By ROSLI MANSOR AHMAD RAZALI
Each time people indulge in the rich, creamy flesh of durian, there is often concern about the “heatiness” that this king of fruits is believed to cause.
However, the Malay community has long embraced a variety of traditional remedies to help balance the body after enjoying durian.
One such practice that remains popular to this day is drinking plain water poured into the durian husk itself.
It is believed that this simple method can help cool down the body and reduce the internal heat that some experience after consuming durian.
According to Noraini Dollah, 63, this age-old tip has been passed down in her family for generations.
“If you eat a lot of durian, your body starts to feel hot. The elders taught us to take the durian husk, pour some water into it, and then drink that water.
“The durian husk is said to have cooling properties that help balance out the body’s heat,” she shared when met at her durian orchard in Kampung Pulau Pisang.
Although there is no scientific research that conclusively supports the effectiveness of this practice, it remains widely observed as part of a cultural tradition.
Medical experts, meanwhile, advise that the most important step after enjoying durian is to ensure adequate water intake to prevent dehydration and to avoid overindulging.
Even so, this traditional habit remains a symbol of Malay wisdom in utilising nature as part of efforts to maintain good health.
