The benefits of sappan wood as a traditional medicine are widely known by the people of Indonesia. Plants that are often consumed as herbal teas or herbs can not only warm the body, but also have many health benefits.
Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) has long been processed as an ingredient in herbal drinks mixed with various spices or known as wedang uwuh. The stem of the sappan tree is first shaved and dried in the sun so that it can be used as a drink.
Generally, drinks made from sappan wood shavings are enjoyed by brewing them with warm water. Secang wood is also available in the form of extracts or supplements.
Various Benefits of Secang Wood for Health
Various compounds found in sappan wood are believed to be beneficial for health. Following are some of the benefits:
1. Overcoming inflammation and pain
Secang wood contains compounds that can relieve inflammation. Some research also shows that secang wood extract is useful for relieving pain, for example due to arthritis and muscle pain.
However, the effectiveness of the benefits of sappan wood as a herbal medicine to treat inflammatory diseases still needs to be investigated further.
2. Kills bacteria
One of the benefits of sappan wood is to eradicate and prevent the growth of bacteria. The content of antibacterial compounds in sappan wood is known to eradicate infection-causing bacteria, such as bacteria Salmonella, streptococcus, and E. coli.
3. Overcoming acne
One of the factors that cause acne is a bacterial infection Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation of the skin. Secang wood contains brazilin compounds which are antibacterial, so it is considered to be able to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
In addition, sappan wood also contains substances that are anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory so that it can treat acne. To get the benefits of this sappan wood, you can use a sappan water bath to wash your face with acne.
However, if acne does not go away, you are still advised to consult a doctor to get the right acne treatment.
4. Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Secang wood contains substances that are antioxidants and anticancer. Research in the laboratory shows that secang wood extract which contains these two substances can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, such as breast cancer.
However, the effectiveness of the benefits of sappan wood as a cancer treatment still requires further research.
Therefore, to reduce the risk of cancer, you are still advised to live a healthy lifestyle, for example by eating nutritious foods, not smoking, reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
5. Stop diarrhea
Traditionally, sappan wood has been used as a medicine for diarrhea. This plant is often consumed as herbal tea or herbal medicine to treat digestive disorders.
This is supported by several studies which state that secang wood contains antibacterial substances, so that it can eradicate bacteria that cause diarrhea.
In addition, people who have diarrhea can also consume herbal teas or herbs that are processed from sappan wood to meet their body's fluid needs to avoid dehydration.
Unfortunately, clinically, the benefits of sappan wood as a diarrhea medicine still need to be studied further. Therefore, if the diarrhea you experience does not go away, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
6. Prevents cell damage
Secang wood is a herbaceous plant that contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and brazilin.
The antioxidant content is seen to prevent damage to body cells due to the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants are also known to play a role in reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.
7. Lowering and controlling blood sugar
There is a study that shows that consumption of boiled water secang wood looks beneficial for lowering and controlling blood sugar levels. This effect is good for preventing insulin resistance and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, until now, further research is needed to ensure the effectiveness of the benefits of sappan wood as a blood sugar-lowering drug.
Not only the various benefits above, sappan wood is also believed to be useful for maintaining liver health and function, controlling blood pressure, overcoming gingivitis, and preventing nerve cell damage. However, the various claims for the benefits of sappan wood still need to be studied further.
Secang wood in general can be consumed as herbal medicine or herbal tea, but try not to take it together with drugs to prevent drug interactions.
In addition, if you want to consume sappan wood as an alternative treatment for certain diseases, you should first consult with your doctor.