Health Tips Part 2: Natural Remedies for Common Health Issues

In a world dominated by modern pharmaceuticals, health tips part 2: natural remedies for common health issues remain a trusted and effective alternative. Rooted in generations of wisdom and time-tested healing practices, these Indonesian home treatments offer simple, affordable, and natural solutions for everyday health problems—using ingredients you can often find right in your kitchen or backyard.

Whether you’re looking to soothe a burn scar, boost your immunity, ease asthma symptoms, or improve your bone health, these remedies cover a wide range of ailments. Best of all, they focus on holistic wellness without harmful side effects. Below, we’ve compiled 55 traditional remedies adapted from Buku Saku Mau Sehat? by Tim Maximus (Yogyakarta, 2007), each with detailed instructions so you can start your journey to better health today.

30 Traditional Solutions for Everyday Health Issues

1. Removing Burn Scars

To treat burn scars, gently rub the affected area with the skin of a banana. Perform this daily for effective results. If you don’t have a banana, you can use banana leaves instead. Take the young tip of the banana leaf, crush it, and apply it to the burn scar every night. Wash it off with water the next morning. Repeat this process regularly until the burn scar disappears.

2. Asthma Relief

Method 1: If you suffer from asthma, always keep ginger at home. When an asthma attack occurs, grate some ginger, mix it with eucalyptus oil, and apply it all over your body.
Method 2: Alternatively, you can boil 1 ounce of garlic with enough water. If you dislike the taste of garlic, mix it with honey. Once the water has boiled, let it cool, then drink it.

3. Preventing Nosebleeds

If you experience a nosebleed from a fall or bump, try the following:

Take 1 to 3 betel leaves, roll them up, and insert the roll into your nostrils. While your nostrils are plugged with the betel leaves, lie down. Keep this position until the bleeding stops.

4. Flu Treatment

To treat the flu, gather a few cloves of ginger, chili, galangal, turmeric, and sugar. Boil all the ingredients together until only one glass of liquid remains. Drink the mixture for three consecutive days or until your flu symptoms subside.

5. Slimming Down

An ideal body is a goal for many, not just women but also men. Many slimming products on the market can have side effects such as fatigue and weakness. Try this safer, traditional method: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime, brew some bitter tea, and mix it with the lime juice. Consume this mixture regularly for noticeable results.

6. Urinary Tract Pain Relief

To treat pain in the urinary tract, take alang-alang roots and enau roots. Clean them thoroughly and boil with enough water. After boiling, let the water cool. Drink this mixture three times a day for two weeks.

7. Boosting Immunity

Sometimes, we get so busy that we forget to maintain our immune system. But without good health, everything else will be affected. To boost your immunity, drink apple juice mixed with a few tablespoons of honey. This remedy is simple, affordable, and beneficial for your health.

8. Breast Cancer Prevention

Most women desire to look attractive and fuller, often choosing to wear bras that are too tight. However, to prevent breast cancer, follow these tips:

• Perform self-breast exams (SADARI) regularly, preferably after your monthly menstruation.
• Avoid wearing bras that are too tight for extended periods, as they can restrict blood circulation.
• Do not wear a bra for more than 12 hours a day.
• When you sleep, it’s better to remove your bra to improve blood circulation and protect the structure of your breast tissue.
• Avoid smoking and regularly perform breast exercises.

9. Maintaining Bone Health

Bones are essential for the body, so it’s crucial to take good care of them. Here’s how:

• Choose foods rich in calcium.
• Drink calcium-rich milk before and after sleeping.
• Consume vitamin D.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your bones.

10. Needle Prick Injuries

Please don’t underestimate the risk of a needle prick, as it can lead to infections. Rub garlic on the affected area to remove the fine needle or thorn from your skin. After a few minutes, the needle will come out along with the garlic sap.

11. Low Libido

To address low libido, prepare the following ingredients: galangal (laos), 1 egg, 1 lime, a small piece of ginger, and 1 tablespoon of either sweet soy sauce or honey.
Grate the galangal and ginger, then extract the juice. Beat the egg until smooth and mix in the lime juice. Combine all the ingredients and drink this mixture before bed.

12. Toothache Relief

Method 1: Chew a few starfruit seeds mixed with a pinch of salt. This remedy is effective for treating cavities and tooth pain.
Method 2: Take 1 or 2 shallots, slice them in half, and roast them over a flame for a few minutes. Once warm, apply them directly to the painful tooth.

13. Prostate Health

The prostate is a gland located in the male urinary system, surrounding the urethra. It is common for men over 50 to experience prostate enlargement. To prevent and manage prostate issues, try the following:

• Drink a decoction of alang-alang roots and kumis kucing (cat’s whiskers) leaves.
• Increase water intake.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and antihistamine medications.

14. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) Treatment

If you suddenly experience ringing in your ears, try to stay calm and consider the possible causes. Here’s what you can do:

• Listen to soothing sounds like music or recitations of the Quran.
• Take ginkgo biloba extract 3 times a day for one week.
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, as they can worsen the condition.
• Stay away from loud noises or use earplugs.

