Gamat is the Malaysian word for several types of sea cucumbers that are used for their healing powers and are often made into lotions or potions. The healing power of gamat is legendary, and it is used in Malaysia for wound healing, vitality, internal healing and to give the skin an even texture and sheen. Gamat and gamat products are now beginning to be available online and in health food stores, and many researchers are studying other varieties of sea cucumber for therapeutic value.
History
Legend has it that the healing power of Gamat was discovered by a fisherman who observed a sea cucumber completely heal itself and become whole after it was cut entirety in half. Gamat is widely used by many different traditional Malaysian people to heal their own injuries and is found at night, on pristine beaches, where the water is pure and clean.
Types
The word Gamat is used to describe an ointment or preparation made from one of the several varieties of sea cucumber. Sea cucumbers are actually animals, not plants, that inhabit the sea floor and are sometimes washed up onto beaches at low tide. Gamat is called teripang in Indonesia, where it is used in much the same way as Malaysia. Sea cucumbers are used as food by many cultures in the Pacific Rim, including China and Australia.
Uses
Gamat is used directly on sores, cuts and wounds on the skin, as well as internally for ulcers and other ailments that involve internal damage. Gamat is believed to be able to speed wound recovery time and to help new tissue form in humans just as the sea cucumber's ability to quickly regenerate its own body tissue when damaged. Gamat is also used as a cosmetic product on the skin to add luster and glow and promote smoothness and evenness.
Potential
Recently, a team of researchers at Kyushu University in Japan discovered two new molecules in a species of sea cucumber called Holothuria leucospilota, and they published their findings in April 2001 in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. The molecules were able to stimulate nerve cell growth in rat cells in the laboratory. The researchers mention that similar molecules are also present in nine other species of the sea cucumber, as well as the eggs of sea urchins.
Significance
Sea cucumbers are very common throughout the Pacific and form dense colonies, especially in shallow water. The potential of using species of sea cucumber for Gamat potions to heal wounds and promote cell growth is high. Gamat, the Malaysian healing wonder, may soon find its way into the first-aid kits of the modern world.
Tags: species cucumber, cell growth, Gamat Malaysian, Gamat used, varieties cucumber