Traditional Healing and Herbal Medicine: Case Study from Herba Medica

Centre and Dayang Sumbi, East Java, Indonesia

Nurcahyo Tri Arianto1*
1
Department Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Airlangga University,
Surabaya, Indonesia 60286
*
Corresponding Author: nurcahyo_ta@yahoo.com

Abstract

The study of etnomedicine and etnopharmacology in the anthropology of health has started over 100 years ago.
However, the study of plant is efficacious as medicine (herbal), for students of the Faculty of Dentistry, especially about
dental and oral health is still rarely carried out. Therefore, the study on the identification of the type and herbal function
for dental and oral health needs to be carried out. The study was conducted at two places in East Java, which is in Herba
Medica Centre (Batu-Malang) and Dayang Sumbi (Mojokerto). The methods that used for this study was the
observation, interview, document literature, and photo/video. Through these four methods, were able to obtain the
identification herbal results that nutritious herbal for dental and oral health with 77 species of plants. Most plant species
that identified, it serve as prevention and treatment of toothache, cavities, tartar, gum swelling / bleeding, bad breath
and canker sores. In some cases about dental and oral health, the herbal function is still limited in the prevention and
treatment and not permanent. Therefore, research is still needed about herbal plants which serves for dental and oral
health permanently, despite being found several types of herbal that have been patented.

Key words: ethnomedicine, ethnopharmacology, traditional healing, herbal medicine

