Pandanus odorifer (Pandanaceae) Kewra

Pandanus odorifer (Fragrant Screw Pine)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pandanus odorifer (Syn. Pandanus fascicularis)

Family: Pandanaceae

Genus: Pandanus

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Pandanus amaryllifolius (Rampe): The leaves of this species are used extensively in Southeast Asian and South Indian cooking (especially in Sri Lanka) to impart a unique, sweet aroma to rice dishes, curries, and desserts. It is also used in traditional medicine for fever, skin issues, and as a sedative.

• Pandanus tectorius (Thatch Screw Pine): Found in coastal regions, its leaves are used for thatching, and its fruits, roots, and flowers have traditional medicinal uses for diarrhea, stomach aches, and skin conditions across Polynesia and Asia.

The Pandanaceae family consists of tropical plants often characterized by their prop roots, lance-shaped leaves, and distinctive fragrances, used for culinary, aromatic, and medicinal purposes.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pandanus odorifer | English: Fragrant Screw Pine, Kewra, Umbrella Tree | Sanskrit: Ketaki, Trailokyavijaya, Sugandha-vāsa | Hindi: Kewda, Keora | Tamil: Thaazhai, Kaita | Telugu: Mogali, Gedangulu | Kannada: Kedage, Tāle | Malayalam: Kaitha, Pookaitha | Marathi: Kewda | Bengali: Keya, Ketaki | Arabic: Al-Kadi | Indonesian: Pandan Wangi | French: Pandanus odorant | Thai: Panae Wang |

3. Medicinal Uses:Carminative, Antispasmodic, Analgesic (especially for headache and earache), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Aphrodisiac, Cardiotonic, Nervine.

Medicinal Parts:The fragrant male inflorescence (flowers), roots, and leaves are the primary medicinal parts.

• Male Flowers (Kewra): The most prized part, used for distillation of aromatic water (Arka) and essential oil.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for diuretic and venereal disease purposes.

• Leaves: Used topically for inflammation and internally in infusions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Phenylpropanoids & Benzenoids (Phenylethyl alcohol, Terpinene-4-ol): These volatile compounds are responsible for the intense, sweet fragrance. Their actions include Antispasmodic, Carminative, and mild Analgesic effects, particularly on smooth muscle and headaches.

Alkaloids (Pandamarine, Pandanamine): Indole alkaloids specific to the Pandanus genus. Their actions are primarily on the central nervous system, showing Sedative and potential Antidepressant activity in pharmacological studies.

Flavonoids and Sterols: Contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant properties.

Essential Oil Components (Phenylethyl methyl ether, Linalool): Provide the characteristic aroma and enhance the Carminative, Antimicrobial, and Nervine actions.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Shirashoola (Headache) & Karnashoola (Earache)

Formulation: Ketaki Arka (distilled floral water) or flower paste.

Preparation & Use: The distilled water from the flowers (Kewra Arka) is used as nasal drops (Nasya) or applied on the temples for headache relief. A drop of the warm floral infusion is used as ear drops for earaches.

Reasoning: The potent antispasmodic and cooling properties of the flower essence help pacify aggravated Pitta and Vata doshas in the head region, relieving pain and tension.

Hridroga (Heart Disorders) & Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac)

Formulation: Flower essence or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: Kewra Arka is taken with milk or water as a gentle cardiotonic to alleviate palpitations and anxiety. It is also considered an Anjanana (sperm promoter) and included in tonic formulations for vitality.

Reasoning: Its nervine and calming properties soothe the mind-heart axis, while traditional texts attribute rejuvenating qualities to its fragrance and essence.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Root decoction or leaf paste.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the roots is consumed to promote urine flow and relieve burning sensation. A paste of the fresh leaves is applied topically to inflamed joints or swellings.

Reasoning: The root exhibits Diuretic properties, while the leaves' anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce local swelling.

Agnimandya (Indigestion) & Adhmana (Bloating)

Formulation: Kewra water or a pinch of dried flower powder.

Preparation & Use: A teaspoon of the aromatic water is consumed after meals to relieve gas and bloating. It is a common flavoring agent in digestive tonic syrups.

Reasoning: The Carminative essential oils help relax the gastric muscles and expel trapped gas.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Kewra water is a celebrated culinary flavoring in Indian sweets (like rasgulla, phirni), biryanis, and drinks. Medicinal use is often through this aromatic water.

Kewra Arka (Home-style Infusion for Headache)

Purpose: To relieve tension headaches.Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Pandanus odorifer male flowers.

• Steep them in a bowl of hot water for 15-20 minutes, covered.

• Strain. Use this fragrant infusion to gently massage the temples or as a steam inhalation.

Digestive and Cooling Summer Drink

Purpose: To cool the body and aid digestion.Preparation & Use:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Kewra water into a glass of cold milk or coconut water.

• Add a pinch of cardamom powder.

• Drink after a meal or in the afternoon.

Topical Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: For rheumatic pain or sprains.Preparation & Use:

• Warm 2-3 large Pandanus leaves over a low flame to make them pliable.

• Tie them around the affected joint like a bandage.

• Leave on for 30-60 minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties provide relief.

7. Disclaimer:

Pandanus odorifer aromatic water (Kewra) is generally recognized as safe in culinary quantities. However, the essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested undiluted. Internal use of root or leaf decoctions should be moderate and under guidance. There is a traditional belief that the fragrance of the Ketaki flower was displeasing to Lord Shiva, hence it is not used in his worship; this cultural context is important in some communities. As with any herb, pregnant women should use medicinal preparations cautiously. This information is for educational and cultural purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Rosa × damascena (Damask Rose)

• Species: Rosa × damascena | Family: Rosaceae | Genus: Rosa

• Similarities: Both are premier aromatic plants whose distilled floral waters (Gulab Arka and Kewra Arka) are used in nearly identical ways: for headache, as cardiotonics, in digestion, and as cooling, nervine agents in perfumery and cuisine. They are kings of floral hydrotherapy in traditional systems.

2. Vetiveria zizanioides (Usira/Vetiver)

• Species: Vetiveria zizanioides | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Vetiveria

• Similarities: Both are fragrant roots with cooling properties. Vetiver root, like Pandanus root, is used in decoctions for burning sensations and fever. More notably, both are used in aromatherapy for profound calming and grounding effects on the nervous system.

3. Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi)

• Species: Nardostachys jatamansi | Family: Caprifoliaceae | Genus: Nardostachys

• Similarities: A renowned nervine and sedative in Ayurveda. Like Ketaki, Jatamansi is used for headaches, palpitations, and mental calm. Both are fragrant medicinal substances where the aromatic principle is key to their therapeutic action on the mind.

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