Pandan Iced Tea

Pandan leaves contain alkaloids.  They are organic substances that contain nitrogen and are often beneficial to the health of people and animals. For instance the alkaloids in quinine, which is derived from tree bark, has made it an effective drug against malaria. 

Green tea, which some people claim to be even healthier than water, also contain beneficial alkaloids. The health benefits of pandan (leaves and roots) are the cumulative effect of flavonoids, alkaloids and lastly, glycosides, organic compounds with sugar or carbohydrate molecules. Recently, three new alkaloids were discovered in pandan leaf extracts and added to the five that have been already identified.

As folkloric remedy, drinking tea derived from pandan leaves prevents asthma attacks and stabilizes blood pressure.  It also stimulates perspiration which is an effective way to eliminate toxins and burn excess fat from our system.  Pandan tea also lowers blood sugar and invigorates the functions of our heart and kidneys.

The other health benefits of Pandan are:

• Treats leprosy, smallpox and wounds

• Helps reduce fever

• Solves several skin problems

• Relives headache and arthritis

• Treatment for ear pains

• Functions as a laxative for children

• Eases chest pains

• Helps in speeding up the recuperation of women who have just given birth and are still weak

• Pandan reduces stomach spasms and strengthens the gum

The other uses of Pandan as herbal treatment are:

 • Decoction of the bark may be taken as tea, or mixed with water that is to be used in bathing, in order to remedy skin problems, cough, and urine-related concerns

• Apply pulverized roots of pandan to affected wound areas to facilitate healing

• The anthers of the male flowers are used for earaches, headaches and stomach

 spasms

• Chew the roots to strengthen the gum

• Extract oils and juices from the roots and flowers are used in preparing the decoction to relieve pains brought about by headache and arthritis

Here in Bohol, besides its medicinal benefits, pandan leaves are popularly used as an addition when cooking rice – to enhance its flavor, as well as give it a wonderful aroma.  Whereas, the guests at Amorita are given chilled pandan tea as welcome refreshment.

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