Holiday Ayo - Indonesia knows a variety of natural ingredients which are believed to have medicinal properties for treating facial and body beauty. One of them is black glutinous rice.

In South Sulawesi, the Bugis people turn black sticky rice into a traditional scrub known as Bedda Lotong or which means black powder.

Marketing Communications for Chaya Family Spa and Reflexology, Intan Permatasari, said Bedda Lotong is made from a mixture of black sticky rice, turmeric, temulawak, tamarind, kencur and olive oil.

"The method of preparation is roasting glutinous rice with sliced pandan leaves until scorched and evenly distributed. After that, remove the rice that has been roasted until charred and store it in a container, let it cool first," he said as quoted from Suara.com.

After it's cold, mix the roasted black sticky rice mixed with grated ginger and other ingredients. Then don't forget to add enough water while kneading and store in a container to leave overnight.

This traditional herb was originally used by aristocratic women and became a mandatory body scrub for prospective Bugis brides.

"Bedda Lotong will release an aura and fragrance for the bride and groom. Over time, Bedda Lotong can now be used for daily skin care," added Intan.

Intan added that her party provides traditional treatment using Bedda Lotong scrub in a package called Mappasau Botting Ritual which lasts 130 minutes.

"The reason we chose Bedda Lotong on the menu list is because this treatment is included in the 9 Ethno Wellness SPA, a treatment for mental, physical and mental health taken from local cultural wisdom," she concluded.