The Cultural, Pharmacological, and Spiritual Significance of Tri Ketuka in Balinese Healing and Yoga
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24843/JKB.2025.v15.i02.p13Keywords:
acorus calamus, allium sativum, cryptocarya massoy, jala neti, polyherbal, usadha Bali, tri ketukaAbstract
This study delves into the cultural, pharmacological, and spiritual significance of Tri Ketuka, a traditional Balinese polyherbal formulation composed of Acorus calamus, Cryptocarya massoy, and Allium sativum, as documented in classical Usadha manuscripts. These three plants are not only known for their therapeutic properties but also for their symbolic role in promoting balance and holistic well-being within Balinese healing and yoga traditions. This qualitative study employed document analysis to investigate the use of Tri Ketuka in both healing rituals and yoga-based practices, particularly the Jala Neti nasal cleansing technique. The analysis is supported by illustrative testimonial evidence from users. The findings underscore the medicinal, spiritual, and cultural value of Tri Ketuka, affirming its relevance in both traditional and modern wellness contexts. The study also highlights the potential for integrating Balinese traditional medicine into contemporary healthcare as part of alternative and complementary therapies.
References
Adiputra, N. (2023). The contribution of traditional Hindu Balinese healing to the sustainable development of Bali. International Journal on Hindu Culture, 1(01), 60–66.
Adiputra, N., & Trapika, S. C. (2018). Nama tanaman obat yang ditulis dalam usada mala. Medicina, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.15562/medicina.v49i1.5
Adnyana, P. E. S. (2019). Lontar Taru Pramana: Pelestarian Budaya Pengobatan Tradisional Bali. Jurnal Yoga dan Kesehatan, 2(2), 85–91. https://doi.org/10.25078/jyk.v2i2.346
Afzal, S., Ayoub, M., & Raja, W. Y. (2022). Acorus calamus: A Review on Its Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile. In M. H. Masoodi & M. U. Rehman (Eds.), Edible Plants in Health and Diseases: Volume II: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties (pp. 501–522). Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4959-2_17
Aggithaya, M. G., Narahari, S. R., & Ryan, T. J. (2015). Yoga for correction of lymphedema’s impairment of gait as an adjunct to lymphatic drainage: A pilot observational study. International Journal of Yoga, 8(1), 54–61. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.146063
Arasu, M. V., Viayaraghavan, P., Ilavenil, S., Al-Dhabi, N. A., & Choi, K. C. (2019). Essential oil of four medicinal plants and protective properties in plum fruits against the spoilage bacteria and fungi. Industrial Crops and Products, 133, 54–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.03.018
Ardiyasa, I. N. S. (2021). Ala Ayuning Dewasa dalam Usada Bali. Proseding Mistisisme Nusantara Brahma Widya, (0). Retrieved from https://jurnal.stahnmpukuturan.ac.id/index.php/brahmawidya/article/view/1667
Arsana, I. N., Sudiartawan, I. P., Sudaryati, N. L. G., Wirasuta, I. M. A. G., Armita, P. M. N., Warditiani, N. K., Suta, I. B. P. (2020). Pengobatan Tradisional Bali Usadha Tiwang. Jurnal Bali Membangun Bali, 1(2), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.51172/jbmb.v1i2.113
Bhattacharyya, D., Sur, T., Lyle, N., Jana, U., & Debnath, P. (2011). A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Vaca (Acorus calamus). Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 10, 668–671.
Bhogal, R. (2021). Yoga for mental health, psycho-social harmony, and absolute well-being. Yoga Mimamsa, 53(2), 79–79. https://doi.org/10.4103/ym.ym_128_21
Chen, Y., & Liu, J. (2024). Traditional Chinese medicine treatment in sinusitis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS): Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 281(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-08221-4
Desi, P. (2021). Perawatan Kecantikan Perempuan Dalam Rukmini Tatwa (Kajian Filosofi). Maha Widya Duta: Jurnal Penerangan Agama, Pariwisata Budaya, Dan Ilmu Komunikasi, 5(2), 166–175. https://doi.org/10.55115/duta.v5i2.1701
Dewi, A. A. A. P. K., Warditiani, N., & Leliqia, N. (2013). Inventarisasi Tanaman Obat Dalam USAda Upas Dalam Bentuk Buku Elektronik. Jurnal Farmasi Udayana, 2(3), 279768.
