Figure 1: Pilis Treatment

Source: Pantangplus.com

Traditional postpartum treatments are an integral part of Malay medical practices, carefully preserved and passed down through generations. These treatments hold a central place in the confinement rituals observed by Malay women after childbirth. Among the key practices is the application of ‘Pilis’, a finely ground herbal paste applied to the mother’s forehead. Typically performed twice daily after bathing, this treatment continues throughout the forty-day confinement period. Alongside other remedies such as herbal steam bath (bertangas), hot stone massage (bertungku), herbal body scrub (param) and stomach paste (tapel), pilis forms part of a holistic care system designed to restore energy, rejuvenate the body, and shield new mothers from both physical ailments and spiritual disturbances during the postnatal stage.

The preparation of pilis involves a blend of natural ingredients valued for their medicinal and cosmetic properties, reflecting the ethnomedical knowledge of the Malay Archipelago. Leaf-based elements such as henna leaves, pandan leaves, jasmine leaves and flowers, and lemongrass are prized for their refreshing qualities and fragrant aroma. Spices like nutmeg, cloves, white cumin, and black cumin act as anti-inflammatory agents, body warmers, and wind repellents. Herbs such as ginger, fresh turmeric, and aromatic ginger are added to generate warmth and improve blood circulation, while garlic, lime juice, and rice flour balance the texture of the paste. This complex blend demonstrates the depth of traditional medical knowledge and the therapeutic potential of tropical flora.

Historically, the use of pilis is rooted in the traditional Malay concept of bodily balance. It is believed to prevent wind or cold elements from entering the body, thereby safeguarding a mother’s internal and external well-being. The practice reflects ancient medical traditions that emphasized herbal remedies for postnatal recovery, revealing cross-cultural influences from Indian Ayurvedic and Javanese treatments, both of which highlight the importance of holistic postpartum care that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.

Over time, the practice of pilis has become deeply embedded within Malay culture and other societies across the Nusantara. It is seen as a restorative treatment capable of rebalancing the body after pregnancy and childbirth, processes that are both physically and emotionally taxing. In earlier times, when communities lacked access to modern healthcare, herbal remedies such as pilis served as the primary means of supporting maternal recovery. The natural abundance of tropical herbs was regarded as a divine gift, entrusted to sustain women’s health and well-being.

Beyond its medicinal value, pilis also carries cultural and social significance. It serves as a visible marker of confinement, signaling to the community that a woman is undergoing traditional postpartum care. This symbolic role fosters awareness and respect, encouraging family members and society at large to be attentive to the mother’s condition. In this way, pilis functions not only as a therapeutic preparation but also as a cultural identity marker, reinforcing the discipline and values embedded in Malay women’s healthcare traditions.

From a sociological perspective, the continuity of pilis illustrates how traditions are constructed and maintained through social interaction. Drawing on Peter L. Berger’s theory of social construction, the practice can be understood through the processes of externalization, objectivation, and internalization. Communities create, preserve, and legitimize pilis as part of their self-care system, ensuring that it is accepted as both effective and culturally meaningful. Over generations, this practice has become deeply internalized, symbolizing not only a method of treatment but also a shared cultural identity.

Through this process, pilis is understood not only in terms of its herbal benefits but also within a broader cultural context. Objectively, this renders the practice recognized as a legitimate form of treatment proven to be effective. At the same time, internalization ensures that new mothers continue to observe it, believing it is the best way to safeguard their postnatal health. This practice illustrates how traditional knowledge endures in the modern world because it carries strong social legitimacy.

Thus, pilis should be recognized as more than a cosmetic or medicinal preparation. It is a cultural heritage that embodies the wisdom of the Malay and wider Nusantara communities in safeguarding women’s health, preserving social values, and integrating physical care with spiritual and cultural dimensions. By combining the therapeutic properties of tropical plants with the traditions of the region, pilis reflects the resilience and continuity of indigenous knowledge in navigating the journey of childbirth and recovery.