Basic Facts about Pandan

Family: Pandanaceae

Scientific narme: Pandanus Tectorius

 Other names: 

English- fragrant screwpine

Bangladesh-ketaki

Indonesia- pandan wagi

Burmese- soon mhway

Thai-bai tooey

What is pandan?

It grows up to 3-5 meters tall, branched and leafy plant that grows in tropical areas of Asia. Pandan leaves have a sweet flavor and a very unique aroma that is commonly used in Southeast-Asian countries as flavoring to enhance taste of prepared dishes like dessert and rice cakes (puto). The leaves are long and shiny green. I remember when i was young, my mother used to put tied pandan leaves on top of a rice cooker. The sweet aroma of pandan will then make the rice smell more attractive and good taste as well.

There are many uses of pandan leaves. Many pepole uses pandan as materials in woven products. Dried long leaves of pandan is use to make craft like basket, hat, bags, shoes, slippers and many more.

Medicinal uses

The elderes believe that pandan can be used as medicinal plant. Below are some beliefs that until now is being followed by many people especially here in the Philippines.

The roots of pandan plant has aphrodisiac and cardiotonic properties, when boiled is best remedy for headache, arthritis, stomach and spasms.

Poultice of fresh leaves mixed with oil also used for headache.

 Pulverized dried leaves used to heal wounds. also used for arthritis and avoid spontaneous abortion. Chewing the roots believed to strengthens gums.