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Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) also known as Javanese turmeric, is a tropical rhizome native to Indonesia—particularly the islands of Java and Borneo—where it has been cultivated and used for centuries. Closely related to turmeric and ginger, it grows as a lush, herbaceous perennial with broad, green leaves and thick, aromatic yellow-orange rhizomes. The plant reaches around 1.5–2 meters in height and produces striking, cone-shaped inflorescences with pale bracts. Known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavour and high curcumin-like compounds, Temulawak is an important plant in traditional Indonesian herbal medicine (jamu) as well as culinary and agricultural systems.
Growing & Propagating
Temulawak thrives in warm, humid climates with rich, well-draining soil and filtered sunlight, similar to turmeric and ginger. Plant the rhizomes at the start of the wet season, burying them 5–7 cm deep with the buds facing upward. It prefers regular watering but should not sit in waterlogged soil. Mulching helps retain moisture and enrich the soil. Plants grow vigorously and can be harvested 8–12 months after planting, once the leaves begin to yellow and die back. Propagation is done by dividing the rhizomes—selecting plump, healthy sections with at least one viable bud.
Medicinal Purposes
Traditionally, Temulawak is one of Indonesia’s most valued medicinal herbs and is used in jamu to support liver health, digestion, and overall vitality. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, and is commonly used to treat digestive issues, fatigue, joint pain, and appetite loss. Modern herbal practitioners often use Temulawak as a natural tonic for liver function, similar to turmeric but with a more pronounced bitter and stimulant effect.
Culinary Uses
In the kitchen, Temulawak is used fresh or dried to add earthy depth to soups, stews, broths, and traditional Indonesian dishes. It is frequently boiled into herbal drinks, blended with palm sugar, honey, or tamarind to create a warming tonic. Its bitterness balances rich or fatty foods, and it can be used similarly to turmeric in curry pastes, marinades, or infused oils. While less common internationally, it remains a staple in Indonesian households and herbal cafés.
Uses in a Permaculture System
Temulawak is highly valuable in permaculture design due to its hardiness and multifunctionality. As a vigorous understory plant, it grows well beneath fruit trees or in food forests, improving biodiversity and providing ground cover that helps reduce weeds and retain soil moisture. Its annual dieback adds organic matter to the soil, and mature plants help stabilise sloping areas. Because Temulawak attracts few pests and has medicinal roots, it’s an excellent addition to a “living apothecary” garden. Its ability to grow densely also makes it ideal for stacking yields—providing food, medicine, mulch, and habitat within the same footprint.
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