Introduction medical treatment and social organization of such

Anthropological study of health on etnomedicine is
a concern early anthropologists on the traditional
medical system (non-western). Since the beginning of
their study of more than 100 years ago, anthropologists
routinely collect data about beliefs in the treatment of
the population examined. Objectives and methods
similar to those conducted in collecting data about
aspects of other cultures in order to produce
ethnographic writing as complete as possible. Rivers
and the study of Clements acquired the basic concepts
are important, especially regarding the idea that the
system of traditional medicine (native) is the social
institutions that must be learned. The practice of
traditional medicine (native) is rational from the
standpoint of the prevailing beliefs about disease
causation (Foster and Anderson 1986). Recognition of
the importance of non-Western medical systems (both
theoretical and practical) has strengthened its
anthropological interest in the study etnomedicine, who
later became one of the main study in the Anthropology
of Health.
Etnomedicine is the study of cultural sickness or
disease (illness) which is the oriented culture
(knowledge, values, norms, institutions, beliefs) and
behavior in different societies, associated with the
treatment (Rubel and Hass 1990: 118). According to
Foster and Anderson (1986), etnomedicine is the study
of beliefs and practices relating to disease, which is the
result of the development of indigenous culture and the
explicit and not derived from the conceptual framework
of modern medicine. Etnomedicine will be used to refer
“the beliefs and practices relating to disease which are
the products of indigenous cultural development and are
not explicitly derived from the conceptual framework of
modern medicine” (Hughes 1978:151).
Etnopharmacology is a field study of anthropology
of health who studies the knowledge practice (gathering
treating) traditional treatments conducted by
individuals, households, eventhough healers (shaman)
from various society based care for the culture and
environment health (preventive) treatment of disease
(curative). The term “Etnopharmacology” is not yet
widely used found in the literature Anthropology of
Health. Etnopharmacology was originally developing
from the study of “Culture and Pharmacology” (see
Herman, 1985:106-122), while Foster Anderson
(1986:151, 155, 157) called it a "Pharmacopoeia". Etkin
(1990:149) more focused etnopharmacology study on
“the medical system by people who understand the
problems of health and illness are not based on
knowledge and biomedicine West”. Therefore, the
Etnopharmacology study is actually closely related
etnomedicine studies, both based on the medical system
is naturalistic, personalistic, and local traditions.
The importance of traditional (folk, local, non-
Western) medicine or indigenous pharmacopeia
(formerly called the treatment of 'primitive'), can be
seen from the opinion of some anthropologists about the
effectiveness of the clinical aspects of local treatment
(medication and treatment measures). 'Traditional
medicine' in anthropology refers to several terms,
including: folk medicine, traditional medicine,
traditional healing, alternative medicine and indigenous
medicine. First, according to Foster and Anderson
(1986:151, 153), non-Western medicine proved
effective as a treatment for psychosocial support from
the Western model of clinical medicine. This is due to
prevention of disease in non-Western societies or
traditional show double disfunction, which involves
people with families and society. Second, according to
Ackerknecht (Foster and Anderson 1986:153), non-
Western medicine (traditional) is also an effective
treatment and objective in terms of clinical aspects,
which is characterized by the use of leaves, bark,
eventhough roots in the treatment. Western society is
actually a lot to learn from the knowledge and practice
of non-Western societies pharmacopoeia this kind, such
as quinine (for malaria), picrotoxine (for stimulating the
respiratory system), strophantine (for heart disease),
emetine (for amoebic dysentery), salicylic (for
rheumatism), and various types of opium (opium,
hashish, and hemp). Third, Laughlin (in Foster and
Anderson 1986:153) also mentions that the treatment of
'primitive' contains a vast empirical knowledge and
solving medical problems locally. It can be seen on
treatment techniques, treatment procedures, and beliefs
variation, all of which are pragmatic and effective for
