Yellow Champaca in Lontar Usada Taru Pramana: Natural Remedies for Respiratory Disorders
Yellow Champaca is a name that may be familiar to those who understand traditional medicine. This plant has long been utilized as one of the herbal ingredients believed to have extraordinary benefits for healing various ailments, particularly those related to respiratory issues throughout the body.
In the midst of technological and scientific advancements, there’s nothing wrong with revisiting the local wisdom passed down by our ancestors. One such wisdom is Usadha, a traditional healing science that reflects the community’s belief in the interconnectedness of nature, where everything is linked. Usadha not only focuses on physical healing but also considers the spiritual and emotional balance of the patient. The primary source of Usadha is the Lontar Usadha Bali, along with various other ancient manuscripts that contain valuable knowledge about different types of diseases and treatment methods.
Yellow Champaca Flower (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
One of the plants commonly used in Balinese traditional medicine is Yellow Champaca (Michelia champaca). This plant serves as a natural solution for respiratory disorders and is part of the Usadha Taru Pramana treatment aimed at patients with respiratory diseases. Yellow Champaka is a tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters, with large, glossy green leaves and bright yellow bowl-shaped flowers that emit a fragrant aroma, especially at night.
Yellow Champaca Flower (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
The benefits of Yellow Champaca as a medicinal plant are well-known for addressing various complaints, particularly respiratory disorders. The main ingredient in this potion is the Yellow Champaka tree itself, which contains active compounds that help reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, this potion also includes other ingredients such as cinnamon bark and water, all of which contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the mixture. Below is a complete explanation of the ingredients and the steps to prepare it.
Ingredients
1. 5 Yellow Champaca flowers
2. 1 stick of cinnamon
3. 1 glass of water
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare 5 fresh Yellow Champaca flowers and 1 stick of cinnamon. Ensure that the Yellow Champaca flowers are not wilted and are free from dirt; wash the flowers thoroughly under running water. Be gentle when rinsing to avoid damaging the petals. If using a stick of cinnamon, ensure it is also free from dust. If using ground cinnamon, take an appropriate amount as needed.
Ingredients for Yellow Champaca Herbal Remedy (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
2. Take 1 glass of water (about 250 ml) and pour it into a clean pot. Add the washed Yellow Champaca flowers and the stick of cinnamon to the pot. Turn on the stove to medium heat and place the pot on it. Wait until the water starts to boil.
Boil All the Ingredients (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
3. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This process helps extract the active compounds from the Yellow Champaca flowers and cinnamon into the water. During this process, you can stir the mixture occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
4. After simmering, turn off the stove and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Prepare a strainer (like a tea strainer) and place it over a glass or another clean container. Pour the mixture through the strainer to separate the solid ingredients (flowers and cinnamon) from the liquid. Press down gently with a spoon to ensure all the liquid is extracted.
Strain the Result of the Boiled Ingredients (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
5. After the mixture has been carefully strained to remove any unwanted ingredients, allow it to cool slightly until it reaches a comfortable and safe temperature for drinking, so that you can enjoy its flavor without the risk of burning your mouth or throat.
Yellow Champaca Herbal Remedy (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
The use of Yellow Champaca in traditional medicine highlights the importance of local knowledge in utilizing natural resources for health. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of this plant in the context of modern medicine. This way, we can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation for better health.
