Pandan is a plant whose leaves have been used in Asian cuisine for years. However, thanks to its healing and nourishing properties, Pandan has also found application in medicine and cosmetics. Pandan leaves are used in Far Eastern medicine, including as a remedy for premature ejaculation. In turn, pandanus fruit extract is an ingredient of many cosmetics. What other properties does Pandan have?
What is Pandan?
Pandanus thanks to its properties, has been used for years in the kitchen, cosmetics and medicine in Asia, where it origins from. The term pandanus covers about 600 species of shrubs and trees growing on the coasts of the sea and at river mouths in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The most famous type of pandan is the sweet pandan (Pandanus odorifer).
Pandan - What does it look like?
Pandanus has a thin, usually branched trunk. Pandan leaves are long (up to 10 m), even, often thorny, gathered in bunches at the ends of the shoots. The flowers are usually collected in the flasks, and the pandanus fruits are berries or drupes.
Pandan leaves and fruits are used not only in the kitchen. The leaves are also used to make mats and household items. Flowers, in turn, are the basis of aromatic oils. Some of the pandan species are also used to produce insecticides.
Pandanus - the application of pandanus leaves and fruits
Pandan leaves are used mainly in Asian cuisine - Thai, Filipino, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Indian ones. They are used as an addition for soups, rice and many other dishes. In India, an essence obtained from pandan flowers is used to flavour meat dishes and pilaf (a dish made of rice, lamb and fried fish). It is called the essence of the kevra.
In the Far East cuisine, pandan leaves are also used to wrap meats, fish or seafood to preserve the natural juices of these ingredients. The leaves are also used in the form of fresh, stripped pieces tied in knots.
Pandan leaf paste, on the other hand, is used to achieve the characteristic colour of desserts and drinks.
Pandana is often referred to as the Asian equivalent of vanilla. It is not about taste, however, but about its application. Pandan, like vanilla, is used to flavour various dishes. Pandana is often added to chocolate desserts.
Pandan fruits are also edible, and they are used not only in cooking but also in cosmetics. Pandanus fruit extract in cosmetics (e.g. in tonics) normalizes the acidity of the skin and soothes it. It perfectly renews the skin after cleansing, restores the natural pH and protects the skin against harmful external factors.
Pandan - healing properties
In traditional medicine in Asia, pandan leaves are used as a remedy for
- sunburns
- stress relief
- problem with premature ejaculation
Fresh pandan leaves are also considered an aphrodisiac.
Pandan tea found slightly different properties, and thus - its application. Pandan leaf infusion is known for:
- relieving headaches and joint pain
- reducing fever
- helping with skin problems
- it is also intended to act as a laxative
In the Far East, it is also readily used by women just after giving birth, because it soothes pain and helps regain strength.
