We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Medical Uses of Gamat?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 20,184
Share

Gamat, one of more than 1,200 species of sea cucumber, is a staple in traditional medicine in Malaysia, China, and Japan. It is valued for its ability to heal wounds by stimulating new cell growth. Gamat might also prove useful as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to lower blood pressure and control diabetes. Research shows gamat contains properties that might ease the pain of arthritis.

Also called golden sea cucumber or trepang, gamat is applied to stitches by Malaysian women after childbirth as a healing balm, a practice that goes back hundreds of years. They boil the slug with herbs to extract its juice before smearing it on external wounds. Malays also drink the mixture to heal internal ailments, such as ulcers.

The Chinese consider sea cucumber a delicacy that cures impotence. It is typically eaten raw as an appetizer or cooked into soups. Gamat is used as a tonic for overall good health in traditional Chinese medicine. It is sometimes prescribed to promote longevity and to treat frequent urination and weakness. Asians also use sea cucumber to relieve the pain of inflamed joints or tendons.

This species of marine life is high in protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids. These animals are also rich in collagen, vitamin A, the B vitamins, and various trace minerals. Amino acids similar to fish oil might promote a healthy heart and brain. When used as a jelly or cream, sea cucumber extract may reduce scarring and moisturize the skin to reduce signs of aging.

A legend repeated by the Malays involves a Langkawi Beach fisherman hundreds of years ago who found these slimy creatures attached to his legs. He reportedly cut up all the trepang in the area, leaving them to die. Later in the day, the fisherman discovered that every gamat had healed itself and become whole.

Sea cucumbers are slimy, slug-like creatures related to the starfish and sea urchin and live on the ocean floor. They move slowly along the seabed, using tubular feet to scoop sand and nutrients into their mouths. These invertebrates emit a sticky substance from a specific gland as a defense mechanism to trap prey. This chemical paralyzes small sea life and has been under study in some regions.

The sea cucumber reproduces sexually or asexually. Sperm and eggs are released into the water, and fertilization occurs when they connect. The eggs and young gamat become prey for fish and other sea creatures.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-gamat.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.