The Benefits of Boreh Semanggi Gunung for Treating Skin Diseases Based on Lontar Usada
The benefits of boreh semanggi gunung, as described in Lontar Usada, include treating skin infections, reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing, and fading scars. With regular use, this boreh provides a natural solution for maintaining skin health while preserving the traditions of Balinese medicine. Further development can bridge local wisdom with modern medical science.
Traditional Balinese medicine has strong roots in beliefs, culture and ancestral heritage. One prominent practice is the use of natural medicine based on the Lontar Usada, an ancient manuscript containing various traditional medicine recipes. One of the recorded traditional medicines is mountain clover boreh, which is known to have extraordinary properties for treating skin diseases.
Boreh in Balinese Tradition
Boreh is a paste-like remedy applied to the body to treat various health complaints. Its use is often associated with external treatments aimed at warming the body, improving blood circulation, and speeding up recovery. For skin diseases, boreh serves as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and skin tissue repair agent.
Semanggi Gunung as the Main Ingredient
Semanggi gunung (Marsilea crenata) is a wild plant commonly found in Bali’s highlands. Its leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. These compounds have antimicrobial effects, helping to eliminate bacteria or fungi that cause skin diseases and accelerating skin cell regeneration.
Boreh Semanggi Gunung Recipe from Lontar Usada
According to Lontar Usada, here’s how to prepare boreh semanggi gunung:
Ingredients:
- Fresh semanggi gunung leaves (10 leaves)
- Turmeric (1 segment)
- Tamarind (as needed)
- Virgin coconut oil (2 tablespoons)
Ingredients for Making Boreh (Source: Personal Collection)
Preparation:
1.Crush the semanggi gunung leaves and turmeric into a paste.
Crushed Semanggi and Turmeric (Source: Personal Collection)
2.Mix the paste with tamarind and coconut oil.
Crushed Ingredients (Source: Personal Collection)
3.Stir until evenly blended, and the boreh is ready to use.
Ingredients Mixed into Boreh Paste (Source: Personal Collection)
Usage:
- Apply the boreh to the affected skin area.
- Leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Perform this treatment regularly, twice a day.
Benefits and Efficacy
Based on Lontar Usada, the benefits of boreh semanggi gunung include:
-
Treating Skin Infections
The antimicrobial compounds in semanggi gunung effectively combat bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. -
Reducing Inflammation
The combination of turmeric and tannins from semanggi gunung helps alleviate itching and swelling. -
Accelerating Wound Healing
Flavonoids enhance skin tissue regeneration, speeding up the healing of minor wounds or irritations. -
Eliminating Scars
Regular use of boreh helps fade scars from skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Conclusion
The use of boreh semanggi gunung is a prime example of how Balinese traditional heritage offers natural solutions to health problems. By utilizing recipes from Lontar Usada, we not only maintain our health but also preserve ancestral wisdom. Further research can explore the scientific efficacy of this plant, paving the way for its application in modern medicine.
