Comments on: Drip

By: aiontay

aiontay — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:40:51 +0000

It doesn’t sound like the same thing since numrin is a very small root, not whitish colored wood. The Kachins gave me a good supply of it after I had malaria, so I remember it pretty well, especially yellow color of the water. I suspect there are a number of plants used for malaria in the different parts of Burma. The Kachins also offered me some dried bear gall bladder, which was supposed to be one of the best possible cures. I think the dog meat and garlic would be much, much better.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:43:46 +0000

The three or four occasions when I drank this stuff were a decade and more ago. I remember 3-5 inch long, thin strips of whiteish coloured wood infused in cold water, but I don’t remember the latter turning yellow particularly. However, it was a long time ago, and I wasn’t taking notes on the subject.

By: aiontay

aiontay — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:34:21 +0000

Was the bitter root rather small and did it turn the water yellow? Was it infused with cold water? If so, it probably is the oe the Kachins call numrim.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:06:34 +0000

Hi Aiontay.
Up-country in Burma I’ve been given various infusions, including a bitter root which tasted of quinine, and did help to relieve malaria on a couple of occasions. Also different herbs and chunks of wood etc – and sometimes insects or lizards – in rice whiskey ['ya dong'] seemed to boost the spirit.
At home we use various Burmese medicines, including preparations from Kachin State, and also of course ‘Toh Meh Pah’ Karen tummy medicine, plus a wonderful natural/traditional shampoo made of many types of leaves and twigs. When the boys got sunburnt last month on the beach ‘thanaka’ proved very useful [probably should have put it on them before going out in the sun].
All the best – Ashley

By: aiontay

aiontay — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:28:47 +0000

Ashley,
You mentioned eating dog meat as a way of regaining your strength.
Was there other traditional/local medicines you used?

By: aiontay

aiontay — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:05:15 +0000

Great story! I’m glad you came to the realization you didn’ t have to kill yourself. As KV notes, this just shows how devastating malaria is for populations around the world.

By: KV

KV — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:19:56 +0000

I am speechless. What stunning ordeals the locals go thru and the non-selfish people like Ashley South experience. Malaria is a bitch. Keep up the good work Ashley! This is incredible.