Javanese long pepper (Piper retrofractum) has long been used as an ingredient in herbal medicine. Javanese long pepper, which has various names such as cabean, cabe alas, cabe sula (Java), cabi jamo and cabi solah (Madura), and cabian (South Sulawesi), has a habitus at an altitude of 0-600 m above sea level.
The use of Javanese long pepper, especially the fruit, is among other things to strengthen the stomach and tonic (body freshener). If you have heard of lempuyangan chili, it is a combination of javanese long pepper and lempuyangan rhizome. Lempuyangan chili is useful for treating diarrhea, liver disease, and physical fatigue, especially in workers and athletes.
Because of its many benefits, javanese long pepper is used in traditional drinks such as bandrek with other medicinal plants such as ginger and cloves. The combination can make the body feel warm to the point of sweating. New mothers can rub their stomachs with a paste made from a mixture of javanese long pepper, alum, pulosari, and bangle.
Another property of javanese long pepper is that it can make you sleepy because of the piperine compound. This is useful for people who suffer from insomnia. Javanese long pepper essential oil is also useful in inducing wind aka farting in people with flatulence. Javanese long pepper essential oil has also been proven to strengthen the stomach and improve the performance of the digestive organs.