Sea Cucumber Oil, Minyak Gamat

Majdah, Nasuha, Siti, Macy

Introduction

Minyak Gamat (Sea Cucumber oil)

Minyak Gamat is a traditional healing oil derived from several species of sea cucumbers (Apostichopus Japonicus, Trepong Stichopus and Holothuria) which are commonly found in the Indian Ocean. It is believed, scientifically proven, to possess various medicinal values and is used for faster external healing. It is a popular remedy in the Malay Archipelago region, particularly in Langkawi. Minyak Gamat is available in various forms, including topical ointments, supplements, toothpaste and shampoo.

Sea Cucumber

Sea cucumbers are marine animals that live on or near the ocean floor. Coming from a larger family with starfish and sea urchins, there are around 1250 species of them. While these ocean dwellers pride themselves with many medicinal benefits, they play a useful role in the marine ecosystem: recycling nutrients, breaking down detritus and other organic matter and more.

Folklore Stories

1) About 300 years ago, there was a fisherman named "Gamat". His boat capsized and suffered reef cuts. Along the way, he found sea cucumbers. He ate the sea cucumber and it ejected fluid (defence mechanism) which the fisherman rubbed on his reef cuts. The reef cuts healed quickly afterwards.

2) A fisherman got shot by a sea cucumber while out at sea and he hacked it with his machete. Several weeks pasts and he saw that the sea cucumber had grown back magically again.

Uses of Sea Cucumbers

East Asian - Chinese Community (Delicacy)

Considered as a delicacy, it is a very popular ingredient used in cooking.

Sea cucumbers are known as “Hai Som” in Hokkien dialect which more or less gives the meaning - ‘ginseng of the sea’ - and it can be found in markets whether in dried or wet form, depending on the dish one plans to prepare.

Southeast Asian - Malay Community (Medicinal)

Sea cucumber is used for its medicinal benefits. It is known to be a famous remedy for cuts, wounds and burns.

Scientific evidence shows that the waste materials secreted by sea cucumbers are found to contain oil; which is beneficial to be made into medicines.

Sea Cucumber Harvest Map

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse