Bakera: Tradition of medicinal plants utilization for therapy, prevention and recovery of diseases in Jailolo Sultanate custom society, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Syahdar SA, Tamalene MN, Hasan S. 2019. Bakera: tradition of medicinal plants utilization for therapy, prevention and recovery of diseases in Jailolo Sultanate custom society, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 2: 571-77. Indonesia is well-known as the source of tropical plants that are very useful for treating various diseases. In addition, there is also diverse traditional knowledge of herbal utilization in many societies. The eastern part of North Maluku Utara Province, the Jailolo Sultanate Society of Halmahera Island, consists of four original tribes: Gamkonora, Tobaru, Sahu, and Wayoli, still use traditional medicine to treat diseases. Their tradition called “Bakera” is similar to the ‘Spa’ in modern urban societies. Bakera, as one of the local geniuses in the medical field, has become an entrepreneurial interest, especially for those running the spa business. Medically, plants used in Bakera have been proven to affect health positively. This data may enrich other data on the wealth, diversity, and knowledge of medicinal plants of Indonesian communities. The research used emic and etic approaches. Data were analyzed descriptively, including presentation, reduction, verification, and validity check. Informants of the study were eight people selected using the Purposive Sampling Technique. Bakera can be used in the postpartum treatment and treat sore, malaria, and liver. As a whole, the use of nine different plant species for Bakera consists of medicinal and spice plants. There are three plant species found that is often cultivated in the yard. Bakera has thermotherapy and aromatherapy effects that contribute to Bakera effectiveness. Thermotherapy could alleviate muscle tension, lose weight, increase blood circulation, reduce tension headache, autoimmunity, and relaxation. In addition, plants used have immunostimulant, antiseptic, and antiphlogistic effects.