15. Curbing Snoring Habits

Many women experience breast discomfort or changes in their breasts before menstruation. The same issue arises for mothers who have stopped breastfeeding. To address snoring:

• Try adjusting your sleeping position.
• Practice deep breathing exercises before bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives.

16. Preventing Breast Swelling

It is common for women to experience breast tenderness or swelling before their menstrual cycle, and similarly for mothers who have weaned their babies. To reduce swelling:

• Steam 1 potato, mash it, and apply it around the breasts.
• Perform this remedy before bedtime until you no longer experience swelling or discomfort.

17. Reducing Oily Skin on the Face

To reduce oily skin, prepare a cucumber by grating it and using it as a facial mask. Avoid applying it around the eyes. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, then wash your face with clean water. This cucumber mask not only helps control excess oil but also makes your skin look cleaner and more radiant.

18. Preventing Varicose Veins

To prevent varicose veins, follow these tips:

• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Rest your legs by elevating them 30 cm above your heart to promote better blood circulation.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around the hips and legs.
• Do not cross your legs when sitting.

19. Treating Malignant Tumors

To treat malignant tumors, prepare the following ingredients:

• 1 young coconut and its water.
• A handful of tea mistletoe (benalu pohon teh).
• 2 small pieces of rock sugar.

Peel the young coconut, leaving the water inside the shell. Add the mistletoe and rock sugar, then heat over a stove. Drink the coconut water regularly, 2 or 3 times a day, for one week.

20. Reducing Body Moisture

To relieve pain from a fall or injury that causes bruising or swelling, try the following:

Take the water from the rice washing (tahien) you get while cooking rice, and apply it to the bruised area. Continue doing this until the pain subsides.

21. Managing High Blood Pressure

Avocados are not only delicious but also offer many health benefits, including helping to manage high blood pressure. Here’s how:

• Drink juice made from 1 avocado.
• If you can’t find an avocado, you can use its leaves. Boil avocado leaves and alang-alang roots with enough water. Once it boils, drink the mixture while it’s still warm

22. Overcoming Dry Cough

A persistent dry cough can be annoying and painful. Here’s a traditional remedy to help relieve it:

• Prepare 10 pieces of basil leaves and 1 tablespoon of pure honey.
• Boil the basil leaves in a glass of water until half of the water remains.
• Let it cool, then add the honey and stir well.
• Drink this mixture twice a day, morning and evening.

This natural concoction is known to soothe the throat and reduce the frequency of dry coughs.

23. Treating Nosebleeds Naturally

Nosebleeds are often caused by dry air, high temperatures, or physical exertion. Here’s how to handle them naturally:

• Take a few guava leaves, wash them thoroughly, and crush them into a paste.
• Apply the paste to the forehead and nose area.
• You can also apply cold compresses and keep the head slightly elevated.

This traditional treatment helps reduce bleeding and calms the nasal passages.

24. Relieving Sore Eyes

If your eyes feel sore due to dust, irritation, or fatigue, try this simple herbal remedy:

• Use betel leaves (daun sirih), which are known for their antiseptic properties.
• Boil 3–5 betel leaves in water, let them cool, and use the water to wash your eyes.
• You can also use a clean cotton pad soaked in the boiled water and place it gently over your closed eyes.

Repeat this process twice daily to reduce eye soreness and irritation.

25. Easing Menstrual Pain

Menstrual cramps can interfere with daily activities. For a natural remedy:

• Boil a handful of turmeric, ginger, and tamarind in two glasses of water.
• Let the water reduce by half.
• Strain and drink it warm before or during your period.

This mixture has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe abdominal pain and discomfort.

26. Reducing High Fever

To reduce high fever naturally, especially in children:

• Use grated turmeric mixed with a little water and apply it to the forehead, armpits, and stomach.
• You can also make a drink using young coconut water mixed with a bit of salt.

This remedy helps to cool the body from the inside out and supports hydration.

27. Boosting Appetite Naturally

Loss of appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Try this natural stimulant:

• Mix tamarind, turmeric, and palm sugar into a herbal drink.
• Boil all ingredients until they reduce, strain, and drink them once a day.

This traditional recipe enhances digestive function and promotes a healthy appetite.

28. Healing Sprains and Strains

If you experience a sprain or twisted muscle, try this natural compress:

• Crush a handful of betel leaves with a small amount of salt.
• Heat the mixture slightly and apply it to the injured area as a warm compress.

This helps reduce swelling and accelerates healing.

29. Curing Boils (Abscesses)

For painful boils, a simple kitchen remedy can help:

• Take a handful of turmeric and mix with a little warm water until it forms a paste.
• Apply directly to the boil and cover with clean gauze.
• Repeat 2–3 times daily until the boil reduces and drains.

30. Soothing Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be caused by allergies or dryness. Try this solution:

• Mix ground turmeric with coconut oil to make a paste.
• Apply to the affected skin and leave it on for 15–30 minutes before rinsing.

This mixture reduces inflammation and soothes irritation naturally.

If you found these natural remedies helpful, be sure to explore Part 1 of our Natural Remedies for Common Illnesses series, where we cover additional traditional treatments for everyday health concerns. For more tips, don’t miss out on Health Tips Part 3 for additional remedies and solutions!