Javanese Lu’Lur is known as Indonesia’s traditional royal body treatment. It was concocted in the 17^th century for princess brides to soften their skin, and make it glow.

The traditional Javanese Lu’Lur treatment includes a massage, a spice-wrapped and yoghurt-coated body treat, and a blossom-filled bath. Based on century-old recipes handed down over generations, each treatment has a unique, freshly prepared menu made from locally produced herbs, fruits, flowers, ground nuts, roots, spices, honey and high quality essential oils for therapeutic benefits. It is an aromatic  beauty ritual that leaves the body and mind relaxed and the skin soft and supple.

Typically a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, ground nuts, rice and other scented woods, native herbs, spices such as Pandanus leaves is prepared and painted on to the body for exfoliating purposes and left to dry. The dried paste is then gently rubbed off to exfoliate the skin. Lu’lur recipes differ from one family to another. After a hot shower, a yoghurt mix is spread over the body to restore balance to the skin. The Mandi Lulur ends with a warm flower-scented bath.

Basic Lu’lur Recipe

30ml Body Oil - Unscented

3Tbsp Rice powder

3 tsp Turmeric

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

10 – 20ml Milk

5 drops Sandalwood essential oil

3 drops Jasmine

1 tsp Herbs and spices

2 cups Natural Yoghurt

Flowers such as rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, frangipani (as available)

Rice and Turmeric Paste: Combine rice powder, turmeric and honey add the essential oils and a bit of milk to make a paste.

Directions

1. Blend oil, rice, turmeric and exotic herbs and spices to form a paste. Massage onto body.
2. Allow to dry.
3. Gently rub the paste off the body in order to exfoliate and polish the skin.
4. Rinse your body under the shower.
5. Apply the natural yoghurt. Yoghurt contains a form of lactic acid that restores the natural pH to your skin and moisturizes it.
6. Rinse in shower.
7. After rinsing, soak in a warm, flower-filled bath. Use the tops of flowers or simply the petals to float around for a bath fit for a princess.

Belinda Meyer offers information relating to health, beauty therapy, spa, skin care, hair and nails.  She is an expert author at SalonProfit, Ezine Articles and DIY Spa Therapy. She offers success and marketing tips to make your Salon and Spa unique and profitable.