Sarawakian Local Delights: Sireh Leaves (Lou Yuer)

This plant is a native of Malaysia and has spread widely to many parts of Asia especially India.

Many experts claim that it is even used as an aphrodisiac. But most local people of Sarawak believe that it helps to control flatulence, so chewing the leaves throughout the day is good.

"Prevent kentut!!" a friend said.



Sireh leaves or Lou Yuer in Foochow have many health benefits. One of them is helping us to reduce itchiness of the skin. Women have been boiling the leaves and enjoying a warm sireh bath from the ancient days. Besides it is good as a treatment for nervousness and fatique so that is why chewing betel nut and sireh leaves is a happy relaxing down time for women especially in the kampong and longhouses.