Overcome Masuk Angin and Diarrhea with Traditional Kencur Remedies
In Indonesian traditional wellness, few terms are as common as masuk angin—a unique concept describing a cluster of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, nausea, chills, fatigue, and
general malaise. When masuk angin hits, it is often accompanied by digestive upsets, including cramps and diarrhea.
While modern pharmacies offer quick fixes, generations across Southeast Asia have relied on a simple, time-tested natural remedy found right in the kitchen: kencur (Kaempferia galanga),
also known as aromatic ginger.
Here is how this powerful aromatic root works to soothe masuk angin and relieve diarrhea, along with traditional recipes you can easily prepare at home.
1. Beating Masuk Angin: Relieving Bloating, Chills, and Nausea
The feeling of masuk angin usually stems from trapped gas, slow digestion, and mild exhaustion. Kencur works as an effective natural remedy for these symptoms due to its carminative and
warming properties:
Expels Trapped Gas: The essential oils in kencur stimulate the digestive tract, helping relax stomach muscles and release trapped gas, which quickly reduces painful abdominal bloating.
Warming Effect: Kencur has a natural, gentle warming quality that improves blood circulation, easing the chills, body aches, and fatigue associated with feeling under the weather.
Calms Nausea: Active aromatic compounds help soothe an upset stomach, curbing the urge to vomit.
2. Soothing Diarrhea and Digestive Disturbances
Diarrhea often occurs when the digestive system becomes inflamed or infected by harmful microbes. Kencur contains specific bioactive compounds that target the root causes of loose stools
and digestive distress:
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Action: Studies show that kencur extracts can inhibit the growth of common gut pathogens, such as E. coli, which are often responsible for food-triggered
diarrhea.
Anti-Diarrheal Properties: Kencur helps slow down excessive intestinal contractions, giving the gut time to absorb fluids properly and reducing the frequency of bowel movements.
Reduces Abdominal Cramps: Its natural anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agents calm intestinal spasms, providing fast relief from painful stomach cramps.
Traditional Kencur Remedies to Try at Home
A. Warm Kencur Infusion for Masuk Angin
This warm tonic helps drive out chills, release stomach gas, and boost energy.
Ingredients:
3–4 cm fresh kencur root (washed and bruised or sliced thin)
1 cup (250 ml) water
1 tbsp raw honey or palm sugar
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Boil the sliced kencur in water for about 10 minutes until aromatic.
Strain the tea into a cup.
Stir in honey and a pinch of salt. Drink warm twice a day until symptoms subside.
B. Warm Kencur & Warm Water Paste for Diarrhea & Cramps
A simple traditional preparation often used to calm hyperactive intestines.
Ingredients:
2–3 cm fresh kencur root
A pinch of salt
Warm water
Instructions:
Grate or finely crush clean kencur root.
Squeeze the grated kencur through a clean cloth to extract its concentrated juice.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the fresh juice with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of warm water.
Sip slowly to settle the stomach.