Page 141 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

Professor Dr Asmino, an eminent radiologist, was raised and educated in East Java. During the five
years that he worked in the Radiology Department of Universitas Indonesia, where he graduated, he
also completed a three-year post-graduate radiology course in the US. In 1968 he was appointed
Professor of Radiology at Surabaya’s highly respected Universitas Airlangga. Until his death, the
doctor was consultant to a cancer clinic and frequently lectured at international medical conferences.
As with many Indonesians, Dr Asmino was brought up on jamu and recalled that his mother
knew exactly what to do when one of the 14-strong family was sick. Thus, he was familiar with sogo
telik (Abrus precatorius; bead plant), used for general health or asthma; legundi leaves (Vitex
trifolia; Indian privet) for kidney stones; kenikir (Cosmos caudatus, a kind of gardenia), luntas
leaves (Pluchea indica) or cloves, whose oils have a drying effect. His favourite remedy was a

herbal wrap for cold and fatigue, made from a mixture of pounded grated ginger and gandapura oil
(Wintergreen oil; Gaultheria procumbens).
In September 1988, Dr Asmino found he could pass only small amounts of urine and often
made three trips to the bathroom at night. Diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, he selected
minimal surgery over radiation or chemo-therapy, which could interfere with his immune system. He
also chose alternative medicine though he was acutely aware that jamu’s healing powers and dosage
required detailed research. Close friends also recommended consultation with Haji Hani Ahmad,
better known as Haji Lele, a 51-year-old healer with a high success rate in helping terminal patients.
His treatment included pinching the toes and taking two spoons of natural honey every morning. Dr
Asmino’s urine flow improved dramatically and he passed a white custard-like jelly. Then, in March
1992, the doctor’s sense of taste disappeared. He now replaced his daily vitamin C intake with multi-
vitamins. Finally, he also took Islamic medicine, accompanied by a ceremony involving the slaughter
of three sheep. His tastebuds were re-activated.

Throughout his illness, Dr Asmino examined countless alternatives, demonstrating an open
mind and an indomitable spirit. One such option was a famous Indonesian cancer cure: parasite tea,
obtained from tea plantations in the Puncak mountains outside Jakarta. Later, he used mango parasite
instead, a cheaper substitute. Mistletoe leaves also proved effective. The professor later read, the
viscotoxin in mistletoe kills the tumour while lectin strengthens the immune system. In Europe this