Various Plants for Health in Usadha Taru Pramana Manuscript

Based on the analysis of the Usada Taru Pramana manuscript, it was concluded that the Usada Taru Pramana manuscript is one of the most prominent manuscripts in the legacy of traditional knowledge systems of Bali. The manuscript of Usada Taru Pramana narratively tells the story of a balian named Prabu Mpu Kuturan. After helping people treating various diseases for a long time, there came the moment when all his abilities were lost. None of the patients he treated were cured, some even died. In response to this situation, Prabhu Mpu Kuturan performed penance at a graveyard for 42 days. Due to his seriousness, Bhatari of heaven was pleased to come to give gifts. Prabu Mpu Kuturan was blessed with the power to summon plants, including the ability to communicate with them. Furthermore, Prabu Mpu Kuturan summoned and questioned the medicinal properties of various plants using his power. A total of 160 types of plants explained the content of substances that exist in parts of their bodies, including their properties to treat various types of diseases. Overall, the manuscript contains 160 types of plants.

There are several plants that are mentioned more than once, namely the kepahai tree is mentioned 3 times; ficus septica 2 times; ricinus 2 times; sekapa 2 times; and, poh heni 2 times. All types of plants can treat various diseases both caused by sakala and niskala. In addition, phytochemical tests carried out on a number of plants in Usada Taru Pramana proved to support these plants as ingredients to cure various diseases.