Beyond Pandan’s Fragrance

Buko-pandan salad. Buko-pandan juice. Pandan-flavored cakes. Pandan-laced rice.

Hmmm.. who has not feasted  on these mouth-watering treats?

Even in colleagues in the field of nutrition have yummy connections with Pandan.

“I love adding pandan leaves in my cookery because of  its flavor and fragrance”, by Maribel C. Balagtas  (RND, DrPH), associate professor and chair of nutrition-dietetics Department at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) in Silang, Cavite.

Medicinal value

Pandan is more than just a flavoring or a fragrance on dishes. It is also loaded with medicinal values.

LEAVES

v  WOUND.  Pulverize dried leaves and apply on affected area.

v  HEADACHE.  Heat fresh leaves over low fire. Crush and place on forehead and temples. Cover with bandage to keep the leaves place. A poultice made from fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil is another alternative.

v  WEAK NERVES.  Cut into small pieces 3 fresh and washed pandan leaves. Boil it in 3 glasses of water until only 2 glasses of liquid remain. Chill, filter, and drink 1 glass in the morning and 1 glass in the afternoon.

v  PAIN RELIEVER.   Wash 3 leaves and slice thinly. Brew (to make a beverage by boiling, steeping, or mixing various ingredients) with ½ cup heated coconut oil. Stir evenly cool. Rub brew on sore body parts.