Unveiling the Secrets of Karuk Leaves: The Healing Power in Usadha Tiwang Bali
Bali is home to many hidden, breathtaking beauties, and behind them lies a rich and mysterious heritage of traditional healing. This healing tradition has been passed down through generations via ancient palm-leaf manuscripts known as Lontar Usadha. From physical ailments to spiritual disturbances, Usadha offers treatments that combine herbs, rituals, and the forces of nature.
Usadha Tiwang is one of Bali's traditional healing practices, known collectively as Usadha. Usadha Tiwang specifically addresses various ailments related to fevers, respiratory issues, and digestive problems. This healing practice utilizes a range of herbal plants, one of which is karuk leaves (Mikania cordata).
Karuk Leaves as a Key Element in Usadha Tiwang
Karuk Leaves (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
Karuk leaves play a vital role in Usadha Tiwang due to their proven effectiveness in healing a wide range of health complaints. These leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. In Balinese traditional medicine, karuk leaves are commonly used to reduce fevers, combat inflammation, and relieve digestive disorders. They are often prepared as herbal remedies to be consumed or crushed and applied topically to areas in need of treatment. The healing properties of karuk leaves align with the philosophy of traditional Balinese medicine, which emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and nature.
How to Use Karuk Leaves for Various Ailments
Usage of Karuk Leaves (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
Karuk leaves are not just wild plants growing in the backyard; they are a natural treasure rich in health benefits. From lowering fevers to alleviating joint pain, karuk leaves offer natural solutions to common everyday ailments. Below are several ways to use karuk leaves as a natural remedy:
1. Reducing Fever
Take a few fresh karuk leaves, then boil them in water until it reaches a boil. Strain the water and drink while warm. Consume 2-3 times a day to help lower body temperature.
Fresh karuk leaves are mashed into a paste. Apply this paste to areas of the body experiencing inflammation, such as minor wounds or swelling. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing with clean water.
Boil 5-7 karuk leaves in 2 cups of water until the water is reduced to 1 cup. Drink this herbal infusion twice a day, morning and evening, until digestive issues subside.
Fresh karuk leaves are boiled, and the water is consumed. For better results, add a little honey to the infusion before drinking. Drink twice a day to relieve coughing.
Make a paste from fresh, mashed karuk leaves and apply it to painful joints. Leave it on for several hours or overnight, then rinse with warm water.
Preservation of Usadha and Karuk Leaves
Preservation of Karuk Leaves (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
The sustainability of Usadha Tiwang and the use of medicinal plants like karuk leaves require conservation efforts and attention to the ecosystems where these herbs grow. The growing interest in natural medicine brings new challenges, such as how to keep these natural resources sustainable. As one of Bali's nine healing traditions, Usadha Tiwang stands out with the use of herbs like karuk leaves, which hold great potential in supporting natural health. By keeping this tradition alive and respecting the medicinal plants used, Usadha Tiwang can continue to provide healing benefits that transcend time.
