high cholesterol, and pain. It is also applied as a paste to wounds to promote healing and used in aromatherapy to reduce stress.

Kemuning's Fruit (Source: Private Collection)

Medicinal Uses of Kemuning in the Lontar Usadha Taru Pramana

Kemuning is mentioned in the Lontar Usadha Taru Pramana, an ancient Balinese manuscript detailing medicinal plants. In this manuscript, kemuning is described as a plant that relieves rheumatic pain and cleanses the blood. It is also believed to balance the body's internal heat and improve blood circulation, aiding in the recovery from inflammatory conditions.

Kemuning's benefits go beyond treating rheumatism. Its flavonoids are effective in reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in joint health and heart protection. By cleansing the blood and improving circulation, kemuning plays a crucial role in traditional medicine.

Moreover, kemuning is known for its ability to heal wounds. When crushed and applied topically, its leaves act as a natural antiseptic, preventing infection and speeding up tissue regeneration. These combined benefits make kemuning a multifunctional plant in traditional healing, especially in maintaining overall health.

Herbal Ingredients and Kemuning Boreh (Source: Private Collection)

How to Make Kemuning Herbal Remedies

There are several ways to utilize kemuning in everyday medicine, one of which is as an herbal remedy. Here are the steps for making it:

1. Wash the Kemuning Leaves
Take 10-15 fresh kemuning leaves. Wash the leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.

2. Boil Water
Prepare 500 ml of water in a pot and then heat it until it boils.

Boiling Kemuning Leaves (Source: Personal Collection)

3. Add the Kemuning Leaves
Once the water is boiling, add the kemuning leaves to the pot. Allow it to boil for 15-20 minutes until the water is reduced by half.

4. Strain and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and strain the boiled kemuning leaves. Drink twice a day to help lower cholesterol and relieve rheumatic pain.

Making Boreh by Grinding Kemuning Leaves (Source: Private Collection)

How to Make Kemuning Leaves into Boreh

In addition to being made into herbal drinks, kemuning leaves can also be processed into boreh (a topical remedy). Here are the steps for making it:

1. Prepare the Kemuning Leaves
Take a sufficient amount of kemuning leaves and a piece of turmeric. Wash both ingredients thoroughly.

2. Grind the Kemuning Leaves
Pound or crush the kemuning leaves until they are smooth.

Kemuning Boreh Applied to the Skin (Source: Private Collection)

3. Apply to the Affected Area
Apply the boreh to the painful or injured area of the body. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This boreh can help relieve rheumatic pain and accelerate wound healing.

Kemuning Boreh and Herbal Drink (Source: Private Collection)

Kemuning is a medicinal plant that has many benefits in traditional medicine. In addition to being known for its ability to relieve rheumatism and lower cholesterol, kemuning is also used to accelerate wound healing and address digestive disorders. This plant is an important part of the Balinese traditional medicine heritage, as recorded in the lontar Usadha Taru Pramana. With simple processing methods, such as making boiled water or boreh remedies, kemuning can be used regularly as a natural herbal solution to maintain overall health.