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A species of dogbane (strophanthus) yields cortizone which reduces pain and swelling. Irianese rub the skin with big nettle leaves which causes it to burn and blister, but the cramp goes away. Bring baby powder to prevent rashes because you're always splashing your ass with water. Kayuputih oil is a native oil (but not greasy) used for the treatment of skin diseases, rubbed on for colds, headaches, stomach aches, ideal for massages, soothes mosquito bites, skin rashes, clears up nose and head during bouts of influenza, is good for your skin and gives your hair back its health if it's too dry. A little bottle costs Rp100 (it's the cheapest in Maluku). The Chinese call the allpurpose salve, Tiger Balm, the 'Ten Thousand Uses Ointment'. If rubbed on the center of the forehead it brings out your spiritual 'third eye', plus works wonderous other cures.

It can be used as an insect repellant, and if you put it on mosquito bites it stops the swelling and itching. Smear Tiger Balm around the legs of your bed, it keeps the bedbugs away. If rubbed vigorously on the temples its heat draws out the pain of headaches. If rubbed on teeth and gums, it relieves toothaches. For mentholated joints, roll grass over Tiger Balm smeared on the palm of the hand. Or coat it inside of a chillum. If put under the nose, it clears the nostrils. Put a lighted match under the jar and inhale the fumes to blast away sinus congestion. It increases the circulation of blood in the muscles and makes for extraordinarily sensual toe massages. Put very lightly on the eyelids for clearing eyes reddened by city smog. If you have arthritis, rub it in really hard. It also helps to alleviate the discomfort of rheumatism and muscleaches. Buy it on Dixon St. (Chinatown), Sydney; or at Nusa Indah, Barton Highway, Hall, A.C.T. There are two kinds, white and red. The red is stronger but more expensive and stains clothing