I'm Amalin, the author behind this e-portfolio. For this assignment about the cultural elements of a culture, I specifically chose traditional medicinal or healing practices, as I find them amusing and unique. I mean, what do you mean by putting a random leaf on your wounds can magically stop the bleeding?

Yes, with technology nowadays, we know that there are some scientific explanations behind it, but to think that our ancestors had the knowledge about the jungle beforehand is mind-blowing to me.

Therefore, this coursework actually became the perfect excuse for me to explore more about traditional medicine elements in Malaysian culture. It actually did not just push me to explore the cultural elements, but it really made me curious and helped me learn how healing, nature, and heritage are woven together.

Thus, this e-portfolio explores the usage of traditional medicines among five Malaysian ethnic culture groups:

1. Kadazan-Dusun

2. Chetti-India Peranakan

3. Malaysian Siamese

4. Orang Asli Temuan

5. Orang Asli Jakun

   
   

Through this coursework, readers will discover how these five ethnicities in Malaysia use natural resources and the cultural significance behind their healing practices.

I hope you discover something new as I do!

Historically, the Kadazan-Dusun people primarily reside in rural and wooded areas. According to Haris et al. (2023), they have long depended on the natural resources not only for food supplies but also for healing and spiritual strength. Hence, the bond with nature enables them to find and use the herbaceous materials as traditional medicine.

Kadazan-Dusun's conventional healthcare practices reflect a profound knowledge of local plants. It also highlights the significance of balancing one’s physical and spiritual well-being. Even today, particularly in rural areas where they still depend on nature, many of these healing customs are still being practiced and honored.

Kadazan-Dusun healing practices can generally be divided into two categories:

• Healing physical illness.

• Healing spiritual disturbances.

1. Casual and simple method.

2. Complex method.

Casual and simple method

Using only a single preparation utilizing a plant material from a single species. This medication is specifically created for common diseases such as cuts, stomachaches, and headaches.

 For example: 

• The leaves of jackfruit are boiled and drunk to relieve a sore throat. Heated leaves were used to treat infectious skin daily.

• The fresh rhizome of sweet flag root is eaten in order to relieve diarrhea and gastric issues. 

Complex method 

For a sophisticated method, the practitioner is required to combine numerous plant species for a concoction recipe. 

For example: 

• The mixes of lemongrass, ginger rhizome, and eucalyptus leaves are boiled in coconut oil. This mixture will create a liniment that is used for massaging sore muscles and improving blood circulation. 

• To treat fever, the mixture of lintoyong root and wild ginger is boiled for a long time. The patient will drink this herbal brew to regain energy and lower body temperature.

  
  

For example:

• Manampasi (Cleansing ritual)

Sambong, patawali, pegaga, ginger, and tobacco leaves are dried and burned to make purifying smoke. This smoke is believed to cleanse the body, surroundings, and home from any negative omens. Manampasi is usually performed when a person has a nightmare, unknown disease, or bad luck.

Nevertheless, one of the most underrated cultural elements is their practices in traditional healing and medicine. The Chettis use a range of herbs, roots, and spices as their traditional medicines (Lee & Ravindran, 2024). They also incorporate rituals, as they are important for restoring balance, strengthening the body after childbirth or illness, and preventing disease. For generations, these customs have been meticulously maintained as a testament to the distinctive heritage of the Chettis community.

• Cumin (Jintan Manis): 

Cumin is usually added to meals to aid digestion and bloating problems. 

• Fenugreek Seeds (Halba): 

The fenugreek seeds are consumed to regulate blood sugar levels and can also support milk production for nursing moms.

• Ginger (Halia):

Ginger can alleviate indigestion and colds and also increase blood circulation by brewing in teas or decoctions. 

• Turmeric (Kunyit):

Applying turmeric as a paste to a wound or even just eating it can help relieve irritation and inflammation. 

• Bhogi Parachu.

• Mariamman Worship.

These religious rituals illustrate the syncretic nature of Chetti Melaka and combine local customs with Tamil Hinduism.

• The Senoi are mostly known for their practices of traditional animist religion and their carving sculptures and masks.

• The Negritos (Semang) are known for their ability to hunt using blowguns, and traditionally they practiced a semi-nomadic lifestyle. 

• Proto-Malay, on the other hand, is an ethnic group that is primarily agriculturalists and fishermen. Some of them adopted Islam and were absorbed into the Malay community. 

Therefore, based on the 3 different ethnic groups of the indigenous people, the Temuan tribe is in the Proto-Malay ethnic group. Based on the research by Dahlan et al. (2023), the Temuans can be found in rural and suburban villages of Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. Furthermore, the Temuan are hunters, gatherers, and agriculturists. Thus, they can benefit from all of the biological diversity around them to fulfill their daily necessities. They are also well known for their knowledge and usage of traditional medicine. The Temuan practiced 3 aspects of traditional medicine, which are:

• Spiritual.

• Physical.

• Chemical.

  
  

• Sewang Ceremony (Tarian Sewang)

The Sewang ceremony is usually held by the Temuan on the second day of Ancestor’s Day (Aik Muyang). This ritual is celebrated from December to January with different traditional ways depending on the tribe. 

According to Hazim (2023), the ritual process is led by a spiritual healer (pawang). There are also chanting, dancing, and singing included when the ceremonies are held. Furthermore, offerings such as flowers and betel leaves are presented, and incense is burned to communicate with the spirit. Essentially, this ritual is not only performed to heal illness but has been practiced for generations to strengthen the bond between the people and their traditions and customs. It serves to honor and remember their cultural heritage for the Temuan tribe.

