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HEALING THE BODY WITH INDIGENOUS HERBS


In Bali, every Medicine Man grows his own garden of herbs at the site of his home or his healing center. Each of the herbs are labelled and used for specific ailments. Such healers preserve the knowledge of Balinese Phytotherapy.


For what is known as Boreh, the genuine healer uses dozens of different indigenous plants, comprised of bark, roots, leaves, and berries. These are ground together into a paste with a mortar and pestle, along with red rice, and moistened with arak (pure palm alcohol). The paste is called Boreh. Its recipe is kept a secret.


Boreh is used as a wrap on the whole body, starting from specific points on the head and temples. It takes effect through the capillaries, bringing all the goodness of the plants through the bloodstream. Specific parts of the body that are in pain (rheumatic joints, muscles, sprained ankles, etc) will be treated with a thicker layer of the wrap.


Every traditional healer also has full knowledge of the Jamu, a health drink comprised of turmeric, different varieties of ginger, as well as about fifteen other indigenous plants. This beautiful, richly colored orange drink is recommended for all sorts of ailments - from diabetes to stomach and intestinal pains – also acting as a detoxifier for the body’s vital organs.


A true traditional healer knows the power of Balinese esoteric and mystical traditions, its prayers, mantras, and rituals, the powers of gemstones, and the power of our thoughts. Both Boreh and Jamu hasten the healing process, and when associated with a massage, reflexology and acupressure, you will immediately feel the blood flow warming up the whole body as a stream of positive energy.


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