Donma, M. M., & Donma, O. (2020). The effects of allium sativum on immunity within the scope of COVID-19 infection. Medical Hypotheses, 144, 109934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109934
El-Saber Batiha, G., Magdy Beshbishy, A., G. Wasef, L., Elewa, Y. H. A., A. Al-Sagan, A., Abd El-Hack, M. E., … Prasad Devkota, H. (2020). Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review. Nutrients, 12(3), 872. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030872
Fu, Z., Lv, J., Gao, X., Zheng, H., Shi, S., Xu, X., … Song, Q. (2023). Effects of garlic supplementation on components of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23(1), 260. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04038-0
Fujisawa, H., Suma, K., Origuchi, K., Kumagai, H., Seki, T., & Ariga, T. (2008). Biological and chemical stability of garlic-derived allicin. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(11), 4229–4235. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf8000907
Hamzah, H., Hertiani, T., Pratiwi, S. U. T., & Nuryastuti, T. (2020). The biofilm eradication activity of C-10 massoialactone against Staphylococcus aureus. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(4), 5797–5802.
Hertiani, T., Pratiwi, S. U. T., Yuswanto, A., & Permanasari, P. (2016). Potency of Massoia Bark in Combating Immunosuppressed-related Infection. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 12(Suppl 3), S363-370. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.185771
Iyengar, B. (1996). Light on Yoga (No. 2; 5th ed.). New York: Schocken Books. Retrieved from https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/mff/article/view/6585
Jal Neti: History, Science Behind It And 15 Health Benefits – Sri Sri School of Yoga. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://srisrischoolofyoga.org/na/blog/jal-neti/
Juniartha, M. G., & Anjani, N. K. (2023). Mudrā Yoga Dalam Teks Hatha Yoga Pradipika Dan Gerandha Saṁhitā. Jurnal Yoga Dan Kesehatan, 6(1), 109–126. https://doi.org/10.25078/jyk.v6i1.2346
Kade, O. N., Andayani, K. S., & Wismayani, D. (2021). Konsep Teologi Hindu (Brahmawidya) Dalam Lontar Budha Kecapi Cemeng. SWARA WIDYA: Jurnal Agama Hindu, 1(1).
Kalra, S., Miraj, M., Ajmera, P., Shaik, R. A., Seyam, M. K., Shawky, G. M., … Ahmad, F. (2022). Effects of Yogic Interventions on Patients Diagnosed With Cardiac Diseases. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.942740
Karole, S., Shrivastava, S., Thomas, S., Soni, B., Khan, S., Dubey, J., … Jain, D. K. (2019). Polyherbal Formulation Concept for Synergic Action: A Review. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(1-s), 453–466. https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v9i1-s.2339
Kishan, P. (2020). Yoga and Spirituality in Mental Health: Illness to Wellness. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 42(5), 411–420. https://doi.org/10.1177/0253717620946995
Lissiman, E., Bhasale, A. L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Garlic for the common cold. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(11), CD006206. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4
Magryś, A., Olender, A., & Tchórzewska, D. (2021a). Antibacterial properties of Allium sativum L. against the most emerging multidrug-resistant bacteria and its synergy with antibiotics. Archives of Microbiology, 203(5), 2257–2268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-021-02248-z
Magryś, A., Olender, A., & Tchórzewska, D. (2021b). Antibacterial properties of Allium sativum L. against the most emerging multidrug-resistant bacteria and its synergy with antibiotics. Archives of Microbiology, 203(5), 2257–2268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00203-021-02248-z
Muderawan, I. W., Giri, M. K. W., & Widana, G. A. B. (2024). Usada Taru Premana: The Balinese Ethnopharmacopoeia. International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, 14(05). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijahm/v14i5.08
Mujizah, M. (2016). NASKAH Usada Sebagai Kearifan Lokal Masyarakat Bali. Dialektika: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Dan Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia. Retrieved from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/NASKAH-USADA-SEBAGAI-KEARIFAN-LOKAL-MASYARAKAT-BALI-Mujizah/5387703b9f77617bd9d3428894f8a8a92fff9f3d
Munandar, A. A. (2020). Majapahit and the Contemporary Kingdoms: Interactions and Views. Berkala Arkeologi, 40 (1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.30883/jba.v40i1.522
Narayanan, D. M. M. (2025). Integration of Yoga in Traditional Indian Medicine: A Holistic Approach. 24(02).