• Traditional massage

This technique is commonly used to improve blood circulation and ease muscle tension. The massage therapist will massage in rhythm on the certain impacted area to release gas (angin), which is believed to cause discomfort or bloating (Dahlan et al., 2023). For example, massage can be used to relieve headaches, cramps, and varicose veins. Therefore, this method is widely used by the community to promote general health and to prevent illnesses before they become threatening.

• Use of tawas (Alum stone)

In traditional medicine, tawas is usually used among women, particularly after giving birth. An article by Jamian & Ghazali (2021) stated that the usage of tawas helps tighten the loose skin after childbirth and to feel fresh. To make it more effective, powdered tawas is occasionally mixed with water and applied to sore muscles during massage. This step will promote a cooling effect on the body as well as relieve aches.

• Melastoma malabathricum (sendunduk)

The crushed leaves of senduduk are applied to any wounds to stop the bleeding while speeding the healing process. Can also be brewed into tea to cure ulcers or diarrhea. 

• Longjack (tongkat ali)

The boiled roots of the longjack are consumed to enhance endurance and energy. Usually it will be consumed by men as a tonic. 

• Labisia pumila (kacip fatimah)

Kacip fatimah would be commonly drunk by women to aid postpartum recovery and support reproductive health.

Therefore, the Jakun tribe has a long history of employing wisdom in traditional healing practice and medical procedures. As a reflection of their profound connection with nature, they utilize forest plants and herbs to treat illnesses. The Jakun community only reaps what is necessary from the forest and ensures the land continues to thrive as a sign of respect for nature and in fear of being cursed.

• Hempedu Bumi (Andrographis paniculata):

  Other than tongkat ali and kacip fatimah, hempedu bumi or perdu bumi is often used as an energy drink by the Jakun people. It is also known as a detoxifier, immune booster, and fever reducer.

  
  

• Gandarusa (Justicia gendarussa):

  All of the parts of this plant can be used to cure various illnesses such as inflammation, joint and muscle pain, backache, swollen feet, and scabies. 

  
  

• Kemahang root (Dioscorea hispida):

  Brewed and usually can treat stomachaches, skin rashes, and sometimes acts as a natural contraceptive. Must be taken after detoxifying, as it is poisonous when it is raw.

• Shaman & traditional healer.

As a spiritual conduit between the Jakun community and the spirit, the Tok Biah role as a traditional healer is sacred. She uses chants, prayers, and specific recitations to connect with the divine power. Her healing methods are based on ancestral knowledge that has been passed down through the generations. No doubt, she also incorporates natural materials such as soil, plant roots, and leaves. According to research done by Jangga et al. (2023), people from various ethnic backgrounds come to see Tok Biah for help in healing illness or resolving marital issues. Therefore, it is proven that she is highly respected, not only among Jakun people but also across different ethnic groups. 

• A leader in rituals.

Other than the Sewang ritual, the Mandi Tepung Tawar ceremony is also led by Tok Biah. It is a significant spiritual purification rite performed during the full moon that consists of:

1. Fasting and avoiding prohibited meats (such as pig, dog meat, and cows)

2. Spiritual purification through ceremonial bathing in holy rivers.

3. Prayers for family protection, food security, and farm safety.

But, unlike the community, she carries out this ceremony once a month. This is to purify herself from any harmful spirit (badi) that she got from healing people. 

• Symbolic role in the community.

For rituals such as home openings and land blessings, Tok Biah is crucial. It is thought that she has heavenly assistance and does not want money. A simple symbolic present such as a white cloth or 25 cents is enough.

Even in the modern era, traditional medicine practices continue to be popular because of their methods and cultural familiarity. Like any other culture, Siamese medicinal practices frequently include the use of herbal remedies, steam treatment, rituals, and spiritual chanting. For them, treating physical problems and reestablishing harmony and balance in the body and mind are the key aspects of Siamese traditional medicine.

• Ground betel:

The roots and stems are used to treat hemorrhoids, myopia, seeded part in rectum, and sore and purulent ears.

• Holly-leaved mangrove:

Used as remedies for body itchiness, cough, snake bites, and fever.

• Java Ixora 

Used for tendon pain.

• Indian Mulberry:

Used as remedies for high blood pressure and diabetes.

This method includes boiling herbs that have benefits to our skin and bathing in the ensuing steam or infused water. Some of the popular herbs are lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves due to their aromatic and therapeutic characteristics. The advantages of steam therapy are to enhance blood circulation, cleanse the body, and relieve symptoms like muscle aches and skin diseases.

Prior to this, I had no idea how much knowledge and spirituality were involved in something simple as treating a fever or healing a cut. It amazed me to discover that healing is so much more than just clinics and pills. 

For instance, the Orang Asli Jakun and Temuan tribes have so many things in common, such as using herbs as medicine guided by the bomoh, but still retain their unique healing beliefs and rituals that differentiate them. On the other hand, the Kadazan-Dusun emphasize rituals like the “momolian” healing procedures led by the Bobohizan. Similarly, the Chetti Malacca community that still relies heavily on Ayurvedic practices also has their own cultural ritual practices. Lastly, the Malaysian Siamese community that includes herbs in cleansing procedures and rituals.

Altogether, these distinctive practices by each culture eloquently illustrate how each group maintains its cultural identity through traditional healing and medicine. 

While reading research articles and journals for weeks, this comparative analysis has taught me that medicine is not always about prescription. Oftentimes it's also about faith and natural knowledge. As a result, my learning experience has made me more culturally appreciative and sensitive. Due to Malaysia's diversity, it is more than simply something we live with; it is something we can learn from. Traditional medicine may appear outdated, yet it teaches us the importance of harmony, patience, and observation with nature.