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The Balance of Hot and Cold Elements in Traditional Malay Medicine: The Therapeutic Role of Betel Nut (Sirih Pinang) Based on Selected Malay Medical Manuscripts

Author

Listed:
  • Siti Fatimah Kamaruddin

    (Institute of the Malay World and Civilization, National University of Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Ros Mahwati Ahmad Zakaria

    (Institute of the Malay World and Civilization, National University of Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Juriyati Jalil

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Abstract

Betel (Piper betle L.) and areca nut (Areca catechu L.) function as social and spiritual symbols and are a significant medicinal synergy in traditional Malay medicine. In modern times, society has become increasingly unfamiliar with the authentic practice of menyirih (betel quid chewing) in Malay culture. This study aims to discuss the nature of the disease (hot or cold) in the treatment of betel nut based on selected Malay medical manuscripts. This is a qualitative study employing document analysis by utilising Malay medical manuscripts MSS 2515 and ‘Kitab Tibb Muzium Terengganu’ which have been transliterated from Jawi to Roman script, as primary sources. Studies show that the synergy of betel nut and areca nut is used for diseases such as seizures, mouth ulcers, vomiting, flatulence, shingles and fever. The research also show that degree of heat or cold of a betel nut synergy was not a priority but the temperament (mizaj) of heat or cold is more important in treating the diseases. On top of that, this study proves that the synergy of betel and areca nut not only functions as a physical treatment ingredient, but also plays an important role in balancing the hot and cold elements in the patient's body according to the Malay medical philosophy. Thus, this finding strengthens the understanding of the uniqueness of traditional Malay medical knowledge and opens the way for further scientific studies on the therapeutic potential of heritage ingredients such as betel and areca nut.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti Fatimah Kamaruddin & Ros Mahwati Ahmad Zakaria & Juriyati Jalil, 2025. "The Balance of Hot and Cold Elements in Traditional Malay Medicine: The Therapeutic Role of Betel Nut (Sirih Pinang) Based on Selected Malay Medical Manuscripts," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 7868-7878, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:7868-7878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laderman, Carol, 1984. "Food ideology and eating behavior: Contributions from Malay studies," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 19(5), pages 547-559, January.
    2. Manderson, Lenore, 1987. "Hot-cold food and medical theories: Overview and introduction," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 329-330, January.
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