Page 81 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

(elettaria cardamomum), coriander (coriandrum sativum), and cumin (cuminum

cyminum) are a valuable trio. Cardamom takes care of coughs, rheumatism, itchy
skin and fever. Coriander clears up indigestion and nausea. Black cumin is
warming and good for stomach ache, while the white variety increases metabolic
activity and helps stomach pain.

Curative Poisons

Pharmacists, botanists and doctors all admit there is a thin line between curing
and poisoning. The decisive factor in prescribing jamu is the size of the dose
and, where necessary, the addition of a neutralizing plant to counteract toxicity.
Many jamu ingredients appear on the who Priority List of the most used
medicinal plants, yet they are toxic. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), for example,
is accorded this ‘privilege’. Although the entire plant is poisonous, its medicinal
use is widespread. The young leaves are applied externally for healing skin
diseases, ulcers and rheumatism and are a good source of vitamin B, while
tamarind pulp (frequently used in cooking) is cooling, and acts as a gentle
laxative. The stronger pulp of old fruits, known as asem kawak, is recommended
for those who seek an abortion. Similarly, the sap of the cashew nut tree
(Anacardium occidentale) is poisonous, although the nuts themselves are edible.

Mixed with powdered lime, the leaves are made into a poultice for skin diseases
and burns. The roots are a laxative and the bark makes an effective gargle.
However, the oily juice of the fruit skin, prescribed for warts and skin ulcers, can
produce a sharp reaction because it contains a toxic tannin called cardol, and
anacardic acid. Furthermore, the pounded fruit is a homeopathic cure for
psychological problems like loss of memory, overwork and poor sexual
performance.
The leaves, roots and seeds of kecubung (horn of plenty; Datura metal) are