Usadha Taru Pramana for Flatulence: Traditional Balinese Recipes with Simple Kitchen Ingredients

Lontar Usadha Taru Pramana is one of Bali's cultural heritages that contains guidelines for traditional medicine using medicinal plants. In this lontar, various plant-based concoctions are listed that are believed to have properties to maintain health and overcome various diseases naturally. One specific benefit discussed is the treatment of flatulence.

Herbs such as betel leaf, turmeric and ginger are often mentioned in this lontar as the main ingredients of the concoction to relieve flatulence. The combination of these ingredients works effectively as it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and carminative (reduces gas in the stomach) properties. The simple process of making the concoction and the use of natural ingredients make this approach not only practical but also in harmony with the principles of human and nature balance.

Tools and Materials Used (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The tools and ingredients used in making this bloating remedy are cobek, betel leaves, ginger, turmeric and salt. These tools and ingredients are important components that are often used in traditional medicine recipes. These ingredients are easy to find at home or traditional markets.

Cobek is used to pound ingredients such as ginger and turmeric. This not only helps to mix the ingredients well, but also ensures that the juices from the ingredients are optimally released.

Ginger is a rhizome plant that is rich in an active compound called gingerol. Gingerol has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for relieving several ailments, such as nausea, flatulence, and indigestion. The ginger used in this concoction is peeled first to remove any impurities.

Turmeric is an herbal plant with a bright yellow color that is rich in curcumin, a bioactive compound that functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In traditional medicine, turmeric is used to help with digestive disorders, such as flatulence. Before use, turmeric is peeled off the skin to remove any impurities.

Betel leaf is a natural ingredient known for its essential oils such as eugenol and chavicol, which have antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is often used in traditional concoctions to relieve stomach upsets, such as flatulence, reduce gas, and aid digestion.

Salt is an important ingredient that is often used in various traditional herbs to strengthen the therapeutic effects of other ingredients. In this concoction, salt is added to help balance body fluids and improve digestive function. In addition, salt also helps relieve symptoms of flatulence by drawing fluid from the digestive tract, thereby reducing trapped gas. 

With a combination of ginger, turmeric, betel leaves and salt, the herbs for flatulence in Usadha Taru Pramana offer an effective and holistic natural approach. Each ingredient has unique properties that not only help relieve symptoms quickly, but also serve as a testament to how traditional Balinese medicine remains relevant and beneficial to people's health.

Herb Ingredient Washing Process (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The process of making this herbal mixture is very simple, only requires a few easy steps but is able to provide significant benefits for health. Here are the steps in making herbal concoctions to treat flatulence.

1. Wash All Ingredients. 

Wash the ingredients used, such as ginger, turmeric, and betel leaves. This effort is useful to remove any remaining dirt or residue that is still attached to the skin.

Ginger and Turmeric Mashing Process (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

2. Pounding Ginger and Turmeric

This mashing process is carried out to facilitate the process of releasing the juice and also the oil contained in the two ingredients, thus maximizing the potential efficacy of these ingredients.

3. Prepare Boiled Water

Prepare boiled water about one glass (200 ml), then pour the water into a pot for boiling which will be used to mix all the ingredients together, boil the water using low heat until it boils.

The Process of Boiling Ginger and Turmeric (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

4. Put Ginger and Turmeric into the Boil

After the cooking water begins to boil, add ginger and turmeric to the cooking water for about 3-5 minutes until the fragrant aroma of the ingredients begins to come out and ensure that the juice in the ingredients really comes out to the maximum, make sure the fire used remains small until the process is complete.

Betel Leaf Boiling Process (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

5. Put Betel Leaves into the Stew

After the stew releases the aroma of spices, start putting two betel leaves into the stew, wait about 3-4 minutes until the essence of the betel leaves really comes out and blends with the cooking water.

6. Add Salt to Taste

Sprinkle salt according to your taste into the herb to enhance the flavor and also help the body to absorb nutrients from the herb.

7. Strain the Potion and Ready to Drink

Once all the ingredients are boiled to perfection, remove the stew and strain the water to separate the pulp from the liquid. The concoction is ready to be served warm to help relieve flatulence.

Flatulence Remedy Herb (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

This ready-to-serve herbal drink has tremendous health benefits. In particular, it is useful for relieving flatulence, as the natural ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, betel leaves, and salt help to soothe the digestive system and boost the body's metabolism. 

This herbal drink is best consumed in the morning or at night after meals, especially if you feel your stomach starting to bloat or become uncomfortable. Regular consumption of this herb can help maintain your digestive health. For maximum benefits, make sure you consume this herb warm. Just one cup after meals or when you feel your stomach starting to bloat. You can also add a little honey to give the herb a natural sweetness, which also provides additional health benefits.

This concoction is a perfect example of traditional Balinese medicine, which prioritizes the use of natural ingredients that are all around us. With a deeper understanding of the benefits of these herbs, we can see how important it is to preserve local medicinal traditions that have proven to be effective and beneficial for the body.