As I ventured into the forest in Halmahera, a remote and enchanting island in Indonesia, my eyes instinctively started scanning the lush surroundings, seeking out birds and animals, which are the usual attractions for trekkers like me. However, something else had sparked my curiosity—the often-overlooked world of flowers.
My exploration deep within the untamed wilderness of Halmahera led me to a breathtaking sight amidst the verdant undergrowth—Cheilocostus speciosus, known colloquially as crêpe ginger. This botanical marvel is native to Southeast Asia, India, China, and Australia. Crêpe ginger is widely grown for its medicinal value and as an ornamental.
Treasured in the Ayurveda, this unassuming plant was found to harbour healing powers in its rhizomes. For generations, the plant’s curative powers have been harnessed to combat a myriad of ailments—fever, rashes, asthma, bronchitis, and even intestinal worm infestation.
Crêpe ginger is also used as a remedy for kidney and urinary troubles by the traditional healers of the Mizo tribe in Mizoram, Northeast India.
In Kama Sutra, the plant finds mention as a cosmetic ingredient to enhance the allure of eyelashes.
In a world where often only the titans of the forest capture our attention, crêpe ginger is a reminder that amidst the towering trees and bustling wildlife, the smaller denizens of the undergrowth also are equally captivating.
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