Jamu cekok kerkop, an old traditions of health

sharingandinspiring — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 03:54:00 GMT

For some people in the Javanese society who lives in Yogyakarta, traditional medication is still favored and considered better than modern treatment. One of the most common is by drinking a herbal medicine so called Jamu, like the ones known in a local shop "Jamu Cekok Kerkop". This jamu shop is the oldest in Yogyakarta since 1875 with Kertowiryorahardjo as founder and has hold on until its fourth generation, 76 years-old, Zaelali

Most of its consumers are children who are brought by their mothers which have trouble in eating, having a cold, fever, and many other illnesses. Because of its bitter taste and pungent smell, kids usually refuses to drink down this herbal medicine. So in order for them to consume the jamu, the child is held down, especially their head, arms, and legs so they wont resist. Then his mouth is forced to be open and drink the liquid jamu. This is method is called cekok and where jamu cekok got its name

But there are also kids who are able to drink down the jamu without the hassle to be cekok. But these are usually jamu which doesn't taste bitter and has already been added a natural sweetener

Jamu itself is made by natural ingredients, mostly extracted herbs. Every ingredients has its own savor. The herbs are then mixed together to produce a unique blend, depending on the type of illness or complaints

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

sharingandinspiring — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 02:27:10 GMT

When I travel and take pictures, I don't expect people to reply it with great complements. I just want them to feel what I feel when taking those pictures, even in the simplest way. For me it is about sharing. Not just the picture, but the story, emotions, and the soul. Furthermore it is the most fitting way to inspire people to do something by touching their feelings..
I have 3 main goal in photography. First, in the midst of chaos world filled with physical and mental illnesses, I want to show, there are still many places out there able to refresh the irritated eyes, calm the tired mind, to treat the fragile soul. For people to maintain their spirit to face their everyday life. Secondly, in the midst of comfort, there are still places that are left behind or marginalized, needed to be given love. So people will remember to be grateful for what they have and realize there are the unfortunate that needed help from others. At last, in the middle of great human inventions, there are places where people are still loyal in maintaining their old traditions that are more respectable than modern ways. For people to remember their true identity and not forgetting their homeland.