Piper lolot, commonly known as Vietnamese pepper leaf or betel leaf, is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. The leaves are popular for their unique flavor and aroma, often used to wrap minced meat dishes, steamed dishes, and as a herbal ingredient in soups and stir-fries.
Nutritional Value of Piper Lolot
Nutritionally, 100 grams of fresh piper lolot leaves offer approximately 39 calories, 86.5g water, 2.5g fiber, 4.3g protein, 260mg of calcium, 980mg of phosphorus, 4.1mg of iron, and 34mg of vitamin C. The stems and leaves contain alkaloids and beta-caryophyllene, while the roots are rich in benzyl acetate.
Research has identified various beneficial compounds in piper lolot. The essential oil content ranges from 0.5-1% of the dry weight of the leaves, comprising organic compounds such as beta-caryophyllene, piperlolotinone, piperolotin, benzyl acetate, and piperolotidine. These compounds exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, and they also stimulate digestion.
Additionally, piper lolot contains alkaloids like piperine, piperidine, and piplartine, which can either inhibit or stimulate the central nervous system. These alkaloids also have blood-vasodilating and warming effects on the body.
The flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin are also present in piper lolot, offering antioxidant benefits by protecting cells from free radical damage and reducing inflammation.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
In traditional medicine, piper lolot is valued for its pungent taste, aromatic properties, and warming nature. It is used to treat digestive disorders, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, toothaches, and bone and joint pain. The recommended dosage and methods of preparation vary depending on the specific ailment being addressed.
Medicinal Recipes with Piper Lolot
- Remedy for Excessive Hand and Foot Perspiration
Take about 30 grams of fresh piper lolot leaves and wash them thoroughly. Boil them in a liter of water for around 3 minutes to infuse the water with the leaves’ properties. Add a pinch of salt and let it simmer for a few minutes until the salt dissolves. Turn off the heat and allow the infusion to cool down. Before bedtime, soak your hands and feet in this warm piper lolot infusion to reduce excessive perspiration. Repeat this process daily for 5-7 days.
- Relief from Bone and Joint Pain during Cold Weather
Due to its warming and analgesic properties, piper lolot can be used to alleviate bone and joint pain associated with cold weather. Prepare a dish by stir-frying 50-70 grams of piper lolot leaves with 100 grams of beef, seasoned to taste. Consume this dish 2-3 times a week.
Alternatively, combine 20 grams of piper lolot (including stems and roots), 10 grams of a herb called “dây đau xương” in Vietnamese (which translates to “herb for bone pain”), and 10 grams of purple croton roots. Cut these ingredients into small pieces, lightly roast them, and then boil them in 600ml of water until the volume reduces to about 200ml. Drink this decoction twice a day for a week.
- Support for Wind-Dampness Syndrome
Take 20 grams each of piper lolot and a herb called “cỏ xước” in Vietnamese, 30 grams of mulberry twigs, and 20 grams of a herb called “cà gai leo.” Cut the ingredients into small pieces, roast them slightly, and then boil them in 600ml of water until the volume reduces to about 200ml. Drink this decoction twice a day for a week.
- Treatment for Swollen and Painful Knee, Shoulder, and Neck Joints
Collect whole piper lolot plants, dry them, and brew them like tea. Consume this tea regularly for three weeks. Alternatively, combine 30 grams each of piper lolot, mugwort, and gac leaves, along with 20 grams of cudweed roots and 30 grams of fresh ginger. Clean and chop these ingredients, place them in a jar, and cover them with white liquor. Let this mixture infuse for 7-10 days. Use the infused liquor to massage the affected areas to reduce pain and swelling.
- Relief from Abdominal Pain due to Cold
Take 20 grams of fresh piper lolot leaves and boil them in 300 ml of water until the volume reduces to about 100ml. Drink this decoction while it is still warm, preferably before dinner. Always consult a healthcare professional or herbalist for guidance on dosage and preparation methods to ensure safe and effective use of piper lolot for medicinal purposes.
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