the restoration of health and human welfare. Fourth,
Hipler and Stein also recognized that many elements in
the indigenous pharmacopoeia have specific therapeutic
value as well as the knowledge and skills of many
indigenous healers (healer) who no doubt about it. Fifth,
Fred Dunn Foster and Anderson (1986:153) also
suggests that many medicinal plants from the various
societies 'primitive' which can provide a favorable
result. Utilization of traditional medicine that seems to
have gone through a series of tests and refinement of
ingredients based on experience in a long time and are
passed from generation to generation (between
generations).
This article will explore the results of research
authors, along with students of the Faculty of Dentistry,
University of Airlangga, in 2007. Research on
etnomedicine and etnopharmacology, relating to
traditional medicine (herbalist) and producers of herbal
medicine, carried out in two places in East Java,
namely: Herba Medica Centre in Batu-Malang and
Dayang Sumbi in Mojokerto.
Traditional Medicine
According to WHO, traditional medicine is the
science and art of medicine is based on a set of
knowledge and practical experience, both of which can
be explained scientifically or not, in making a diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of physical imbalance,
mental, and social. According to the WHO definition,
the main orientation in traditional medicine is practical
experience as a result of observation, passed on from
one generation to another, either orally or in writing
(Agoes 1992:60). According to the result of the
"Seminar on Traditional Medicine Services Ministry of
Health (1978)", Traditional Medicine Indonesia (Petrin)
has two terms (Agoes 1992:60). First, science and art of
medicine by traditional healers Indonesia in a way that
does not contradict belief in God Almighty, as curing
disease, disease prevention, as well as the restoration
and improvement of physical health, spiritual, and
social communities. Second, efforts are being made to
achieve a cure, maintenance, and improvement of public
health standards based way of thinking and rules outside
of medicine or science of modern medicine, passed
down from generation to generation or obtained in
person and conducted in ways that are not commonly
used in medicine, among others, include: acupuncture,
herbalist, healer / mystic expert, sinshes, healers, herbal
healers, eventhough shamans massage, which is
prevalent in society.
Based on these two terms of traditional medicine,
it have understood that: traditional medicine is an effort
of health care (disease prevention) and treatment of
diseases carried by naturalistic, personalistic, even-
though a combination of both (outside the theory and
methods of Western medicine) by the individual,
family, or healers in certain society (local) based on the
knowledge and experience in a long time, which was
revealed verbally or in writing.
Traditional healers (Pengobat Tradisional or
Batra) is implementing the treatment, namely a person
(herbalist, eventhough shamans, sinshes, or physician)
is known and recognized by the society, which has a
special ability to do the treatment measures in the
framework of public health services (Agoes 1992:60) .
Traditional medicine is mostly associated with the
naturalistic treatment (especially related to local
traditions or blend with the Great Tradition), which
medicines are made (mixed) of the material or blend of
natural ingredients (approximately), in the form of
plants, animals, or mineral (which is not a pure
substance). This kind of traditional medicine can be
simplicia (materials that have been dried), carrying
herbs, wrapped in herbs and medicinal fitoterapi group
(based simplicia) eventhough chemotherapy are based
on active substances in the pure condition isolated from
the plant. MOH prefer the traditional drug development
in fitoterapi group, with the purpose to produce a
preparation form simplicia fitoterapi eventhough
galenik that can be utilized immediately in the formal
health services (Hargono 1992:15,16; Soesilo 1992:2).
In the anthropological term, traditional medicine is
not only associated with naturalistic medical system, but
also includes personalistic medical systems and a
combination of both. In relation to the personalistic
medical systems, traditional medicine can include health
care and cure of disease through the tools and methods:
prayers, incantations, magic, sorcery, witchcraft, spells,
mystical meditation, amulets (fetish), and other objects