Ngurah, I. B. (2020). Usada Kuranta Bolong sebagai Sumber Pengobatan Tradisional Berbasis Budaya Hindu di Desa Angantaka, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung. Vidya Wertta, 3(2), 171–182.
Nita, N. L. K. A. A. D., Dewi, G. A. P. C., Megawati, F., Megawati, P. E. S. K. Y., & Megawati, E. C. (2023). Kajian Empiris dan Etnofarmasi Tumbuhan Hutan Berkhasiat Obat Asal Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan Karangasem Bali sebagai Antinyeri dan Antiinflamasi: Empirical and Ethnopharmacology Studies of Forest Plants with Medicinal Efficacy from the Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan Karangasem Bali as Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation. Jurnal Tumbuhan Obat Indonesia, 16(2), 124–136. https://doi.org/10.31002/jtoi.v16i2.873
Novitasari, A. (2022). Manfaat Yoga Bagi Kesehatan Mental Pada Remaja. Metta : Jurnal Ilmu Multidisiplin, 2(4), 250–263. https://doi.org/10.37329/metta.v2i4.2929
Nugraha, A. S., Pratama, A. N. W., Triatmoko, B., Augustina, R. P., Mirza, S., Nawiyanto, N., … Keller, P. A. (2024). Tenggerese traditional medicine of Indonesia: Existing practices and the botanical identification of medicinal plants. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 27. https://doi.org/10.32859/era.27.39.1-21
Panjeta, E. (2019). Effect of Yoga Exercise on Circulatory System. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.19080/jyp.2019.07.555726
Permanasari, P., Hertiani, T., & Yuswanto, A. (2017). In vitro Evaluation of Massoia Bark Essential Oil and C-10 Massoialactone Potency as Immunomodulator. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 20(2), 459–467. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2017.1287010
Pranatha, I. P. E. (2023). Kesehatan Dalam Perspektif Hindu: Pentingnya Penelitian Ilmiah Terhadap Obat-Obatan Tradisional Bali. Zahra: Journal Of Health And Medical Research, 3(2), 107–115.
Putra, I. (2020). Minister Terawan encourages Usadha Bali development under Traditional Balinese Medicine branding. Bali Tourism Journal, 4, 10. https://doi.org/10.36675/btj.v4i1.40
Rahmani, G., Farajdokht, F., Mohaddes, G., Babri, S., Ebrahimi, V., & Ebrahimi, H. (2020). Garlic (Allium sativum) improves anxiety- and depressive-related behaviors and brain oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, 126(2), 95–100. https://doi.org/10.1080/13813455.2018.1494746
Rai, A. R., Joy, T., Poojari, M., Pai, M. M., Massand, A., & Murlimanju, B. V. (2023). Role of Acorus calamus in preventing depression, anxiety, and oxidative stress in long-term socially isolated rats. Veterinary World, 16(8), 1755–1764. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.1755-1764
Rita, W. S., Suirta, I. W., & Utami, P. P. P. (2017). Aktivitas Antibakteri Minyak Atsiri Rimpang Jeringau (Acorus calamus Linn.) Terhadap Bakteri Escherichia coli DAN Staphylococcus aureus. Cakra Kimia (Indonesian E-Journal of Applied Chemistry), 5(2), 130–136.
Rollando, R. (2019). Uji Antimikroba Minyak Atsiri Masoyi (Massoia aromatica) terhadap Bakteri Streptococcus mutans. Majalah Farmasi Dan Farmakologi, 23(2), 52–57. https://doi.org/10.20956/mff.v23i2.6585
Rolli, E., Marieschi, M., Maietti, S., Guerrini, A., Grandini, A., Sacchetti, G., & Bruni, R. (2016). Phytotoxic Effects and Phytochemical Fingerprinting of Hydrodistilled Oil, Enriched Fractions, and Isolated Compounds Obtained from Cryptocarya massoy (Oken) Kosterm. Bark. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 13(1), 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201500010
Sagar, A., Sharma, L., & Srivastava, B. (2011). Study on antifungal activity of Acorus calamus L. and Allium sativum L. against some pathogenic fungi. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology. Retrieved from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Study-on-antifungal-activity-of-Acorus-calamus-L.-Sagar-Sharma/b5c427ac179911bdc0f0059231166973278bbab6
Sahidur, M. R., Islam, S., & Jahurul, M. H. A. (2023). Garlic (Allium sativum) as a natural antidote or a protective agent against diseases and toxicities: A critical review. Food Chemistry Advances, 3, 100353.
