10 Health Benefit of Pandan Leaves

What are pandan leaves? They are long, green, sweet-smelling leaves used in cooking and home remedies. In English, they are called screwpine. In India, people know them as kewra or kewda. They add a soft, vanilla-like aroma to rice, sweets, and biryani. They are also used for their health benefits and in Ayurvedic medicines. For most people, pandan is safe and good to use.

The aromatic pandan leaves are commonly used in South Asian and Southeast Asian kitchens. Belonging to the screwpine genus, it gets its common name, pandan leaves, from its botanical name, Pandanus amaryllifolius. In India, it is known by many names such as Ambemohor pat in Marathi; Ramba in Tamil, Biriyanikaitha in Malayalam, and बासमतिया पौधा in Maghai and Bhojpuri due to its fragrance.

Many people in Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam also know it. Kewda is the most popular name for pandan leaves in India and is used as a spice and a flavoring agent in cakes and sweets. The characteristic aroma of pandan leaves is often used as a cheap alternative to highly fragrant basmati rice in dishes such as biryanis, pulaos, and sweet treats made from rice.

Pandan Leaves at a Glance

10 Amazing health benefits of Pandan(केवड़ा) leaves

Pandan leaves have also been traditionally used as a medicine to treat ailments like fever and indigestion. However, studies have proved that pandan leaves can offer many health benefits such as-

1. Helps in lowering blood pressure

Drinking a potion of pandan leaves twice a day helps in lowering symptoms of high blood pressure such as dizziness and tiredness.

2. Helps in controlling blood sugar

Although more research is needed, studies have shown that drinking pandan leaf extract can help reduce plasma glucose levels. This suggests that people with diabetes may benefit from pandan leaf tea extracts. As per a study done by Chiabchalard & Nooron, extract from Pandanus amaryllifolius could induce the production of insulin in rat pancreatic cell. Additional research is required to use it in mainstream medicine.

3. Excellent remedy for pains and cramps

Pandan leaves have been traditionally used for pain relief. Pandan leaves can effectively treat stomach cramps because of their laxative properties. Soaking pandan leaves in heated coconut oil and applying them can relieve arthritis pain.

4. Acts as a natural mosquito repellent

Rubbing pandan leaf extract on exposed skin can keep mosquitoes away. It is an excellent natural repellent for mosquitoes, which can cause several diseases, especially during monsoons.

5. Rich in nourishing essential oils

Pandan leaves contain essential natural oils such as glycidudes, alkaloids, traces of tannin, and isoprene esters. These can help boost your overall health.

6. Helpful in gout

Drinking boiled screwpine (pandan) leaf water is known to reduce uric acid levels in the body and can help deal with gout. Drinking boiled pandan leaf water regularly can also help you get rid of kidney stones.

7. Natural repellent for cockroaches

Soak pandan leaves in water and use the spray as a natural, safe cockroach repellent. It is safer than using store-bought chemical repellents and can help you get rid of these infection-spreading scary roaches effectively.

8. Anti-carcinogenic properties

Pandan leaf tea prevents cancer cells from growing and acts as a barrier to the harmful effects of toxins. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of pandan leaf tea may also help heal certain cancers when used alongside conventional therapy (source).

9. Used for skin and hair health

Pandan leaves can help you get rid of dandruff and cover your greys. Rubbing a paste of pandan leaves soaked in water can also treat skin problems, helping it glow and shine.

10. Boost your appetite

Pandan leaves can also be used to boost appetite if you do not feel like eating or have just recovered from an illness and have an aversion to food.

Pandan Tea, Water and Juice

People often ask how to take pandan for health, not just for flavour. The easy ways are tea, water, and juice. All three are simple to make at home.

• Pandan tea: Boil 2 to 3 fresh leaves in a cup of water for about 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink it warm. Many people drink it to relax, promote digestion, and help with blood sugar.
• Pandan water: Soak or boil a few leaves in water and let it cool. Sip it through the day. It is a light way to enjoy the aroma and the mild benefits.
• Pandan juice: Blend a few leaves with a little water, then strain to get a green extract. Use it in drinks and sweets, or take a small amount on its own.

Dried leaves lose most of their aroma, so fresh or frozen leaves work best. Start with a small amount and see how you feel.

Botanical Information and Usage Tips for Pandan Leaves

Pandan Leaves Name in Different Languages

People search for pandan by many names. Here is a quick guide, so you know it is the same leaf.

Side Effects and Precautions of Pandan Leaves

Pandan is safe for most people when used as food or as a light tea. Still, a few simple points help you stay safe.