which are considered magical or sacred (such as
daggers, knives, spears, or sticks) that can remove
toxins, refuse reinforcements, or drive away evil spirits
that disturb or cause pain. Tools and method of healing
is mostly only be done by a healer who are classified as
expert (professional) and receive recognition and status
of the community, such as healers, shamans, or sinshes.
The Role of Traditional Medicine
From several ethnographic studies of health have
been raised some field work results (anthropological
research) associated with the role of traditional
medicine in some tribes in the world. Some of the
premise statement the results of field work it could be
suggested below. First, according to WHR. Rivers
(Foster and Aderson 1986:6) is the treatment system of
'native' (traditional are social institutions that should be
studied in the same way as studying social institutions
generally. Treatment practices of the 'original' is rational
from the corner of the prevailing beliefs about causation
(etiology) of disease. Secondly, according to Alland
Young (Foster and Aderson 1986:267), it is not
appropriate when traditional treatments (non-Western)
is said to be 'successful' in comparison with Western
medicine, at least according to the assumptions and
beliefs of local communities. The word 'successful',
according to Young, is the result of the expected (hope)
and due to the expected (expect) that will occur in
restoring the health of the patient. According to society
perception, the treatment is said to 'work' when it has
met the expectations of patients, families, and
communities about what to do and evidence of 'clinical'
diagnosis was correct that. Therefore, according to
Young, traditional medicine has played a vital role in
sustaining and positive physiological and psychological
well-being of those who believe in it.
In various ethnic groups in Indonesia, plants
(vegetable) specific (in addition to animal and mineral)
has long been used as medicine (traditional) to health
care and treatment of disease. The plants that is most of
the ingredients of traditional medicine, in addition to
materials of animal and mineral, which is the natural
wealth of Indonesia three. Hargono (1992:15-16)
explains about materials that the plant (vegetable),
which are used as traditional medicine can be: a whole
(intact) plants, plant parts, eventhough plant exudates,
namely the contents of plant cells which in some way
removed from the cell or vegetable substances separated
from plants. Parts of plants as medicine, among others,
can be: leaves, stems, bark, or roots, which can use
alone or together, according to the need and use of
health care or treatment of disease. According
Soemardjan (1992:141, 148), herbs are all natural
ingredients are mixed/blended by traditional ways to
strengthen the human body, prevent disease, and cure
the disease. Herbs is a product of the irrational culture,
while the drug is a product of a rational culture.
Description of the history of the herbal industry in
Indonesia can be read in Soeprana (1992: 151-158). In
Indonesia the development of traditional medicine,
particularly for integration with the formal health
services, has established two classes of herbs (Agoes
1992:59). First, the class of seasoning, with raw
materials of simplicia that have not been standardized
and accurated. Preparations form is simple, in the form
of powder eventhough chopped steeping to steeping.
Terms relating to how to use it is still fully use the
traditional terms, such as: excavation singset, sari rapet,
sekalor, pegel pains, eventhough starting the wind.
Classes of flavoring Herbs is mostly produced by small
scale herbal industry (home industry). Second, class
fitoterapy, with raw materials of simplicia that have
gained standardization and has done research on the
preparation eventhough the galenika fitoterapy. Terms
relating to the method employed is to use the term
pharmacology, such as diuretics, obstipansia, and
kolagoga. The special quality herbs of this class has
been clinically proven so reliable. Herbs fitoterapy
group has been developed by the herbal industries large
scale (national or international).
Processing of herbs, especially herbs carry, can be
divided into two kinds, namely by: (1) boil all the
ingredients, and (2) taking or squeeze essence contained
in the raw materials, then mix it with boiled water.
Some of the ingredients to be boiled and squeezed
usually sliced or crushed first. Usage (simplicia)
