Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker

Jahe hitam (Kaempferia parviflora) is a herb up to 20 cm tall of the Zingiberaceae family, native to Thailand and also found in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Its rhizome is popular as an energy-boosting herbal remedy in Southeast Asia, even used in Thai spiritual practices. Jahe hitam is also believed to be an aphrodisiac and to help balance blood pressure.

Grows well at elevations of 240-1,200 m above sea level; growing under canopy shade is the best treatment for the highest rhizome yield. Prefers loose, well-aerated, and moist soil.

• Rhizome small, dark purple in color.
• Stem flattened in shape.
• Leaves round, 8-16 cm long and not lying flat on the ground, short petiole, and ungrooved.
• Flowers compound with 1-4 flowers in one raceme. Flower color white with a purple blotch in the center.

• Propagated vegetatively (rhizome).
• The best harvest period is at 8-9 months after planting. Seedlings come from rhizomes aged 10-12 months, disease-free, with a dormancy period of 1-3 months before planting.

5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4-trimethoxyflavone, 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone, tetramethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3′,4′-pentamethoxyflavone, glycosides, kaempferiaosides A-F.

Energy booster, balances blood pressure, reduces stomach ache, reduces fever, boosts immunity, has aphrodisiac, antioxidant, antiemetic (anti-vomiting), antiallergic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activity, reduces stress.

• Prepare fresh jahe hitam rhizome, clean off attached soil and dirt.
• Slice the rhizome thinly to make drying easier.
• Dry in the sun or using an oven until completely dry.
• Store in a closed, airtight container.

Halia hitam, Thai ginseng, Kencur hitam