Page 162 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

LOOKING FOR A DIABETES CURE

West Sumatran pharmacist Drs Munir studied pharmacy at the prestigious Gadjah Mada University
and worked at the Department of Health in Jakarta for many years. Over 15 years ago, he was
diagnosed as a diabetic.
After comparing the traditional versus orthodox approach, Drs Munir chose jamu and
systematically worked through several traditional medicines. Many either had negative side effects or
did not work; he eliminated daun bangkuwang (yam bean leaves), seeds of the Java plum, daun
jengkol (leaves of Pithecellobium jiringa tree) and black rice.
Then an old university friend introduced Podosalametee, which was recommended by the
Department of Health. He decided to try it and ten days later his blood sugar levels dropped from 210
to a healthy 83. He now takes 20 pills three times a day after meals and adjusts the dosage according
to a daily urine test done with glucose sticks. If they turn blue he only takes five to ten pills.
“I was always exhausted before taking this jamu,” he says, thrilled. “But now I can even drive
myself to Sumatra without any problem.”
As a qualified pharmacist what made Drs Munir choose jamu? “With my background I know
exactly what goes into Western drugs and what their effects are. That’s why I feel much safer with
jamu. I’m happy to take Bodrex or Paracetamol for colds, flu or a bit of a temperature but for
something long term, I want medicine I can trust, like Podosalametee.”

Manufacture of product
– Weighing of raw materials according to the formula;
– Mixing;
– Grinding;
– Extracting;
– Finished product: the mixture is made into pills, capsules,