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raditional medicine survives the Cyber Age.

The skill to create herbal medicine has been passed down through generations, despite scientific discussions surrounding its efficacy.

Garlic, for example, could be used as a remedy for high blood pressure. It is said that by routinely consuming the juice of three cloves of garlic, blood pressure could be reduced.

Aside from hypertension, it turns out that garlic can also be used for insomnia, headache, asthma and jaundice. These diseases could be cured by preparing garlic in various ways.

Such practical use of garlic is posted on iptek.net.id, a website created by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).

On the website, a list of 262 medicinal plants is easily accessible. By clicking on any of the names listed, visitors can see the plant’s botanical and chemical description along with varying other details.

Aside from exploring the list, visitors research a particular disease by entering its name into the search field. For example, by entering sariawan (mouth ulcer), the website returns 21 plants that could be used to cure the condition.

One plant that could tackle mouth ulcers is rosary pea — locally known as saga. The leaves must be dried and then chewed until smooth.

Additional methods to cure mouth ulcers are posted on herbalisnusantara.com.

This plant can be used to address other ailments and afflictions. The leaves should be washed and then ground until fine. Mix the leaves with a half-cup of hot water then drain off the brewed liquid. The distillate water could cure coughs and laryngitis.

Rosary pea is one of 699 medicinal plants posted on the website, which was created by the Association of Archipelago’s Herbalists (Asosiasi Herbalis Nusantara).

Also included on the site are 10 scientific research e-books on the advantages of herbal medicine that were published by the Health Ministry during the period of 1989 to 2000.

Those looking for guidance in creating traditional herbal drinks or jamu should also check out the website.

The association provides medical consultations and sells herbal medicine. They focus on 13 kinds of diseases. The medicine is sold only to those who have had a prior consultation with the association by email or phone.