Edukasi dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Balsem Jahe Merah (Zingiberis officinale) Sebagai Obat Rematik Pada Ibu-Ibu Desa Tengah, Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases are among the leading causes of activity
limitations, particularly affecting elderly women. This study
aims to provide education and training to the community in
Desa Tengah, Kecamatan Pancurbatu, on the treatment of
rheumatism using red ginger (Zingiberis officinale) balm. The
approach used involved educational outreach and hands-on
training, starting with a pre-test questionnaire to assess the
community’s baseline knowledge, followed by a lecture on
rheumatism and the medicinal benefits of red ginger.
Afterward, a demonstration on how to make red ginger balm
was conducted, with materials provided so participants could
practice making the balm at home. The results of the activity
showed a significant increase in community knowledge, with
80% of participants demonstrating good knowledge after the
training, up from 16.67% prior to the education. Furthermore,
the community successfully learned to create red ginger balm,
which proved effective in alleviating rheumatic symptoms.
This activity is expected to promote the use of medicinal
plants, particularly red ginger, as an affordable and safe
alternative treatment for rheumatism. The findings suggest
that community education and empowerment can reduce
dependence on chemical medicines and improve the quality
of life for rheumatic patients.