Param is a traditional herbal preparation in the form of a body application used by women during the postpartum confinement period in Malay culture. Typically, param is applied over the entire body, except for the breasts and abdomen, and is used consistently twice daily after bathing throughout the approximately 40-day confinement period. The practice of using param not only functions as a restorative treatment for the body but also reflects the continuity of traditional knowledge passed down through generations, particularly in relation to women’s health care after childbirth.

The formulation of Param consists of a mixture of natural ingredients with both medicinal and cosmetic properties, such as rice, kencur (Kaempferia galanga), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), sandalwood (Santalum album), and kaffir lime peel (Citrus hystrix). This combination of herbs is believed to warm the body, improve blood circulation, prevent “wind” disorders, and maintain skin freshness. In practice, param is usually mixed with warm water to form a fine paste, which is then applied evenly over the body. The paste is left to dry briefly, allowing the active properties to be absorbed into the skin, making the product function similarly to an herbal body scrub that envelops the body with a natural fragrance.

Historically, param is associated with traditional healing practices that emphasize the use of tropical herbs for postpartum recovery. Influences from Ayurvedic medicine in India and Javanese herbal traditions also shaped the foundation of param, particularly the concept of balancing “hot” and “cold” elements within the body, which underpins the philosophy of traditional health care. The combination of rice and spices was regarded as a symbol of bodily balance and was used not only for healing but also for beauty purposes. Over time, the practice spread widely among confinement traditions in Malaysia, Sumatra, and the Javanese islands, becoming an integral part of traditional therapies that harmonize physical health, outward beauty, and spiritual balance.

Interestingly, 'param' in the Malaysian context shares similarities with the practice of 'bobok parem' in Indonesia. In Javanese tradition, parem refers to an herbal preparation used as a body scrub or topical treatment to counteract “wind” ailments, reduce swelling, and improve blood circulation. The term parem has also been linked to an old French word referring to a healing technique involving herbal applications and gentle massage. Within Javanese postpartum culture, bobok parem is considered an effective therapy for restoring mothers after childbirth, as it helps to relax muscles, strengthen blood vessels, and provide natural warmth to the body.

Beyond param and bobok parem, several other Southeast Asian countries also have comparable practices that highlight a shared cultural foundation in women’s postpartum care. In Thailand, there is Sa Kra Sa Mun Prai, a dried herbal body scrub used to restore vitality and stimulate blood circulation. In Myanmar, women apply Thanaka, a traditional herbal preparation made from powdered wood, which is also used during the postpartum period, though its primary focus is on skin beautification. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, Chum Neang Mor involves the use of dried herbal pastes and traditional steam baths believed to warm the body and expel toxins. These similarities illustrate a regional network of traditional knowledge that emphasizes safe, natural, and locally rooted approaches to women’s postpartum recovery.

In Malaysia itself, param exists in a variety of forms depending on regional traditions and local practices. In the northern states, param formulations place greater emphasis on turmeric and ginger to provide warmth and reduce joint swelling. On the East Coast, preparations are often enriched with pandan leaves, galangal, and lemongrass to produce a fresh and calming aroma. In the southern states, the inclusion of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and betel lime is more prominent, influenced by Minangkabau and Peranakan heritage. Meanwhile, in Malaysian Borneo, the use of different rice varieties and freshly sourced herbs is considered essential. This diversity of formulations demonstrates that param is not a homogeneous traditional remedy but rather a dynamic heritage adapted to geography, available natural resources, and the cultural identity of each community in Malaysia.