• Only eat the right type: Not every pandan variety is edible. Use the fragrant cooking type. Do not eat wild or unknown leaves.
• Watch the laxative effect: Large amounts can loosen the stomach. Keep your tea light.
• If you take medicine: Pandan might lower blood sugar and blood pressure. If you take pills for either, keep an eye on your levels and ask your doctor.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not much research done for this. It is fine as a flavor in food, but avoid strong medicinal doses.

Used as a normal kitchen herb, pandan rarely causes problems (Healthline). Trouble mostly comes from very large medicinal amounts, so keep things simple.

FAQs for Pandan Leaves

What do Pandan leaves contain?

Now that we know the many health benefits of pandan leaves, it leaves us wondering what does this tall grass-like plant contain. Pandan leaves contain essential oils like isoprene esters, tannins, glycosides, and alkaloids, and other organic compounds that have a distinct fragrance and offer immense health benefits. All these oils work wonders for pain relief, cramps, fever, and even as repellents for mosquitoes and cockroaches. The laxative properties of pandan leaves have been shown to help with headaches and stomach disorders.

What do pandan leaves taste like?

Known for its aromatic taste and fragrance, pandan leaves lend a nutty flavor to the dishes they are added to. Pandan leaves are often compared to vanilla pods because of their milky-sweet taste that tastes a bit like almonds. The long, grass-like leaves delight the taste buds and leave a natural, sweet aftertaste that boosts appetite and mood. However, the flavor is released only when pandan leaves are either boiled or crushed. Dried leaves have no flavor. They are often juiced with water as the base and crushed to get the extract.

Can Pandan leaves be frozen and used?

Frozen pandan leaves are available at grocery stores where they are not available as freshly grown. They don’t work as well as fresh ones, but you can substitute them. You will need to use thrice as many leaves to get the aroma and taste of fresh pandan leaves in a recipe. Thaw frozen leaves at room temperature, rinse them well under water, and then dry them before using. Do not use any discolored leaves else; this will affect the overall flavor. Different brands may give you different tastes and experiences so it will take some time before you know how to use frozen pandan leaves as a perfect substitute for fresh ones. You can also freeze fresh leftover leaves and use them within a month to get the maximum taste and aroma. Freezing does reduce their flavor, so go with your gut and taste when using them instead of fresh pandan leaves.

Can I eat pandan leaves?

Pandan leaves are used as a flavoring agent in many sweet and savory dishes. Their milky-vanilla-like nutty flavor appeals to many people. You can chew fresh or dried pandan leaves if you have gum pain or oral problems. However, some varieties of pandan leaves are not to be eaten or ingested as such, so make sure you do not swallow them if you are not sure.

Are there any side effects for Pandanus amaryllifolius?

The most important point to know is that pandan leaves have not been reported to cause any side effects. With such amazing health benefits, it’s important to have them at home and use them for their benefits.

What are pandan leaves called in English?

In English, pandan leaves are called screwpine. Many people simply call them pandan too. The name screwpine comes from the way the long leaves spiral around the stem, like a screw.

What is pandan called in Hindi?

In Hindi, pandan is known as kewra or kewda. The kewra scent is very popular in Indian sweets, biryani, and drinks. So if a recipe says kewda, it means the same fragrant leaf.

Is pandan good for you?

Yes, for most people it is. Pandan can help digestion and appetite, and it is used in home remedies for blood sugar, blood pressure, and pain. It is also a natural mosquito and cockroach repellent. Keep your tea light and use the edible type, and it fits well within daily life.

What is pandan lalaki?

Pandan lalaki is a Filipino name for a different “male” pandan variety. It is used in traditional medicine, mostly for body aches and joint pain. It is not the same as the fragrant cooking pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) that this article is about. So do not mix the two.

How do you make pandan tea?

It is easy. Boil 2 to 3 fresh pandan leaves in a cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain it and drink it warm. You can add a little honey or ginger for taste. Fresh or frozen leaves give the best aroma, since dried ones lose most of their scent.

Common Names of Pandan Leaves

Botanical Name: Pandanus odoratissimus
Other Names: Screw pine. Umbrella tree, and Screw tree
Indonesian: Pandan wangi
Burmese: Hsun hmway
Thai: Bai tooey
Sinhala: Rampe
Khmer: Sleuk toi
Chinese: Qi Lan Ye
Tamil: Tazhai
Telugu: Mogheli
Kannada: Kedige
Gujarati: Kevda, ketak
Hindi: Kewra and Kewda
Bengali: Keora, keya, and ketaki