[excerpt] Indonesian beauty is based on the concept of getting back to nature with a holistic approach. The ancient tradition of natural health and wellness in the region is called Jamu. Jamu is the Indonesian tradition of using medicinal herbs to treat every aspect of life. In terms of beauty this means blending the leaves, roots, fruits, flowers and barks of various plants into treatments that rejuvenate and nourish the body and also create inner peace which translates to outer beauty. For an Indonesian beauty experience at home, try some of these tips based on traditional Jamu beauty treatments utilized by Indonesian and Javanese royalty for hundreds of years.
Get a Foot Massage
For a traditional Indonesian style foot massage, have the masseuse focus on foot reflexology, and soak your feet in flower water before your massage treatment. Use pumice made from volcanic stone to remove dead skin from your feet before the massage as well.
Use Coconut Milk as a Hair Conditioner
For dry, brittle hair try using the ancient Indonesian remedy of rinsing the hair with coconut milk instead of a commercial conditioner during your shower. The milk will leave your hair moisturized and smelling like coconut.
Give your Body a Steam Treatment
Traditional Indonesian spas offer steam treatments to specific parts of the body to tone the skin and flush toxins. To mimic these treatments, steam parts of the body for a ½ hour at a time. Steam your face by holding it over a sink full of hot water with a towel over your head. Steam other parts of your body by turning your bathroom into a steam-room after a shower.
Try Eating Indonesian Kepel Fruit
Kepel fruit is a brown fruit that is about the size of an egg. The fruit is known in Indonesian beauty as a natural deodorant and eating the fruit is supposed to cause the body tsmell like the aromatic fruit.
Keep Coconut Oil in Close Reach
In Indonesia and Java coconut oil is used to massage the skin and to treat damaged hair. Add a small amount of essential oil of orange flower or rose for added fragrance.
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