Malay Poisons and Charm Cures

by John D. Gimlette

First published almost a century ago, Malay Poisons and Charm Cures remains a classic and still definitive reference on the pharmacopoeia and practices of Malay healers, shamans (bomoh) and sorcerers (pawing).

301 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1988

About the author

John Desmond Gimlette

Reviews

[Susi Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich source that gives dimension to historical western perceptions of the Malay character, and adds substance to contemporary observations and assessments of the political, diplomatic, cultural, economic, and social climate of Indonesia and Malaysia today. The book also delivers information of value to the ethnobotanists, researchers looking at plant pharmacology, advocates for conservation of Southeast Asian rainforests and coastlines in the basis of their invaluable biodiversity, anthropologists, and toxicologists. This is also a fascinating book for the general reader, and for anyone who is curious about the more obscure aspects of Indonesian and Malaysian cultures.

[Kairaleif · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think some of the terms might be wrong but again, I’m just a Malay girl with lack of knowledge in Malay history. But I do believe that some stuffs inside the book should not be said out loud. Call me superstitious but yeah. Some parts are useful. I mean, no offense, this is a book about Malay culture written by a non-Malay. But i read up, he has a lot of qualifications on medicines. It’s just… the other parts of the book…. It’s like the scene from the Mummy movie, nothing good will come to that

[Noorhaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an eye-opening window into the past, a relatively objective view of occult practices and beliefs - remedial as well as nefarious - of Malays in the late 19th to early 20th century. This is written as an academic account of ingredients sourced from local flaura and fauna, but documents enough anecdotes to add colour to an otherwise monochrome publication.

[Aliaa Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice👍