The diversity of plant species used in traditional herbal massage oil in Indonesia

Abstract

Context. The Austronesian peoples, predecessors of most of the population of Indonesia today, discovered and developed many kinds of plant-based medicines and treatments to combat illness and maintain good health. These include massage oils. Aims. This study investigated how three tribal communities in Indonesia utilised plants for massage oils with the aim of preserving their traditional methods. Methods. Traditional plant-based massage oils used by the western–central Austronesians were studied in three traditional communities in West Java, Lombok Island and Sumbawa Island. Key results. Traditional herbal oils contain various active compounds that possess medicinal values. Coconut (Cocos nucifera; Arecaceae), which is typical of Austronesian flora, is harvested for milk and is the main ingredient in the production of herbal treatments for massages. Forty-six other plant species have also been recorded being mixed with coconut milk. The main three families of plants are: Fabaceae, Lauraceae and Zingiberaceae. Species such as Dipterocarpus retusus (endangered) and Sindora galedupa are medicinal plants with high conservation value. Conclusions. Changes in land use threaten wild plant species that are used in making herbal oils. Likewise, traditional community knowledge could be eroded by globalisation. Therefore, the cultivation and conservation of wild plants is needed to maintain their presence in nature so that the traditional knowledge can be sustained. Implications. Local governments need to play a role in developing and socialising the use of traditional herbal massage oils. It is hoped that the traditional knowledge and wisdom of the local communities can form the basis of developing their territory into a traditional village, like the village of Songak, Lombok Island.