LEMONGRASS, TAWAWO, BENEFICIAL IN HERBAL BATH

Tawawo (Blumea Balsamifera) and fragrant lemongrass (Cymbopogon Nardus).

(Source: Berita DIMENSi / Florina Deris)

KOTA KINABALU: Traditional bath herbs known as Tawawo (Blumea Balsamifera) and fragrant lemongrass (Cymbopogon Nardus) have long served the Sabahan Kadazandusun communities as their traditional medicine.

As modernization progresses, these traditional practices are slowly being forgotten and in favor of modern medicine.

Lucy Gumarang, 62, a farmer and gardener, grows a variety of herbs for personal and family use in her backyard.

The mother, who has a child, said she inherited her knowledge of the benefits and uses of the herb from her late mother, who was also a traditional medicine practitioner.

"To get rid of discomfort and relieve dizziness, Tawawo leaves are boiled together with fragrant lemongrass."

"If they do not want to use it for bathing, users can choose to take a steam bath (bertangas) only. The result will remain the same."

Lucy explains the uses and benefits of Tawawo and fragrant lemongrass.

(Source: Berita DIMENSi / Florina Deris)

"To treat back, stomach, and body pain, Tawawo root must be boiled before drinking it," she said when interviewed by DIMENSi News.

Her involvement in the practice of herbs for the past five years, she explained that herbal baths are among the herbs that are often sought after by fans of traditional medicine, apart from the medicine that lowers blood pressure, namely the belalai gajah or Sabah Snake Grass (SSG).

Her younger brother, Deris Gumarang, 54, who also practices the herbal bath, said that the body will feel fresher and the bath is very suitable for those who have just given birth.

"Cough, fever, flu, and cold can be reduced or eliminated through this herbal bath alternative treatment method," said Deris who is also a former Magaratung Village Head.

In contrast to modern medicine, Lucy says that traditional medicine based on herbs and wood roots has no side effects as long as she consumes it.

"If I have to choose between modern and traditional medicine, I am more comfortable practicing traditional medicine," she added with a smile.

She said that traditional medicine of Kadazandusun needs to be preserved so that it remains relevant in line with current developments and does not become extinct with time.

As users or practitioners of traditional medicine, they need to tell or explain in detail the uses and benefits of an herb so that those who are interested and want to know about the herbs understand and know how to use it.

"Most of my friends come to me to ask for bath herbs and I give it without asking for payment," she added.

Lucy, who is also a small grocery store operator, is also happy because the herbs she grows can benefit her and others.

Tawawo derives from the family Acanthaceae which is well abundant in Malaysia’s tropical climate. It is also known by other names by the local communities such as Sembong, Capa, and Telinga Kerbau.

Fragrant lemongrass is mainly used as an herb in cooking and as a mosquito repellent. It is also widely used in Asia in traditional medicine.

Despite the advent of modern medicine that continues to push the limits of medical ingenuity, traditional herbal medicine such as Tawawo will still have its place in the community especially those who still stay true to their ancestral roots.

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