Page 66 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

However, the village of Mamala practices an old Muslim custom that illustrates

the curing properties of their oil. Each year, seven days after Idul Fitri (the
celebration marking the end of the fasting month), a volunteer is whipped on the
back and shoulders with sharply-edged palms from the aren or sugar palm tree.
This continues till the skin is bleeding and raw. When the ordeal is over, the
victim’s skin is rubbed with a special oil that heals it within 24 hours. The oil,
appropriately called Minyak Mamala (Mamala oil), is made only at Idul Fitri,
but can be used throughout the year. This is why there is an annual influx of
dukun patah tulang, bone masseurs and manipulators, who descend on the
village to buy stocks for the next 12 months.

Sumatra
For centuries, Sumatra has had its own alternative medicine known as tambar.
According to one Sumatran pharmacist, these medicines contain herbs and
animal products, especially birds. These products usually contain coconut oil as
well, which turns them rancid within a week, adding an obnoxious smell. Magic
is also sometimes involved in curing. Medicines in Aceh are mixed to a dough-
like consistency using a mixture of herbs, animal products and coconut oil; they
are kneaded and then rolled into small, brown balls and used for improving
strength and blood circulation. The pills have such a good reputation that
Malaysia has been importing large quantities for years, despite the fact that it

manufactures its own jamu.