consumption of traditional medicine can be done
through three ways, namely: (1) direct consumption of
the fresh plant parts, such as: leaves, fruits, stems, or
roots, (2) consumed after crushed herbs, and (3)
timbuhan consumed after boiling of drugs that have health. Here are a result of their identification about 77
been dried (simplicia). The materials of herbs that have species of medicinal plants (herbs).
been mashed can be used (consumed) to the inside of
Table 1. Identification of Nutritious Drug Plants
the body (in liquid and pill form by mouth), and the
(herbs) for Dental and Oral Health
outside of the body, among others, in the form parem
and pilis (Java).
No. Species
In 1976, Farnsworth and Bingel (Hargono 1 Adas = Fennel
1992:18,30) have done research about the properties (Foeniculum vulgare
which contained in herbs. Some properties of medicinal Mill.)
plants that can be used to cure the disease are: analgesic,
2 Ajeran (Biden pilosa
antifertilitas, antihistamik, antitussive, antiviral, anti- Linn.)
protozoa, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, 3 Akar sere = Lemon
nerve medicine, insektisid, spermisid, and poison plants. grass roots
Based on the list of investigational medicinal properties (Adropogon nardus
of plants that can be developed plant materials Linn.)
(vegetable) into fitoterapy group of drugs, which can be 4 Akar wangi = Vetiver
used in formal health services. In Indonesia, the group (Andropogon
of fitoterapy traditional medicine can be developed for zizanioides urban)
the treatment of infectious and noninfectious diseases. 5 Alpukat = Avocado
(Persea gratissima
Materials and Methods gaertn)
6 Andong = Carriage
The method that used in the practice of the field (Cordyline fruticosa
study, in identifying medicinal plants (herbs), Linn.)
specifically for dental and oral health. It is observation, 7 Asam Jawa =
interview, using a material document, as well as Tamarind
photographic and video documentation. The first (Tamarindus indica)
8 Bawang Bombay =
method is the observation, that is used to identify the Leek (Allium sp.)
types of medicinal plants, shape, and structure of plants. 9 Bawang merah = Red
This herbal plant used to be planted permanently in the onion (Allium
ground, pot, or polybags. Plants planted in the pots and ascalonicum Linn)
polybags will be easy to move or take the buyers that 10 Bawang putih =Garlic
(Allium sativum Linn.)
need it. The second method is the interview, that is used
to identify the Latin name of plant (if there is no written 11 Bayam duri = Thorn
information on the plants) as well as herbal the spinach (Amaranthus
functional of herbal), specifically for dental and oral spinosus L.)
12 Belimbing wuluh =
health. An interview specifically addressed to the Wuluh starfruit
owners or employees of herbs. The third method is the (Averrhoa blimbi
use of the document (literature), that is owned by the Linn.)
owner of the of herbs to completing the information on 13 Beluntas (Pluchea
the type and the function of herbal of herbs plants. The md/ca Linn.)
14 Binahong = Heart leaf
fourth method is a photographic and video (Bassela rubra Linn.)
documentation, that is useful to completing the data on 15 Brojo lintang = Brojo
the three previous methods. latitude (Belamcanda
chinensis)
Results 16 Bunga pukul empat=
Flowers at four
On June 9th 2007, I am with 178 students of Faculty (Mirabilis jalapa L.)
17 Cabai Jawa = Java
of Dentistry, Airlangga University, Surabaya have done chili (Piper
Field Practice Lecture at two places in East Java, which retrofractum Vahl.)
produce and practice medicine using herbs. The level 18 Cabai rawit =Cayenne
two students who attend classes Anthropology of Health pepper (Capsicum
was practice and his/her knowledge of etnomedicine and frutescen L.)
19 Calincing (Oxalis
etnopharmacology, especially in identifying medicinal Corniculata)
plants (herbs), in this case the drug for dental and oral
Function
Anti flamasi, carminative,
diuretic and anti-microbial,
useful for ulcers and sore
throat (gargle).
Overcome the toothache.
Properties of roots or leaves
are daphoreticum,
stomachichum,
emmenagogum, mouthwash
or gum to tooth pain.
Overcome the bad breath
and rheumatism.
Nutritious seeds for
toothache.
Treating gingivitis.
Treat the disease of thrush.
Disable the oral bacteria
and the cause tooth decay.
Mixture of drugs for ulcers.
Overcome the teeth or gums
abscess, sore throat and
tonsillitis.
Treating a sore throat,
toothache and bleeding
gums.
Treat the ulcers, bleeding
gums, and cavities.
