Merdeka.com – Gambir with a scientific name Uncaria gambier is, a family owned plant native to Indonesia Rubiaceae and catechins is the main compound in gambier.
In West Sumatra, Pesisir Selatan and Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota are the main producing areas for gambier. Traditionally gambier is used as a medicine for diseases such as diarrhea, stomach aches and sore throats and as a food preservative.
This plant can thrive and propagate in the form of branches for longer. All parts of the plant have thorns with oval leaves.
The tip of each leaf is tapered like a plant of arrangement. The petiole is very short, so the gambier plant looks very thick. The plant flower looks very pretty with pink flower color. Gambir is in a fruit with many seeds.
Uncaria gambier much in demand as a medicinal plant because of its function in treating certain diseases. Here are the health benefits of gambier that need to be known kayawell:
1. Medicine for Diarrhea
The first benefit of gambier is as a medicine for diarrhea. In ancient times the gambier plant part was used as a medicine for diarrhea, namely on the leaves and twigs. The leaves and twigs are dried, then crushed and used as tea to drink.
Through a study it has been proven that the leaves and twigs contain several bacterial ingredients that can attack the bad bacteria that cause diarrhea in the large intestine.
2. To Strengthen Teeth
The next benefit of gambier is to strengthen teeth. Chewing gambier is an activity of chewing the stems and leaves of gambier which is believed to strengthen teeth. The content of Gambier will leave a reddish color on the teeth, but it is proven that the teeth are not easily brittle, are not perforated and are healthier.
However, the actual effect is not yet known. This habit has been abandoned by young children because the red marks on the teeth are difficult to remove.
3. Source of Antioxidants
The benefits of gambier are also a source of antioxidants. Gambier leaves contain chemicals called catechins. Catechins are a source of the benefits of natural antioxidants that can attack systems that are exposed to free radicals. This compound is also believed to be a natural component to attack various types of diseases. Some countries believe in this treatment such as India and Pakistan.
4. Simplify the leather tanning process
Since ancient times, the benefits of gambier have also been used as an ingredient to facilitate the leather tanning process. Certain animal meat such as snakes, fish, crocodiles and various other types of animals are commonly used for clothing products and accessories. Gambier material makes the tanning process faster and makes the resulting leather flawless.
5. Traditional Textile Product Dyes
Because the red color produced on the teeth when chewed can last a very long time, some experts have developed the traditional gambier staining technique.
How to squeeze or pound the leaves and small stems of Gambier, it can leave a red color for various types of cotton threads and materials. The resulting red color will be sharper and can be combined with other colors. Even now pembatik started using gambier for coloring fabric batik.
6. Medication for Oral Disorders
The benefits of gambier that are no less interesting are that they can be used as a medicine for oral disorders.
Various types of disorders or diseases in the mouth such as thrush, dry mouth, and gum sores can also be cured with gambier. The history of gambier to deal with these complaints cannot be separated from the old habit of chewing in ancient times.
Various types of compounds found in Gambier are able to handle every oral complaint. You do this by simply chewing or gluing the collision gambier on the injured part.
7. Treat Burns

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Burns often leave scars or a black outer layer of skin that swells up and leaves feeling painful. To speed up the healing process, you can apply the benefits of Gambier.
Gambier leaves that have been crushed or mashed can be affixed to the burn. The cooling effect of the burns can speed up healing and minimize scarring.
8. Acne Medication
The benefits of gambier can also be used as an acne medication. Gambir that has been processed into a form which is then compressed the extract will be reprocessed into a mask. The antioxidant content in Gambier can make acne and heal wounds without leaving scars. The use of acne medication twice a week also does not leave any side effects for acne.
9. Prevent Aging
Various types of premature aging problems will cause black spots, wrinkles and the skin will be duller. The benefits of gambier that have been formed into masks can be a natural traditional treatment to get rid of all the symptoms of premature aging. Gambir will produce firmer, brighter and fresher skin. Gambir can be used as an extract for cold powder such as white rice.
10. Drugs for gastric disease / ulcer
Ulcer disease attacks the stomach. This disease is often characterized by severe stomach pain and sore when you are full to eat. Stomach pain or heartburn can be caused by irregular eating patterns and consumption of foods that are too spicy. To treat ulcer disease, you can use extracts of gambier that have been mashed from dried gambier. Mix gambier with a little water and honey and consume it for two times a week.
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