The Benefits of Mesui in Lontar Usadha Bali: The Secrets of Natural Healing from Ancestral Traditions

Mesui (Cryptocarya massoy (Oken) Kosterm) is one of the ingredients used in traditional Balinese medicine as described in the Lontar Usadha Tiwang. The Lontar Usadha Tiwang contains knowledge of traditional Balinese healing practices, written on palm leaves, and is still practiced today. It primarily discusses the illness called "tiwang," which manifests with symptoms such as a sense of bodily weakness, pain, restlessness, bulging eyes, stiff muscles, and even fainting. The different types of tiwang are characterized by specific symptoms. For example, tiwang utara presents with restlessness (meunyang-anyingan) and bulging eyes. Tiwang tojos is marked by restlessness (meunyang-anyingan), bulging eyes, and involuntary hand movements (pati grèpè). Tiwang udang involves twitching hands and legs resembling shrimp movements, along with bulging eyes. In addition, the Lontar Usadha Tiwang mentions other ailments such as coughs and mokan, a condition with symptoms of swelling and pain.

In Balinese Usadha medicine, mesui is typically used for its bark. The bark of mesui is often employed for medicinal purposes due to its believed anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. In addition to physical healing, mesui is also used in spiritual and ritual contexts in Bali. It is sometimes included in ceremonies or healing practices related to self-purification and restoring the body's energy balance, aligning with Usadha Bali's philosophy that integrates physical and spiritual well-being.

Mesui (Photo Source : Private Collection)

Processing Mesui in Usadha Bali

One way to process and use mesui is by preparing a remedy mentioned in the Lontar Usadha Tiwang for tiwang utara, which is characterized by restlessness (meunyang-anyingan) and bulging eyes. The ingredients needed include Gamongan (Zingiber zerumbet), Triketuka (Garlic (Allium sativum L), Jangu (Acorus calamus), Mesui (Cryptocarya massoy)), and Tain seksek (wood dust from wood-boring insects).

1. Gather the Ingredients
Collect the ingredients, such as Gamongan (Zingiber zerumbet), Triketuka (Garlic (Allium sativum L), Jangu (Acorus calamus), Mesui (Cryptocarya massoy)), and Tain seksek (wood dust from wood-boring insects). For tools, prepare a mortar and pestle or a blender.

Tools and Ingredients for Tiwang Utara Remedy (Photo Source : Private Collection)

2. Grind the Ingredients
Grind all the ingredients into a paste or powder. If necessary, chop the ingredients before grinding. You can use traditional tools like a mortar and pestle or modern tools like a blender.

Ingredients That Have Been Ground (Photo Source : Private Collection)

3. Mix the Ingredients
Mix all the ground ingredients thoroughly until they form a consistent paste.

Tiwang Utara Remedy (Photo Source : Private Collection)

4. Application
Apply the tiwang utara remedy on the parts of the body that are experiencing the symptoms of tiwang utara.

As one of the important ingredients in traditional Balinese medicine, mesui plays a significant role in maintaining both physical and spiritual health. In the Lontar Usadha Tiwang, mesui is processed with other ingredients to treat various types of tiwang, including tiwang utara. The use of mesui in this context not only enriches Balinese cultural heritage but also demonstrates the potential of natural materials as sustainable health solutions.