Medicinal Plants

Zingiber ottensii Valeton

Lempuyang Hitam

Zingiberaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Zingiber ottensii (Lempuyang Hitam) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Zingiber ottensii (Lempuyang Hitam) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Zingiber ottensii (Lempuyang Hitam)

Summary

Lempuyang hitam (Zingiber ottensii) is an aromatic clumping herb up to 2 meters tall of the Zingiberaceae family, found in Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Nicknamed 'ghost bangle' for its pungent aroma, its rhizome is used as a spice, medicine, and cosmetic ingredient, while its flowers are processed into traditional shampoo. Lempuyang hitam is also believed to aid postpartum care.

Agroecology

Found in moist, partially shaded evergreen and monsoon forests. Grows well in tropical to subtropical climate regions, in fertile loamy soil with plenty of organic matter, abundant rainfall and moderate sunlight intensity.

Morphology

  • Root fibrous, whitish-yellow in color.
  • Rhizome purplish-yellow in color and has an unpleasant smell.
  • Stem a pseudostem growing upright, green in color, the outer part of the stem somewhat smooth, moist and glossy.
  • Leaves elliptical-shaped, alternate, soft, lance-shaped, green in color, 15-23 cm long and 1-2.5 cm wide.
  • Flowers compound, spindle-shaped, 2-3 flowers open simultaneously, stalk dull green, pale cream-pale yellow in color.
  • Fruit a red cylindrical capsule.

Cultivation

Propagated using rhizome.

Chemical Content

Flavonoid, flavonol, steroid, tannin, saponin, quinones, triterpenoid, isoflavone, essential oil.

Benefits

Remedy for cough, fever, convulsions in children, stomach ache, bloating, diarrhea, has anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood circulation, as postpartum care.

Simplisia

  • Prepare good, fresh lempuyang hitam rhizome.
  • Wash with running water until clean. Slice thinly with a thickness of 1-2 mm.
  • Dry in the sun until completely dry (to a moisture content of 10%).
  • Store in an airtight container.

Local Names

Panglai hideung (Sunda), Bunglai hantu (East Sumatra), Laja (Batak Karo).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Postpartum care from Lempuyang Hitam

1. Postpartum care

  • Take the rhizome and wash thoroughly.
  • Then mash and apply to the forehead (for external use).
Traditional recipe Relieving cramps from Lempuyang Hitam

2. Relieving cramps

  • Take lempuyang hitam extract and turmeric rhizome as needed.
  • Mash until it becomes a paste-like consistency.
  • Warm in a container.
  • Rub every evening on the area affected by cramps.