If you reach for the Vicks pot at a hint of a chesty cough, this body scrub is for you. Out of all the oriental treatments the Balinese Boreh offers the most potent sensation – an all-over deep heat experience. The scrub is purely and simply a herb and spice mix: It is a centuries-old village recipe using spices we more readily associate with curry, and is prepared to warm the body at the first sign of windy weather.
As tropical people, the Balinese live in fear of the cold and the health problems it can bring, so the whole family has a boreh both as a curative and preventative treatment. It feels really hot; it’s good for fever, headaches, muscle aches, arthritis and chills. It increases the blood circulation and its exfoliating ingredients – cloves and rice – soften the skin.
The boreh is not recommended for pregnant women as the penetrative ingredients direct the heat away from the womb area to the body’s extremities.
While most Balinese spas offer the boreh, this recipe comes from the Nusa Dua Spa.
Ingredients
20 gms ( 4 tsp ) sandalwood
10 gms ( 2 tsp ) whole cloves
10 gms ( 2 tsp ) ginger
5 gms ( 1 tsp ) cinnamon
10 gms ( 1 tsp ) coriander seeds
10 gms ( 1-2 tsp ) rice powder (finely ground rice)
5 gms ( 1 tsp ) turmeric
10 gms ( 1 tsp ) lesser galangal water or spice-blended oil
3 large carrots, grated
The first eight ingredients are ground together in a pestle and mortar or bought prepared in powder form or dried in balls.
Steps
- Add a little water or a spice-blended oil the herb and spice mix to make a thick paste. For those who cannot tolerate a strong heat sensation, mix a greater proportion of ground rice powder to reduce intensity.
- Cover your body; leave for five to ten minutes; feel the heat!
- Rub the skin vigorously so that the mixture flakes away.
- Gently rub the grated carrot into the skin. This replenishes moisture after exfoliating.
- Shower and moisturize.
