Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan : Health and Beauty from the Rainforest

What is Ramuan?

The Malaysian system of Ramuan is over 2000 years old.  Like Malaysia itself, it now contains a blend of influences from China, India, and elsewhere.  The term ramuan refers to a collection of ingredients.  Gathering herbs and other healing plants from the rainforest is an integral part of Malaysian health and beauty traditions.

Coconut Water Face Wash

Historically, women washed their face with fresh coconut water or rice water, because it was more emollient than plan water.  They used a powder made from rice flour, jasmine root, and turmeric to refresh the complexion.  Suddenly my powdered goat’s milk face cleanser doesn’t sound so strange.

Aromatic Hair Steaming

Brides-to-be would steam and scent their hair by passing a container smoking with a special charcoal and frankincense in and around the hair.

Herbal Sitz Bath

These are customarily taken once a day for 3-7 days after a woman has her period.   A special combination of herbs, including betel and henna leaves, are boiled in water and added to a small hip bath.  It’s supposed to maintain health vaginal tissues and muscles.

Dry “Feminine” Sauna

Another tradition was for women to create a small dry sauna out of a coconut shell to be used specifically for the feminine area. The shell was filled with a heated pebble covered in pounded herbs such as turmeric and Kaffir lime.  A group of women would socialize as they sat with their coconut shell saunas hidden under their sarongs.

Morning Anti Aging Elixir

How amazing does this drink sound! It’s made from ground rose buds and jasmine (among other ingredients) and stored in a banana leaf to be taken each morning before breakfast with warm water or honey.  It is touted as an excellent way for women to balance their hormones.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Post-Natal Massage

Massage is no joke in Malaysia where they have a long history of various types and techniques.  Massage is important for women in all stages of pregnancy.  Women are given a hot stone massage known as urutan tuaman batu from the fourth to 35 day following delivery.  Yes, please.

Body Binding

In Malaysia, a woman’s abdoman is wrapped in a tight cloth after childbirth for 23 hours a day.  Beforehand, an ointment of tamarind juice, betel lead, black seed, turmeric, nutmeg, and ginger is applied to the stomach.  It is supposed to encourage the contraction of the uterus, prevent stretch marks, reshape the body, and break down “fats and cellulite in the cells.”

Many modern Malaysian women swear by this technique.  Some Americans, too.  Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke made body binding famous when she launched BabooshBaby, an online store for modern body binding gear.

I’d be interested to know if any of you have tried this.