Lengis Tandusan: The Unique Medicinal Qualities of Traditional Balinese Coconut Oil

Lengis tandusan is a pure coconut oil unique to Bali, traditionally processed through methods passed down from generation to generation. In the Balinese language, lengis means oil, and tandusan means coconut. This oil is renowned for its high quality and a wide range of health benefits.

Coconut Tree (Source: Personal Collection)

In traditional Balinese medicine, lengis tandusan is also mentioned in the lontar Usadha Tiwang, an ancient manuscript on healing. This lontar includes various herbal formulations and methods of treatment using natural ingredients, including lengis tandusan. In this context, the oil is considered to have healing properties for various health conditions. Here are some of the health and beauty benefits of lengis tandusan.

1. Massage Oil: Lengis tandusan is often used in massage therapy for its ability to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. When gently applied to the skin, this oil helps warm up stiff muscles and aids the recovery process after physical activity. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties also help alleviate pain and muscle tension, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing massage therapy.
2. Hair Care: This old coconut oil serves as an effective natural conditioner for maintaining hair moisture. When applied to the hair, lengis tandusan penetrates the hair cuticle, providing deep hydration and preventing damage from dryness. Additionally, it can help reduce hair loss and stimulate new hair growth, making it an excellent option for regular hair care, especially for those with dry or damaged hair
3. Skin Beauty: In the realm of beauty, lengis tandusan serves a dual purpose as a moisturizer for the face and body. Its healthy fat content helps lock in moisture, leaving skin softer and more supple. Additionally, this oil functions as an effective natural makeup remover, lifting makeup residue without irritating the skin. Regular use of lengis tandusan can help maintain the skin’s pH balance and reduce redness and irritation, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin.
4. Support for Pregnant Women: Many pregnant women in Bali use lengis tandusan as a means to support a smoother birthing process. The oil is believed to help reduce muscle tension and prepare the mother's body for childbirth. Applying lengis tandusan to the belly may also help reduce stretch marks and maintain skin elasticity during pregnancy. With its soothing properties, the oil can also help alleviate stress and anxiety often experienced by pregnant women.

The making of lengis tandusan involves several carefully executed steps to ensure the quality of the oil produced. Here are the stages in the process of making lengis tandusan.

Old Coconut Fruit (Source: Personal Collection)

The first step is selecting high-quality, mature coconuts, which are key to producing lengis tandusan rich in benefits. The chosen coconuts usually have thick, oil-rich flesh, typically found in ivory coconuts. Selecting coconuts with thick flesh is essential because the quality of the oil produced depends on ripe coconuts that are rich in natural oil content.

After selecting the coconuts, the next process is soaking. The coconut flesh is soaked overnight to soften it and facilitate the grating process. This soaking process also helps remove dirt or any remaining skin attached to the coconut. As a result, the softened coconut flesh will be easier to grate and produce more coconut milk.

Grated Mature Coconut (Source: Personal Collection)

After soaking overnight, the coconut is trimmed to remove unnecessary parts before being grated. This grating process can be done with traditional tools, such as a manual scraper that produces a distinctive aroma and texture, or with a modern grating machine, which is faster and creates a finer grate. The finer the grating, the more coconut milk can be extracted, as the softened coconut flesh makes it easier for water to absorb the natural oils during pressing, resulting in richer, high-quality coconut milk for the next stage.

Coconut Milk Extracted from Grated Coconut (Source: Personal Collection)

After grating the coconut, the next step is to separate the coconut milk by mixing the grated coconut with clean water to release the natural oils from the coconut flesh. The grated coconut mixed with water is then squeezed by hand or with a press to maximize the extraction of coconut milk. Once all the coconut milk is collected, it is heated in a boiling process. During boiling, the oil gradually begins to separate from the coconut milk, and this stage is carefully monitored until the oil is completely separated and ready to be filtered and used as lengis tandusan.

Tandusan Oil (Source: Personal Collection)

Once the boiling process is complete and the oil has successfully separated, the final step is filtering. The produced oil is filtered using a fine sieve or clean cloth to remove any sediment and residue that may remain from the boiling process. This filtering is essential to ensure that the oil is pure and free of impurities, maintaining its quality. This process also helps to extend the oil’s shelf life, as leftover sediment can cause the oil to spoil or lose quality. After filtering, the oil is left at room temperature to cool naturally, preserving its aroma and enhancing its rich coconut flavor.

Once cooled, lengis tandusan is ready to be stored in a clean, airtight container. Proper storage is crucial, as exposure to air can speed up oxidation, which may reduce the quality of the oil. By keeping the oil in optimal conditions, lengis tandusan can last long and retain its beneficial properties, making it ready for various uses, whether in traditional medicine or cooking. The success of the filtering and storage process greatly contributes to the quality of the mature coconut oil produced.

Coconut Tree (Source: Personal Collection)

Lengis tandusan serves not only as a cooking ingredient or beauty product; it is also an important part of Balinese culture. In Balinese society, this mature coconut oil is often used in various religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. For example, lengis tandusan is used as an offering to the gods as a symbol of gratitude and respect. Additionally, in wedding and birth ceremonies, the oil is often used to complete the ritual, showing the vital role of lengis tandusan in the spiritual and social life of the Balinese community. Its presence in various aspects of daily life reflects the deep connection between culture and nature, where the coconut, as a plentiful natural resource, is sustainably utilized.

The demand for lengis tandusan remains high, both from locals and tourists seeking an authentic Balinese experience. This oil has become not only a commodity but also a symbol of rich cultural heritage. With increasing awareness of natural and organic products, many artisans now use digital platforms to market their products. They use social media and e-commerce sites to reach a wider market, both domestically and internationally. In this way, lengis tandusan not only stays relevant but also gains recognition as a valuable product, bridging tradition and innovation in the modern world. Additionally, this initiative supports the local economy and empowers artisans to preserve traditional crafting techniques passed down through generations.