Jakarta –
Chinese betel or a plant with the name Peperomia pellucida L Kunth is believed to have a multitude of benefits. Chinese betel is often found in a number of regions in Indonesia, but its name is relatively different.
For example, in Java, Chinese betel is often called lettuce, suruhan, or rangurangu. Meanwhile in Maluku, it is often called gotu garoko, in Ternate it is called gofu or goroho, in North Sulawesi it is known as chicken grass.
Chair of the Association of Doctors for the Development of Traditional Indonesian Herbal Medicine (PDPOTJI) Dr. Inggrid Tania explained that Chinese betel is actually considered a weed that can grow wild, even though it is actually a medicinal plant. The reason is, many of its benefits are used traditionally empirically.
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“For example, to treat colds, flu, coughs, gout, joint inflammation, skin infections,” he explained to detikcom Saturday (9/10/2024).
How does Chinese Betel Herbal Relieve Symptoms of Disease?
As many people do, Chinese betel can be consumed directly by taking fresh leaves and tangkal raw, as a salad. However, for those who are reluctant to consume it raw, you can boil the Chinese betel plant in the following way.
- Take around 20cm of fresh Chinese betel plant
- Brewed with 2 glasses of boiling water (2x200ml)
- Allow 5 to 15 minutes
- Consume regularly morning and evening.
People also said Dr. Ingrid can brew 4 grams of dried Chinese betel with two glasses of boiling water, leave it for five to fifteen minutes to consume morning and evening.
(naf/kna)
The Wonders of Chinese Betel: A Weed in Disguise
Ah, the Chinese betel! A plant that sounds like it should be lounging on a luxurious beach in Bali, sipping coconut water, and pretending it’s got no care in the world. But in reality, it’s just hanging around the gardens of Indonesia, doing its job as the local medicinal superhero. So, let’s jump in and find out what makes this unassuming plant the talk of the town!
With a scientific name that rolls off the tongue like a tongue twister — Peperomia pellucida L. Kunth — Chinese betel isn’t just another pretty leaf. It goes by a variety of names around Indonesia, depending on what part of the archipelago you’re in. In Java, it’s lettuce, in Maluku, it’s got a fancy title, ‘gotu garoko’ and in Ternate, they prefer ‘gofu’ or ‘goroho.’ Not to be outdone, North Sulawesi calls it ‘chicken grass.’ Yes, you heard that right! The equivalent of your local football team’s mascot has found its way into the herbal medicine world.
Now, Dr. Inggrid Tania, bless her heart, chairs the Association of Doctors for the Development of Traditional Indonesian Herbal Medicine (PDPOTJI) and she has quite the eye for spotting promising plants. “This is a weed that can grow wild,” she states emphatically, “but don’t let its rough-and-tumble appearance fool you, it’s a medicinal gem!” Take a moment to appreciate the irony: a weed that’s secretly a healer — sounds like the plot twist of a poorly scripted soap opera!
So, what can this green guardian actually do? According to our expert, it’s a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to folk medicine. Think colds, flu, coughs, gout, joint inflammation, and even skin infections. If that’s not a resumé worthy of a superhero, I don’t know what is!
How to Relish the Benefits of Chinese Betel
Now that you’re convinced this plant deserves a spot in your herbal pantry, you might be wondering how to get it into your system! Well, the traditional way is to consume fresh leaves. Yes, you could toss it into a salad and claim you’re being healthy while secretly daydreaming about pizza. But if that sounds a bit too ‘green’ for your palate, there’s always the boiling method! Here’s how:
- Take around 20cm of fresh Chinese betel plant.
- Brew it with 2 glasses of boiling water (that’s 2 x 200ml for those who prefer precision).
- Allow it to steep for 5 to 15 minutes. Patient? Good. So are your taste buds.
- Enjoy this herbal wonder regularly in the mornings and evenings: it’s like giving your body a gentle nudge to behave!
And for those with a taste for the slightly more adventurous, you can opt for 4 grams of dried Chinese betel plant instead. Brew it the same way and you’re all set. Just remember, no one wants to hear you complain about your routine while sipping this ‘health potion’!
So there you have it, folks! Chinese betel: a plant that masquerades as a weed, but in reality, is ready to kick health issues to the curb. Next time you’re strolling through an Indonesian neighborhood and spot this leafy wonder, don’t just think of it as chicken grass; think of it as a powerhouse of natural remedies! You might just want to take a selfie with it — #WeedLife!
(naf/kna)
Traditional Chinese medicine list
Healing powers. Dr. Tania points out that traditional uses of Chinese betel include treating colds, flu, coughs, gout, joint inflammation, and even skin infections. “It’s been used empirically for generations, and while some might overlook it, it’s a powerhouse of health,” she explains.
To dive deeper into the medicinal properties, let’s chat with Dr. Tania about how people can incorporate this “weed” into their daily lives.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Tania, thank you for joining us today! Can you tell us about the traditional perception of Chinese betel in Indonesia?
**Dr. Tania:** Thank you for having me! Yes, Chinese betel, or Peperomia pellucida, is often considered a weed because it grows abundantly in gardens and fields. However, it has so many medicinal benefits that it’s important for us to recognize it as a valuable herb rather than just unwanted vegetation.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! What are some of the most common ailments that this plant can help treat?
**Dr. Tania:** Chinese betel has shown great potential in treating various conditions, including colds, flu, coughs, and even gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate joint pain and skin infections as well. Traditional healing practices have relied on this plant for generations due to its effectiveness.
**Interviewer:** How can individuals incorporate Chinese betel into their diet?
**Dr. Tania:** There are a few ways! The easiest method is to consume the fresh leaves in salads. If someone isn’t keen on eating it raw, they can brew it into a tea. Just take about 20 centimeters of the fresh plant, boil it in two cups of water for 5 to 15 minutes, and drink it in the morning and evening.
**Interviewer:** That sounds simple! Are there any specific regions where the popularity of this plant is more pronounced?
**Dr. Tania:** Yes, definitely! The names and uses can vary significantly across Indonesia. For instance, in Java, it’s known as lettuce or suruhan, while in North Sulawesi, they refer to it as chicken grass. Each region has its traditional recipes and methods of use, which enriches our understanding of this herb even further.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Tania, thank you for shedding light on this intriguing plant. Its reputation as a “weed” really masks its incredible potential!
**Dr. Tania:** Thank you! It’s essential for us to appreciate and utilize the natural resources around us. Chinese betel is just one example of nature’s gifts waiting to be recognized and valued for our health.
**Interviewer:** Well said! There’s clearly more to Chinese betel than meets the eye.
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As our conversation with Dr. Inggrid Tania wraps up, it’s clear that Chinese betel is a remarkable plant, worthy of its place in both traditional medicine and our kitchens. So next time you come across it, remember—it’s not just a weed, it’s nature’s little healing hero!
