Jamu sebagai Pencegahan Masuk Angin bagi Driver Ojek Online (Studi Kasus di Lingkungan Kampus Universitas Sumatera Utara)

Abstract

This study discusses the consumption of herbal medicine as an effort to prevent colds among online motorcycle taxi drivers in the University of North Sumatra (USU) Campus environment. The main objective of this study is to understand the perceptions, consumption habits, and reasons behind the decisions of online motorcycle taxi drivers in choosing herbal medicine as a prevention and treatment of colds. This study uses a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach, where researchers conducted participatory observations and in-depth interviews with online motorcycle taxi drivers and herbal medicine traders to explore the experience of consuming herbal medicine in their daily lives. The results of the study indicate that the consumption of herbal medicine for online motorcycle taxi drivers has a complex perception, not only to prevent colds, but also as part of maintaining endurance in the midst of physically demanding work. a) Online motorcycle taxi drivers view herbal medicine as a more natural and safe solution compared to modern medicine, especially because of the belief in the minimal side effects that can harm organs such as the kidneys and stomach. b) The types of herbal medicine most often consumed include complete herbal medicine, temulawak herbal medicine, turmeric herbal medicine, and sachet herbal medicine products such as Bejo. Consumption of herbal medicine is done routinely or irregularly, such as when starting to feel symptoms of a cold, with the aim of maintaining stamina and preventing minor health problems such as colds. c) The main factors behind the choice of herbal medicine consumption are its effectiveness in increasing endurance, socio-cultural factors that are passed down from generation to generation, affordability, and ease of access to herbal medicine available in stalls and street vendors. In addition, herbal medicine traders also play a role in providing recommendations for types of herbal medicine that are in accordance with customer complaints, especially for online motorcycle taxi drivers who often experience fatigue and colds due to working all day on the road. The conclusion of this study shows that herbal medicine consumption among online motorcycle taxi drivers is not only a hereditary habit, but also a personal experience, work conditions, and ease of access to herbal medicine.