Saturday, 22 April 2006 @ 12:58pm.

Minyak Gosok

In the fight against mosquitos, Minyak Gosok (rubbing oil) is #1. It hails from Makassar, South Sulawesi and sold all over Indonesia. It’s a powerful jamu (traditional herbal medicine). Some jamu is for drinking, but this jamu is just for dabbing on your skin. It sure beats other obat nyamuk (mosquito repellent) like smoking coils, chemical sprays, candles, and lotions. Though many people tend to have all of these in their arsenal. :)

Speaking of jamu, there’s one for every ailment or concern imaginable. If you’re feeling a bit sick or you want to have more energy or you want to simply maintain your health, there’s an appropriate concoction out there. Two popular jamu are Sari Rapet for women and Kuat Lelaki (strong man) for men, which are said to improve one’s sexual organs. There are special jamu for pregnant women and babies as well. The jamu I am most familiar with tends to be in liquid form sold by jamu ladies who go door to door. More “modern” jamu can come in powder, pill, and ointment form. Folks from all socioeconomic classes and walks of life may use jamu for their health. For example, I saw a lady at the gym yesterday - an admittedly upper-middle class to upper-class place at the mall - pull out a bottle of homemade jamu to give to her friend and instructed her when and how to take it.

On a personal note, I am feeling less tired than earlier in the week, so I take this as a good sign that my body has successfully fought whatever it was I had. Perhaps I will turn to jamu first next time instead of just waiting it out.

On my walk to work each day, I pass an older woman and her husband who have a small mobile food stand. We usually exchange hellos and smiles, but today elicited the biggest smile I’ve seen so far and even two thumbs up. The woman said that I was orang Jawa (Javanese) because I was wearing a handkerchief on my head. I usually wear one in the States if I have braids, work out, clean the house, or just want a hairstyle change. Apparently, I forgot that wearing a handkerchief can also be a sign of Javanese-ness. :)