The 3 R's of Ramuan

What IS Ramuan? We get this question a lot.  In fact, we could write an entire book about Ramuan (Gerard Bodeker did—it's called, "Health and Beauty from the Rainforest"). In the simplest terms, Ramuan is a carefully selected blend of plants and botanicals, many of which have been gathered from the rainforest. In the Malay language, ramuan means synergistic blending and is the term of choice to represent Malaysia’s unique health and wellness practices.  

Here are three easy-to-remember elements about the practice, or as we like to call it, "The 3 R's of Ramuan":     

1. Rainforest - The key to unlocking Ramuan’s Malaysian rainforest secrets is the herbs. Potent herbs and botanicals such as tongkat ali and ubi jaga, for example, have traditionally enhanced ongoing vitality, vigor, balance, and overall wellness. These ingredients can be used in modern day cooking, medicine, drinks or food. 

2. Remedies - The beauty of Ramuan is that you don't have to look any further than your garden or kitchen to clean your hair and body, or find remedies for common ailments. For example, a natural facial scrub could be created using a mix of rice, cekur, sandalwood, ginger, jerangau, and a hint of rose water; while an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory drink consisting of ginger, lemongrass, jerangau and other herbs might be used as a remedy for post-partum depression.

 

3. Regimen - Traditional Malay healing focuses on attuning the body's energies with the rhythms of nature. It's about creating a holistic lifestyle regimen for mind/body/soul balance. It’s about wellness from the inside, out.  

The concepts of Ramuan have inspired Biotropics’ holistic health and beauty products, which are ideal for people who don’t have the time to grow these ingredients in their garden or have access to these rare herbs at their local natural foods market. For more info, we’ve also included a list of helpful links right here on this blog. And of course, don’t forget to check back with us at Living Ramuan. We will be sharing practical ways to blend Ramuan into your daily routine each week!