Treat and eliminate the bad
breath.
Treat the severe ulcers.
Treat overcome the bad
breath.
Overcome the arthritis and
tonsillitis.
Overcome the cavities.
Treat the ulcers, gingivitis
and reduces toothache.
Treat the ulcers,
inflammation of the mouth
and eliminate the bad
breath.
20 Cengkeh = Clove Treat the pain in tooth 43 Komfrey (Symphytum As a mouthwash, treat the
(Syzgium/Eugenia decay, gum abscess, bad officinale/asperum) gingivitis, and accelerate
aromaticum OK) breath, and sore throat. the recovery of damaged
21 Ceremai (Phyllanthus Treat the ulcers. tissue.
acidus) 44 Lampes (Ocimum Treat the ulcers.
22 Cincau rambat = Overcome the sancthum L.)
Cincau creepage gastroenteritis, typhoid, 45 Landep (Barleriae Treating the damaged teeth.
(Ciclea barbata hypertension, lowering prionitis L.)
Miers.) fever, oral thrush and 46 Lengkuas merah=Red Treat the toothache due to a
dysentery. galanga (Alpinia cold.
23 Daun duduk = Seat Relieve the tonsillitis. purpurata K.Schum.)
leaves (Desmodium 47 Lidah buaya (Aloe Overcome the ulcers in the
triquetrum) vera) mouth.
24 Daun karuk = Karuk Nutritious toothache. 48 Meniran (Phyllanthus Treat toothache and ulcers.
leaves(Piper urinaria)
sarmentosum Roxb.) 49 Murbei = Mulberry The root barkis useful for
25 Daun mentol = Whitener teeth naturally. (Morus alba L.) toothache.
Menthol leaves 50 Paprika merah = Red Overcome the bad breath.
(Mentha hapiocalyx peppers (Capsicum
Briq.) annuum)
26 Delima =Pomegranate Overcome the gingivitis. 51 Patah tulang Overcome the toothache.
(Punica granatum L.) (Euphorbia tirucalli)
27 Gambir (Uncaria Overcome the ulcers. 52 Pecut kuda Overcome sore throats,
gambir/hunter Roxb.) (Stachytarpheta inflamed the tonsils and bad
28 Geranium Decrease the bad breath jamaicensis) breath.
(Pelargonium citrosa) because disturbed of 53 Pegagan (Centella Treat the tonsillitis.
digestion in the stomach. asiatica Urb.)
29 Inggu (Ruta Treat the tooth decay. 54 Pinang = Areca nut To strengthen tooth enamel.
Angustifolia (L.) (Areca catechu)
Pers.) 55 Pisang = Banana Treat the ulcers.
(Banana..)
30 Iris (Iris fluorentina) To strengthen tooth enamel. 56 Prasman (Eupatorium Overcome the ulcers.
31 Jambu biji = Guava Overcome ulcers. triplinerve Vahl.)
(Psidium guajava 57 Pulosari (Alyzia Overcome the ulcers.
Linn) reinwardti Bl.)
32 Jarak (Ricinus Treat the tooth decay. 58 Rosemari (Rosemari- Useful as a mouthwash and
communis) nus officinalis) treat bad breath.
33 Jarong Eliminate the sore throats. 59 Saga (Abrus Overcome the ulcers.
(Stachitarpheta indica precatorius Linn.)
surigle) 60 Salam (Syzigium Treat the ulcers and
34 Jeruk nipis = Lime Overcome toothache. polyanthum) tootache.
(Citrus aurantifolia) 61 Sambiloto Treat the toothache.
35 Kayu manis = Relieve and cure ulcers. (Andrographis
Cinnamon paniculata Ness.)
(Cinnamoman 62 Sangketan Treat the ulcers.
burmani) (Heliotropium
36 Kayu putih= Relieve pain due to tooth indicum)
Eucalyptus decay. 63 Selada = Lettuce Treat the ulcers.
(Meialeuca (Lactuca sativa)
leucadendra) 64 Selasih = Basil Treat the inflammation of
37 Kemangi = Basil Overcome the bad breath. (Ocimum basilicum) the mouth.
(Botani ocimum 65 Seledri = Celery Overcome the smell of bad
basillicum) (Apium graveoulens breath.
38 Kemuning (Murraya Treat the tooth decay. L)
paniculata (L.) Jack) 66 Semanggi gunung Treat a the ulcers.
39 Keningar Overcome toothache and (Hydrocotyle
(Cynamomum bad breath. sibthorpioides)
aromaticum) 67 Sembung (Blumea Overcome the ulcers.
40 Ketimun = Curcuma Nutritious as a mouthwash balsameifera BL.
(Curcuma domestica) and ulcers. DC.)
41 Kitolot (Isotoma Treat the toothache. 68 Sidaguri (Sida Overcome the ulcers and
longiflora (L.) Pres.) rhombifolia L.) toothache.
42 Kluwih (Artocarpus Treat the gums pain. 69 Sirih = Betel leaves Treat the bad breath, the
altilis (Park.) Fsb) (Piper betle Linn.) bleeding gums, ulcers and
toothaches.
 70 Stevia = Sweet leaf Scent the breath. mouthwash / mouth wash will help the healing process
(Stevia rebaudiana) and prevent infection. The sore area is compressed with
71 Stroberi = Strawberry Prevent ulcers.
(Fragaria daltoniana) a crushed garlic and baked, or fresh garlic chewed to
72 Takokak (Sollanum Overcome the toothache. prevent infection and speed to heal because of the
torvum Swartz) antiseptic effect. Give drops in boiling water
73 Teh = Tea (Carnellia Clean the plaque. sufficiently, with clove oil and lemongrass oil to
sinensis (L.) Kuntze.) mouthwash can reduce pain in the teeth. Tea root / leaf
