Jungle Medicine For Old Ills Are Back In Fashion
By Achong Tanjong

Bandar Seri Begawan - Traditional medicine, originating from herbs, tree roots and plants, is now back in the market by popular demand. Many Bruneians are rediscovering its uses.

These traditional medicines have long been in use by the earlier generations to treat and cure illnesses and overcome health disorders, in addition to modern medicines available at hospitals and clinics. They are widely available and found in the thick Bruneian rainforest.

The most popular among the local consumers are "Jantang Putih (Bini) and Jantang Merah (Laki)," which are sold at the traditional open market every Friday and Sunday in Gadong. They are sold for $5.

According to those who have taken the traditional medicine said, it is very effective if used regularly.

The medicine seller said, Jantang (bini) or scientifically known as Macroglossum Smithii (Racib ) Campbell (Marattiaceae) - a decoction (extract from boiling) of the stock, including the stipules , is taken orally to cure piles which is normally diagnosed by local herbalists as having traces of blood in the stool. It is drank for treating boils (locally called 'bisul') and certain urinary diseases, which are manifested by difficult or painful urination. For treating headache, the decoction is cooled and used to wash the head three times day. The local traditional system implies that boils, piles, urinary malfunction and headache in the forehead region are all caused by excessive heat in the body. Consumption of the decoction of this plant has a "cooling" effect.

While, the Jantang (Laki) or scientifically known as Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffin (Marattiaceae) - the medicinal use a decoction of the stalk and stipules mixed with Allium cepa (onion) and Nigella Sativa (fennel flower, black cummin) is taken to cure piles, boils and to relieve difficulty in urination. The cooled decoction can be applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The young fronds are also consumed by both sexes as an effective fertility potion. Ashes of the burnt stalk are mixed with lime (powdered calcium carbonate) and traditionally applied to relieve skin eczema and irritation.

In habitat, Jantang (Bini) is a rare fern occasionally found growing near streams and waterfalls in undisturbed lowland forest in the Labi area. The Jantang (Laki) is found growing near streams in undisturbed forest in the lowland. It thrives on moist sandy loam and new plantlets can develop from a portion of the stipules, Colonies of this plant were found in Labi forest.

Other traditional medicine are Mengkudu plants addresses a variety of health disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, poor digestion and many more. It is considered a strong blood purifier and cleanses the body of harmful bacteria.

Apart from traditional medicine herbs , the Gadong Open market also sell various types of flowers ranging from orchids, mostly imported from Taiwan and Thailand as well as Borneo and local flowers. There are also various species of fruits plant. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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