Common Name:


Plant Origin and Preferred Growing Habitat:

  • Origin: Temulawak is native to Indonesia, particularly the island of Java.
  • Preferred Habitat:
    • Grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and high humidity.
    • Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with adequate organic matter.
    • Thrives in partially shaded areas or under canopy cover in forests.

General Description of Appearance:

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial plant.
  • Height: Grows to about 2 meters (6.5 feet).
  • Leaves: Large, lance-shaped, and green with a smooth texture.
  • Rhizomes:
    • Thick, yellow to orange in color, with a distinctive earthy and slightly bitter aroma.
    • The rhizomes are the primary part used for medicinal purposes.
  • Flowers: Pale yellow to greenish-yellow with a pinkish hue at the base, emerging from the rhizomes.

Benefits as an Herb:

Temulawak is highly regarded in traditional medicine for its broad range of health benefits:

  1. Digestive Health:
    • Stimulates bile production to improve digestion and relieve bloating or indigestion.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Properties:
    • Contains curcumin, which helps reduce inflammation and is used to alleviate arthritis and joint pain.
  3. Liver Protection:
    • Acts as a hepatoprotective agent, supporting liver health and aiding in detoxification.
  4. Immune Boost:
    • Strengthens the immune system due to its antioxidant properties.
  5. Appetite Stimulant:
    • Commonly used to increase appetite, especially in children.
  6. Antibacterial and Antifungal:
    • Fights infections and promotes wound healing.
  7. Metabolism Regulation:
    • May aid in regulating cholesterol levels and managing blood sugar levels.

How to Prepare Temulawak for Consumption as Medicine:

  1. Traditional Decoction (Jamu):
    • Peel and slice the rhizomes into thin pieces.
    • Boil 2–3 slices in 2 cups of water for about 15–20 minutes.
    • Strain and drink the decoction warm. Optionally, add honey or palm sugar for taste.
  2. Powdered Form:
    • Dry the sliced rhizomes and grind them into a fine powder.
    • Mix 1 teaspoon of the powder with warm water, tea, or milk.
  3. Infused Herbal Tea:
    • Combine temulawak slices with other herbs like ginger or lemongrass for a flavorful tea.
  4. Extract:
    • Temulawak extracts are available in capsules or liquid form for easier consumption, often standardized for curcumin content.
  5. Topical Use:
    • Mash fresh rhizomes into a paste and apply to the skin for soothing inflammation or minor wounds.

Historical and Cultural Context:

  • Traditional Use: Temulawak has been used for centuries in Indonesian herbal medicine, often as part of “jamu” formulations for maintaining overall health.
  • Spread: Its medicinal properties gained recognition in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Thailand, and it’s now popular in modern wellness practices worldwide.
  • Scientific Interest: Modern studies are validating its traditional uses, particularly in the fields of anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective research.

Temulawak remains a treasured herb for its versatility and efficacy in natural healing.