Saraswati, S. S. (2008). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha (4th ed.). Yoga Publications Trust.
Sa’roni, S., & Adjirni, A. (1999). Efek Antiinflamasi Kulit Batang Massoia Aromaticum Becc. (Masoyi) Pada Tikus Putih. Warta Tumbuhan Obat Indonesia, 5(2). Retrieved from http://ejournal.litbang.kemkes.go.id/index.php/wtoi/article/view/2636
Satyananda, S. S. (2002). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Paramita.
Shah, A. J., & Gilani, A.-H. (2010). Bronchodilatory effect of Acorus calamus (Linn.) is mediated through multiple pathways. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131(2), 471–477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.07.024
Sharma, N., John, P., Meghwal, N., Owen, A., & Mishra, V. (2019). Effect of yoga therapy on patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A prospective randomised wait list-controlled trial. Clinical Medicine, 19(Suppl 3), 87. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.19-3s-s87
Sharma, V., Sharma, R., Gautam, D., Kuca, K., & ... (2020). Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in Neurological and Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical …. Journal of Clinical …, (Query date: 2023-10-15 14:31:45). Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/4/1176
Shree Ganesh, H. R., Subramanya, P., Rao M, R., & Udupa, V. (2021). Role of yoga therapy in improving digestive health and quality of sleep in an elderly population: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 27, 692–697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.012
Sivananda, S. (2001). The Practice of Karma Yoga. Himalayas: Divine Life Society.
Sivananda, S. S. (1994). Kundalini Yoga. Himalayas: The Divine Life Society.
Suardiana, I. W. (2018). Naskah Pengobatan “Usada” di Bali dan Problematika Pemurnian Teks. Jurnal Kajian Bali (Journal of Bali Studies), 8(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.24843/JKB.2018.v08.i02.p01
Suatama, I. B. (2021). Usada Bali Modern. Sleman: AG Publishing.
Sudiasta, I. G. B., & Suwidja, I. K. (1991). Terjemahan dan Kajian Usada Tenung Tanya Lara. Departemen Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan.
Sugata, I. M., Suputra, I. K. D., Suryanti, P. E., Juniartha, M. G., & Kartika, I. G. A. A. (2023). Profil Fitokimia dan Aktivitas Antibakteri dari Massoia aromatic Becc., Acorus calamus L., dan Allium sativum L. terhadap Bakteri Penyebab Rinosinusitis. Jurnal Ilmiah Medicamento, 9(2), 106–114. https://doi.org/10.36733/medicamento.v9i2.5961
Sujarwo, W., Keim, A., Toniolo, C., & Nicoletti, M. (2016). Ethnobotanical Uses of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.; Meliaceae) Leaves in Bali (Indonesia) and the Indian subcontinent in Relation with Historical Background and Phytochemical Properties. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.014
Surka, I. W. (2020). Pengobatan Bebai Dalam Ayurveda. 3(1), 73–78.
Suyami, S., Fakhriati, F., Syahrul, N., Ma’rifat, D. F., Sumarno, S., Nurwanti, Y. H., … Laksmita Dewi, T. N. (2025). Sawan: Exploring the knowledge and wisdom of Javanese traditional healing practices. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 12(1), 2451517. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2025.2451517
Tirta, L. P. P., & Putra, A. A. G. R. Y. (2020). A Narrative Review Of Apiaceae Family Plants in Usada Netra For Eye Disease Treatment. Journal Pharmaceutical Science and Application, 2(2), 49–65. https://doi.org/10.24843/JPSA.2020.v02.i02.p03
Tudu, C. K., Dutta, T., Ghorai, M., Biswas, P., Samanta, D., Oleksak, P., … Dey, A. (2022). Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.929554
Woodyard, C. (2011). Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. International Journal of Yoga, 4(2), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-6131.85485
Zhao, Y., Li, J., Cao, G., Zhao, D., Li, G., Zhang, H., & Yan, M. (2023). Ethnic, Botanic, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Acorus L. Genus: A Review. Molecules, 28(20), 7117. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207117
Zok, A., Matecka, M., Bienkowski, A., & Ciesla, M. (2024). Reduce stress and the risk of burnout by using yoga techniques. Pilot study. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1370399