74 Temulawak = Removes the bad breath.
Curcuma (Curcuma valerian may reduce tooth pain and may relax their
xanthorrhiza Roxb.) nerve stimulation (kalming) due to pain.
75 Tikel Balung (Vitis Treat the toothache and
quadrangularis tooth decay. Fourth, for canker sores, canker sores rub the
Wall..) affected spot with crushed garlic, will be able to speed
76 Tomat = Tomato Tomato leaves is used for up the healing. Increase consumption of garlic in the
(Gycopersicum gingivitis, bleeding gums, diet can prevent canker sores. Drink warm cup lime
esculentum Mill) and ulcers.
juice and honey, 3 times a day @ 1 cup will speed up
77 Valerian (Vallerian Overcome the teeth or gum
officinalis) abscess. the healing. Steeping extract / extract of aloe vera is
very effective against fungi in the mouth.
Through these four methods, obtained a result of Fifth, for ulcers in the mouth, rubbing the taxable
herbal identification that nutritious for dental and oral ulcer with aloe vera, will speed healing. Sixth, to bad
health with 77 species of plants. Most of the plant breath, drink carrot juice, celery, watercress, cucumber,
species that identified, serves as a prevention and and a little paprika. Chewing fresh leaves rosemeri
treatment of toothache, cavities, tartar, gum swelling / while water is swallowed. Wading the cloves,
bleeding, bad breath and canker sores. In some cases, cinnamon, and rosemeri with wine for one week, then
dental and oral health, the function of herbal is still filtered, and taken 3 times a day @ 1 tablespoon. Chew
limited in the prevention and treatment are limited and fresh watercress, or petroseli, or chewing the leaves, or
not permanent. tarragon will be able to freshen bad breath. Drinking
From the identification of 77 types of herbs, not all boiled fragrant root, fennel, candy leaves, and leaves the
identified parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, stems, horse whip will overcome bad breath. Sixth, for the
bark, and roots) that serves as a medicine. Just a few booster of teeth, betel leaves, areca nuts, little calcium
types of herbs that have been identified for the use of oxide, to eat betel, may protect tooth enamel, and
herbal medicinal plants, such as roots and leaves sere cemented the position of the teeth in the jaw.
for dental mouthwash, and seeds of avocado and Discussion
mulberry root bark for toothache. This is caused limited
time, the one day to two distant parties. As it has been presented in the Result, of 77 types
of herbal plants, only a few types are identified based on
My interview with Ir. Wahyu Suprapto, the owner the plants used. Indeed, the task of identification of
of Herba Medica Centre in Batu-Malang, obtained herbal plants for students that can not be completed
information about the types, parts, and the function of completely. This is partly due to limited time, because
herbal and how to use herbal plants (recipe), relating to in a day the students had to identify the two distant
oral and dental problems. First, gingivitas (gum parties. Indeed, the purpose of Field Practice Lecture for
inflammation), 25 grams of the dry leaves komfrey students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of
brewed with boiling water 500 cc (1 tablespoon brewed Airlangga it is merely known (initial identification)
with boiling water 1 cup). Results of steeping It for type, Latin names, and functions or efficacy of herbs,
mouthwash is swallowed a little while, can overcome especially for oral health. However, some types of
the irritating gums. Second, cavities, chili powder for herbal plants are identified, in addition to the types and
topical medications/jerky (local analgesic) to reduce functions, as well as explaining about: the plant,
pain in the teeth. Crushed fennel seeds for medicine on pharmacology effects, and natural chemical content. For
the sore area jerky/cavities can reduce inflammation. example, the root of sere (Andropogon nardus Linn.),
Jatropha sap drops of clove oil on a cotton swab or Roots and leaves efficacious as daphoreticum,
sterile and enter into the hollow tooth. stomachicum, and emmenagogum.
Third, the inflammation that occurs in the network The complete identification of herbal plants are
around the tooth root causes damage to the network and usually associated with nine things: 1. type, 2. Latin
raises infection of the tooth, which raised the name, 3. plant part used (roots, tubers, rhizomes, stems /
suppuration (abscess). Komfrey leaf decoction for wood, latex / slime, fruit, leaves, flowers, seeds), 4.
