Natural Remedies from the Lontar Usadha Punguan: The Traditional Balinese Healing Heritage for Cough Relief

Usadha Punguan is a traditional healing practice originating from Bali, passed down through generations. The primary focus of Usadha Punguan is the treatment of various physical ailments, including coughs, utilizing the wealth of local medicinal plants. Coughing is a common condition that often disrupts daily activities and can be accompanied by mucus that is difficult to expel.

One important remedy in the Lontar Usadha Punguan for addressing coughs is a combination of natural ingredients such as ginger, betel leaves, and honey. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe throat irritation, while betel leaves act as an antimicrobial agent that aids in combating infections. Honey, with its soothing qualities, can alleviate coughing and enhance the immune system.

With a natural approach and the use of easily accessible ingredients, the Lontar Usadha Punguan offers effective and safe solutions for those seeking traditional remedies for everyday health issues.

Ingredients for Making Cough Remedy (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Knowledge of traditional medicine that utilizes plants has been passed down through generations, and one example can be seen in the use of ginger, betel leaves, and honey in the practice of Lontar Usadha Punguan. This remedy is a natural solution widely used to address coughs, and these three ingredients are well-known for their healing properties in traditional Balinese medicine.

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is one of the most valued spices in medicine. In Usadha Punguan, ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps relieve throat irritation and reduce the frequency of coughing. Its warming properties also support the healing process by enhancing blood circulation and strengthening the immune system.

Betel leaves (Piper betle) are another herbal ingredient that plays a significant role in this remedy. In Balinese medicinal traditions, betel leaves are recognized for their ability to combat infections due to their antimicrobial properties. The use of betel leaves in cough remedies not only helps alleviate cough symptoms but also serves to clear the respiratory tract of obstructive mucus.

Honey, a natural ingredient used for thousands of years, is also a crucial component of this remedy. Honey has soothing properties that can relieve throat irritation, and its antibacterial content helps fight infection-causing germs. Additionally, honey adds a natural sweetness to the remedy, making it easier to consume, especially for children.

With the combination of ginger, betel leaves, and honey, the cough remedy in Usadha Punguan offers a holistic, safe, and effective approach. These three ingredients not only expedite the healing process but also demonstrate how traditional Balinese medicine remains relevant in promoting public health. By understanding and applying these natural ingredients, we can better appreciate the wealth of cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge in healing practices.

Boiling Ginger and Betel Leaves to Make a Cough Remedy (Photo Source: Personal Collection) 

In addition to using modern methods, many people in Bali still believe in the effectiveness of traditional remedies for treating coughs. One recipe that has been passed down through generations is the cough remedy from Usadha Punguan, which uses natural and easily found ingredients: ginger, betel leaves, and honey. These three ingredients are known for their powerful properties in relieving coughs and soothing irritated throats. Ginger provides a warming effect and helps expel mucus, betel leaves act as an antimicrobial to combat infections, and honey has soothing and antibacterial properties.

Here are the steps to make this traditional cough remedy:

1. Wash and peel the ginger.
Fresh ginger will provide maximum benefits in this remedy. Peel the ginger and cut it into several small pieces to facilitate boiling, allowing the ginger's essence to be optimally extracted during the cooking process.

2. Prepare the betel leaves, wash them thoroughly, and tear or crush the leaves.
The betel leaves should be washed well to ensure the cleanliness of the remedy. Tear or crush the betel leaves so that their active compounds, such as eugenol, which has antimicrobial properties, mix more easily with water during boiling.

3. Boil an adequate amount of water in a pot, then add the ginger pieces and betel leaves.
Pour enough water into the pot according to the amount of ginger and betel leaves to be boiled. Bring the water to a boil, then add the ginger and betel leaves to extract the beneficial compounds from both ingredients.

4. Let the mixture boil for 10–15 minutes.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10–15 minutes. This time is necessary to ensure that all active substances from the ginger and betel leaves dissolve into the water, creating a remedy effective in relieving coughs.

5. After boiling, strain the brew into a glass to separate the residue.
Remove the brew from the heat, then strain to separate the ginger and betel leaf pieces. You only need the brewed water as the remedy ready for consumption.

The Final Result of the Cough Remedy From Usadha Punguan (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

6. Add one tablespoon of honey to the warm decoction and stir until well mixed.  
Add honey to the warm decoction. In addition to providing a natural sweetness, honey also helps soothe the throat and enhances the antimicrobial properties of this remedy. Stir until the honey is evenly mixed with the decoction.

7. The traditional cough remedy is ready to drink.  
This remedy is best consumed warm to maximize its benefits. Drink this decoction 1-2 times a day, especially before bedtime, to relieve throat discomfort and reduce coughing more quickly.  

The traditional remedy that combines ginger, betel leaves, and honey not only offers a natural solution to alleviate cough but also brings other health benefits that support the immune system. Regular consumption of this remedy, ideally twice a day, morning and evening, can help maintain the body's condition. The warming properties of ginger, the antimicrobial effects of betel leaves, and the soothing qualities of honey create an effective combination for relieving cough and naturally boosting immunity.  

This Usadha Punguan remedy reflects the local wisdom that has been passed down through generations and has become part of the traditional Balinese healing culture. The use of easily accessible natural ingredients not only demonstrates the advantages of this cultural heritage but also emphasizes how natural wealth can be utilized for health and well-being.  

In the face of the dominance of modern medicine, this traditional remedy remains relevant and valuable. In addition to providing healing, this remedy also connects us to cultural values and appreciation for local natural resources. Preserving and passing on traditional healing heritage like this is a way to honor our ancestors and traditions that continue to benefit modern life.