Unveiling the Hidden Wonders of Boreh Bali: A Warm Elixir for Muscle and Joint Relief

Familiar with its reputation as the owner of captivating natural charm, Bali is not only known as a tropical tourist paradise but also home to millions of cultures and traditions. Among its many riches, Bali still holds more hidden secrets than we can imagine. One of the ancestral secrets worth unveiling from generation to generation is "Boreh Bali," a traditional concoction used by the Balinese people for centuries, which has been widely spread and popularly utilized.

Generally, Boreh Bali is a herbal mixture known to consist of natural ingredients, including various parts of plants such as leaves, roots, stems, or seeds obtained from herbal plants or live apothecaries. Examples include sand ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and other organic spices. These ingredients are processed through pounding or grinding to obtain a paste consistency, which is then applied by rubbing it onto specific desired parts of the body. Boreh Bali is commonly mixed with coconut oil or essential oils to enhance its effects.

Ingredients of Boreh Bali (Photo Source : Editorial Collection)

The various uses of plant parts as raw materials for making Boreh have been documented in the Lontar Usadha Taru Pramana, which contains traditional knowledge about the diversity of plant species and their use in treating various types of illnesses. In the Usadha Bali Taru Pramana, these plants are categorized into three groups based on their characteristics, such as taste, color, and other aspects: hot (anget), mild (dumelage), and cold (tis). Plants with white, yellow, or green flowers are considered hot, while those with red or blue flowers fall into the cold category, and those with various colors belong to the mild category. This statement confirms that sand ginger, a common raw material for making Boreh, belongs to the hot category due to its predominantly white leaves.

Traditionally, the Balinese people apply Boreh for various purposes, including warming the body during cold weather, beauty treatments, and as a natural remedy to alleviate muscle and joint pain. One of the key factors underlying the effectiveness of Boreh Bali is its natural ingredients, which have anti-inflammatory and warming properties. This makes Boreh Bali an excellent option for those suffering from muscle and joint pain.

Boreh Bali has traditionally been classified into three categories such as hot Boreh (containing a mixture of ingredients like ginger, sand ginger, turmeric, mesoyi, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and red or white rice), fragrant Boreh (containing a mixture of flowers such as lavender, jasmine, and roses), and mild Boreh (containing a mixture of vegetables and fruits like carrots, papayas, avocados, yam beans, and cucumbers).

Although each of these three categories of Boreh has a range of benefits that are not significantly different, the preference of the people for hot Boreh still prevails. One of the reasons for this preference is Bali's tropical climate, which is warm throughout the year. Therefore, people tend to use hot Boreh most of the time to keep their bodies warm and relieve coldness after bathing or at night. This is very helpful in maintaining comfort and preventing muscle tension caused by the cold.

Additionally, hot Boreh has been known for centuries to address health issues and relieve muscle and joint pain. This is because the combination of ginger, turmeric, and cloves in this mixture has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. When applied as a scrub or mask on the body, hot Boreh generates a warm effect that improves blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and relieves pain caused by fatigue or injury.

 Boreh Bali (Photo Source : Editorial Collection)

The use of Boreh Bali can be done by people of all ages who want to benefit from its unique blend. When used in moderation, from children to adults, everyone can apply Boreh Bali to enhance their well-being. Given one of its benefits is alleviating muscle pain and improving blood circulation, hot Boreh is particularly suitable for athletes or sports enthusiasts seeking quick recovery. However, spa enthusiasts can also enjoy the relaxation experience by using Boreh Bali as a natural skin treatment. The natural ingredients in Boreh bali's scrub help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant. Its antioxidant properties also help combat premature aging and maintain healthy skin.

The variety of benefits found in Boreh Bali has made it increasingly popular among the general public. As its presence becomes more recognized, more and more people are eager to experience the benefits it offers. Despite the prevalence of modern medical treatments using internal (tablets) and external (ointments) medications, the existence of Boreh Bali remains strong. This is because people consider traditional remedies to be derived from natural ingredients that are cheaper and easier to obtain. Moreover, the use of natural raw materials for treating minor illnesses can be seen as a good preventive measure against dependence on modern chemical-based drugs. This is particularly relevant for children, as their bodies are more vulnerable and not yet prepared for the potential damage to their organ systems, which can disrupt their growth process.

The increasing popularity of Boreh Bali as a natural remedy for muscle and joint pain has inspired many to sell ready-made Boreh products that only require water to be added to the mixture. This undoubtedly makes it easier for those who do not want to go through the trouble of making it themselves. Furthermore, the availability of ready-made Boreh Bali products is a perfect choice for souvenirs to be given to loved ones, allowing them to experience the hidden wonders of Bali without having to visit the island directly.

So, when you plan to visit Bali or are seeking an effective natural treatment alternative, do not miss the opportunity to experience the use of Boreh Bali and enjoy its hidden wonders. This way, you can experience the warmth and health benefits offered by Balinese tradition.