natural chemical (toxic and nontoxic), 5. pharmacologic
effect (antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antipyretic,
anticoagulant, analgesic, diuretic, hemostatic,
hypotensive, hypoglycemic, laxative, laktagog), 6.
functions or efficacy (typically related to the
pharmacologic effects of the plant), 7. properties (hot,
neutral, cold), 8. aroma (fresh, fragrant, sweet,
unpleasant), and 9. taste (fresh / not bitter, bitter, very
bitter, sweet, spicy, sour) (see Mahendra 2002:5-31,
Harmanto 2006:18-22).
Of the 77 kinds of herbs are efficacious for oral
health, newly five plant species were identified fairly
complete. These five kinds herbal plants that are: adas,
root sere, avocado, mulberry, and tomatoes. In relation
to oral health, some specific kinds herbs that can be
presented below. First, to overcome the cavities are Java
chili, cloves, rue, distance, yellow, Landep, and tikel
cockscomb. Second, to overcome bad breath or bad
breath is fragrant root, onion, beluntas, calincing, basil,
betel leaves, geranium, keningar, red peppers, horse
whip, rosemary, celery, and ginger. Third, to overcome
gum inflammation or abscess is buggy, garlic, spinach
thorn, star fruit, cayenne pepper, konfrey, pomegranate,
kluwih, and valerian. Fourth, plant for teeth whitening is
a mint leaf, and for denture is a nut. Variety of other
kinds herbal plants is used to treat toothache and canker
sores. Many herbal plants that are not known to the
public for the treatment of dental and mouth, even in the
books or herbal literature was not specifically
mentioned herbs for the treatment of dental and mouth.
However, there are several types of plants that are well
known and commonly used by the public for the
treatment of toothache, the clove, the sap of the
distance, betel leaf and areca nut to betel nut (nginang).
Conclusions
Person's health status, groups, and communities
are affected by many interrelated factors, namely:
environmental, socio-cultural, descent, and health
services. Health services can be implemented through
the method of modern medicine and traditional
medicine. WHO through that resolution in 1977 had
declared that the public health service can not be
adequately without involving traditional medicine
system. Traditional medicine (drug and the cure) has a
historical background on environmental, social, cultural,
long and complex, can be referred to appropriate
technology, since the raw material in the environment,
inexpensive, a simple production technology. According
to Susilo (1992:2-3), a traditional medicine used should
meet the following criteria: easy to obtain, known to
many people, the storage process is simple, easy to use,
and not harmful to health. Disease or complaints can be
addressed with traditional medicinal plants, among
others: disease can be treated as causal, symptoms are
treated symptomatic disease (such as ulcers), state of the
treated body part supportive (such as eliminate mouth
odor), and disease has been diagnosed by a doctor.
The beginning research (identification) of herbs
that have been done by myself and the students of
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Airlangga, at least
have to give an overview how many herbs are
efficacious for oral health. Some herbs that are known
to the public and college, but in fact there are many
kinds of herbal plants that are not yet known. This study
at least give an idea about it, although not yet
demonstrated a thorough identification. Therefore,
necessary to complete the identification of herbal plants
for nutritious and healthy teeth and mouth.
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Appendix
Photographs of activities Field Practice Lecture,
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Airlangga,
Surabaya. Photo and description by a group of 16

Photo 3. Mr. Wahyu gives guidance, Mrs. Wahyu helps

her husband make a potion.

Foto1. Groups of 16 with Health Anthropology

Lecturer, Drs. Nurcahyo Tri Arianto, M. Hum

Photo 4. Recipe of Mr. Wahyu to keep the body

temperature (upper right), pink, composed of lime juice,
ginger, and honey.
Photo 5. Student enthusiastically tasting Mr. Wahyu's
recipes Photo 8. Herbal packaging made in a special room.

Photo 6. Mr. Nurcahyo giving souvenir to Mr. Wahid Photo 9. Pressing room at Dayang Sumbi.
Isnandar as leaders of PJ. Dayang Sumbi-Mojokerto

Photo 7. Herbal medicine in the weighing room at Photo 10. PJ. Dayang Sumbi various herbal products,
Dayang Sumbi. natural ingredients of high nutritious.