Pengobatan Tradisional pada Penderita Bhalakea di Desa Liangkobori Kecamatan Lohia Kabupaten Muna

Abstrak

Muna Regency, specifically Liangkobori Village, located in Lohia District Muna Regency is one of the areas that still maintains traditional medicine for bhalakea sufferers. Bhalakea is a local term for a childhood condition characterized by stunted growth. Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that causes short stature, developmental disorders, and the risk of illness and even death in early childhood. This research aims to describe the knowledge and practice of traditional bhalakea medicine that is still preserved by the Muna community in Liangkobori Village, Lohia District, Muna Regency. Using ethnographic methods, data were analyzed with Foster-Anderson theories of disease and health care systems. The results of the study show that bhalakea is viewed not only from a medical aspect, but also from a spiritual aspect. The treatment process includes the selection of mandeno noodles, preparation of ingredients, determination of the day, implementation, and closing with the giving of rewards. The public believes that treatment will fail if the conditions are not met. These traditions reflect local wisdom, spiritual values, and cultural identity, despite the medical limitations and risk of delays in modern medicine. It is recommended that the community maintain this tradition while increasing the understanding of nutrition and health of mothers and children, and the government collaborates with Mandeno noodles for health socialization. This research is expected to be an academic reference in examining the effectiveness of traditional herbs and the role of local beliefs in public health.

Kata kunci

• Cultural
• Ethnomedicin
• Health Anthropology
• Traditional Medicine