Daun Pandan: Nature’s Fragrant Healer from the Tropics

In the heart of Southeast Asia, where tradition meets natural wellness, Daun Pandan—also known as pandan leaf—holds a cherished place in both the kitchen and the herbal medicine cabinet. Revered for its distinct aroma and numerous health benefits, this vibrant green leaf is more than just a natural flavoring agent. Let’s explore the botanical background, traditional uses, and healing properties of this tropical treasure.

🌱 Botanical Background

Scientific Name: Pandanus amaryllifolius
Plant Family: Pandanaceae
Common Names: Pandan leaf, screwpine leaf, fragrant pandan (Daun Pandan in Malay and Indonesian)

This herbaceous tropical plant is best known for its long, blade-like leaves and signature vanilla-like aroma, thanks to the presence of a compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline—the same scent compound found in basmati rice.

⚖️ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

While Daun Pandan is not officially classified in classical TCM pharmacopeia, it is widely used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine and has qualities that align with certain TCM principles.

Nature (Qi): Neutral to slightly cool
Flavor (Wei): Sweet, slightly aromatic
Meridian Tropism: Likely to influence the Liver, Spleen, and Heart meridians

Traditional Actions (in TCM terms):

Soothes the Shen (spirit) — Calming for anxiety, restlessness, and sleep troubles
Clears mild internal heat — Useful for low-grade fever or inflammation
Moves Qi and blood — Aids in circulation and digestion
Harmonizes the Middle Jiao — Eases stomach bloating and discomfort

🩺 Traditional and Therapeutic Uses

Across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, Daun Pandan is deeply woven into folk medicine, household remedies, and even spiritual cleansing practices. Here's what it's traditionally used for:

Stress relief & better sleep – Often boiled into tea to calm the mind
Anti-inflammatory & pain relief – Used externally for arthritis and body aches
Digestive support – Aids in reducing gas, bloating, and cramps
Antidiabetic aid – Traditionally consumed to help regulate blood sugar
Natural deodorant – Acts as a body cleanser and mild antiseptic
Blood pressure regulation – Believed to relax blood vessels and lower hypertension
Skin & hair health – Decoctions used for scalp care and skin rashes

🔬 Phytochemical Richness

Scientific studies are now catching up with tradition, showing that Daun Pandan contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:

Flavonoids – Powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation
Alkaloids – May help modulate the nervous system and improve blood circulation
Saponins – Offer gentle cleansing and adaptogenic effects
Phenolic acids – Combat oxidative stress
Tannins – Provide antimicrobial and astringent properties
Essential oil (2AP) – Gives pandan its signature fragrance and neuroprotective potential

🧪 Modern Research Insights

While more human clinical trials are needed, preliminary research supports several of pandan’s traditional claims:

🌾 Antidiabetic effects: May reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes
❤️ Cardiovascular health: Helps lower blood pressure naturally
🧠 Neuroprotective properties: Supports brain function and stress resilience
🔬 Antibacterial activity: Inhibits certain harmful microbes and fungi

🍵 How to Use Daun Pandan

Tea: Boil 2–3 fresh or dried leaves in water and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Aromatherapy: Place fresh leaves in your room or car as a natural air freshener.
Poultice: Crush leaves and apply to joints or inflamed areas for mild pain relief.
Cooking: Add to rice or desserts for aroma and mild sweetness.

✨ Final Thoughts

Daun Pandan isn’t just a kitchen companion—it’s a versatile herb with deep roots in tradition and growing support from modern science. Whether you’re using it to flavor your food, ease your nerves, or support metabolic health, this humble leaf deserves a spot in your wellness journey.

As we continue to reconnect with nature’s healing gifts, Daun Pandan is a fragrant reminder that sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most profound.

Reference -Data was compile by chat GPT

Chan, E. W. C., Lim, Y. Y., Wong, L. F., Lianto, F. S., Wong, S. K., Lim, K. K., ... & Lim, T. Y. (2009). Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of leaves and rhizomes of ginger species. Food Chemistry, 112(3), 558–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.06.013
(Includes Pandanus amaryllifolius antioxidant properties)
Murniati, E., Widjanarko, S. B., & Saraswati, T. R. (2017). Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. International Food Research Journal, 24(4), 1747–1753.
[Available at: https://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my]
Azman, K. F., & Mustaffa, N. M. (2020). Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial properties of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves extract. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 13(4), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2020.v13i4.36788
Bhat, R., & Karim, A. A. (2010). Pandanus amaryllifolius: A plant with versatile qualities. Journal of Food Science, 75(9), R132–R138. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01824.x
(Comprehensive overview of pandan's culinary and medicinal uses)
Lim, T. K. (2012). Pandanus amaryllifolius. In Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants (Vol. 3, pp. 142–152). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2534-8_11
(Extensive profile on pandan's uses in ethnomedicine and phytochemistry)

Healthline Editorial Team. (2020, July 17). Pandan: Uses, benefits, and side effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/pandan
(General public-friendly reference)

Needles & Herb

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Daun Pandan -Pandanus Amaryllifolius