Gumbrek Desa Way Gelam is a traditional healing method rooted in belief. It uses tree resin from the distinct papery bark of the Gelam tree to treat a variety of ailments and improve health. It’s also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and prosperity. In this article, we’ll explore a small village in Indonesia that teaches this tradition.
The Gelam Tree
The Gelam Tree, also known as kayu putih or paper bark, is an evergreen shrub native to swampy areas of Malaysia. Its leaves are elliptic to lance-shaped, leathery and greyish green.
The tree is often used as a roadside shade tree. In the wild, it grows in deep seasonal swamps on coastal alluvial flats and behind mangroves.
Despite its ecological importance, the Gelam tree is under heavy environmental stress in degraded peatlands of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Dr Jarina Mohd Jani, an environment researcher at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, says the Gelam ecosystem is under attack as development pressures mount. She points to aquaculture, shrimp farming and cashew plantation development as examples of threats to the Gelam.
In the meantime, conservationists are working to protect the ecosystem as a whole. This includes an initiative to create a community forest around Tasik Berombak, a large water lake in Setiu. It is a project that has attracted the attention of local people as well as scientists from UMT.
The Gelam Resin
Gelam resin is a powerful traditional Malay medicine that has been used for centuries to treat illnesses and health conditions. It is made from a blend of herbs and spices that are native to the area, and each batch is handcrafted.
The Gelam tree is grown naturally in peat swamp forests in Central and South Kalimantan. Its bark is also known for its healing properties, and Native Indonesians use the resin to treat respiratory issues, swollen joints, skin problems, and more.
While Gumbrek Desa Way Gelam can be an effective remedy for many health issues, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. One of the most common is methemoglobinemia, which is a serious blood disorder that can be fatal if not treated quickly.
The Gelam tree is a strong wood that can be used for building materials and firewood, and its leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its bark can be shredded for fuel, and it has also been shown to repel mosquitoes.
The Gelam Ceremony
Located in the Candipuro region of Lampung Selatan, Indonesia, Gumbrek Desa Way Gelam Village is home to one of Asia’s most intriguing and exciting artisanal industries. Using its native ingredients and traditional techniques, the villagers have crafted some truly innovative products, all with a high return on investment for them, their customers and their communities alike.
The mainstay of the enterprise is a hand-crafted and infused tea that is said to be able to help with a range of common ailments, from a common cold to a heart attack. It can be purchased as a single serving or in a tin for the serious connoisseur. The most impressive part is the fact that each batch is crafted from local ingredients, so it’s free of additives and preservatives. Aside from its many functional properties, the tea has a distinct taste that abounds in charm and elegance. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
The Gelam Medicine
Gelam Medicine is an ancient form of traditional Malay healing that’s believed to improve health and well-being. It’s a powerful remedy that can help manage a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues and inflammatory skin conditions.
It’s also believed to protect against evil spirits and bring luck and prosperity. This is why it’s a popular remedy in Indonesia.
This honey contains a high phenolic and nonphenolic antioxidant content. It can attenuate oxidative damage in the body and prevent aging by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity.
This study showed that supplementation of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight gelam honey decreased oxidative damage in aged rats. The decrease was mediated by reduction in DNA damage, plasma MDA level and erythrocytes CAT and cardiac SOD activities.
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