Pandan leaves, harvested from the Pandanus amaryllifolius plant, are widely known across Southeast Asia for their distinct aroma and flavor. While they’re popular in traditional cooking, their value goes far beyond the kitchen.
For generations, pandan has been used as anatural remedy for various types of pain, inflammation, and common health discomforts.
In this guide, you’ll learn the health benefits of pandan, how it’s used in traditional herbal medicine, and the step-by-step process of making your own pandan tea and pandan liniment at home.
Pandan as Traditional Herbal Medicine
Pandan has been recognized for its healing properties for decades. Both the leaves and roots are often boiled, dried, or processed into extracts to help support overall wellness.
Traditional Uses of Pandan
Pandan leaves are commonly used to naturally help:
- Ease chest discomfort
- Reduce cramps and muscle spasms
- Relieve headaches
- Support healthy blood pressure
- Soothe joint pain and arthritis
- Reduce fever
- Calm the nerves
Dried pandan leaves are also ground into a powder and mixed with water to create a paste applied to the scalp to help reduce dandruff and nourish hair.
Many local herbal shops still offer pandan-based products designed for skin fungal infections, arthritis, and even as supportive therapy for more serious conditions.
How Pandan Helps with Arthritis & Body Pain?
Herbal practitioners often recommend pandan for people experiencing joint issues, especially arthritis. Pandan contains tannins and essential oils known for their natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
These components may help:
- Reduce swelling
- Calm inflamed tissues
- Relieve mild to moderate pain
- Improve comfort during movement
Because pandan can be taken internally (as tea) or applied externally (as liniment), many find it a versatile natural option for pain support.
Common Arthritis Symptoms
If you suspect arthritis, here are typical symptoms to look out for:
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth in affected joints
- Decreased range of motion
How to Make Pandan Leaf Tea?
Pandan tea contains plant alkaloids that may help ease:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Joint pain
- Arthritis discomfort
It can be consumed hot or cold, or mixed with coconut oil to create a soothing topical cream.
Ingredients
- Large pot
- 6–12 medium pandan leaves
- Airtight glass container
Instructions
1. Fill your pot with water about two-thirds full and bring it to a boil.
2. Rinse the pandan leaves, gather them together, and tie them into a knot.
3. Add the knotted leaves to the boiling water.
4. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer for 10 more minutes until the water turns green.
6. Remove the leaves and let the tea cool.
7. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Benefits of Pandan Tea
- Helps calm the mind and body
- Provides relief from stomach cramps and spasms
- Supports healthy blood pressure
- Helps reduce fever
- Aids natural detoxification
How to Make Pandan Liniment?
Pandan liniment is a traditional remedy used to soothe:
- Sore muscles
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Inflammation
Because pandan contains essential oils and tannins, it works as a natural topical pain reliever.
Ingredients
- Medium pot
- 50 ml virgin coconut oil
- 3–6 pandan leaves
- Airtight glass container
Instructions
1. Pour 50 ml virgin coconut oil into a medium pot and heat on low.
2. Tie your pandan leaves into a knot and place them into the pot.
3. Simmer gently until you smell the blend of pandan and coconut aromas.
4. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 1–2 hours.
5. Transfer everything—including the leaves—into an airtight container.
6. No need to reheat; use anytime as needed.
How to Apply
Massage a small amount of pandan liniment directly onto painful or stiff areas. This natural oil blend helps soothe discomfort without side effects.
We’d Love Your Feedback!
If you have additional tips, suggestions, or personal experiences using pandan, feel free to share them in the comments below. Your input helps us improve and expand this article for future readers.

