If you have ever set a food anywhere in Indonesia then you must have tried a glass of Jamu. It’s a famous herbal medicine based on numerous spices, herbs, flowers, roots, and juices. Each has a significant and vital role in improving health and combating illness. To explain what Jamu really is we can only describe it as a traditional system of treatments based on botanical ingredients. Indonesian people drink Jamu on daily bases and there are so many different varieties based on what you are trying to accomplish. For more interesting history feel free to read The Secret Art Of Brewing – Beer & Witches.

The history of Jamu

It has been said that knowledge of Jamu existed as early as 1300 AD in Indonesia. But it wasn’t made popular and collected until The Mataram Kingdom of Java in the late 16th century. It was learned from the book of Ayurveda in Sanskrit. So the true origin of herbal healing dates way back than that.

At first, all knowledge was kept for the royal family and transferred from generation to generation. But with time the different benefits of Jamu and its healing properties spread outside of the palace. The recipes have been adapted to suit the common people as each of them found some new thing they wanted to include that benefited them better. As Indonesia is rich in all kinds of spices and herbs the rich variety of Jamu started to grow to add more benefits and ways of preparation as the time passed.

The most basic recipe stayed the same. Herbs and plants or roots would be prepared by cutting, juicing, or muddling and added to clean water with spices such as turmeric, coriander seeds, cinnamon, or even rice. For some health benefits honey, brown sugar or lime juice can be added. Then the Jamu is usually brought to a boil for a specific amount of time, based on the recipe and the desired effect. It’s interesting to note that each region in Indonesia has its own version of Jamu. That will mostly depend on the type of plants and herbs that are available in the area and can be used in Jamu production. Consuming Jamu is still a very strong tradition in the country and often people will first look for herbal medicine before going to a doctor.

Most common ingredients in Jamu

There are probably hundreds of different Jamu ingredients in the entire country. Each has its own health benefit and a way of preparation. But there are still some which are most common because of the vast array of healing properties they give.

• Ginger (Jahe) is believed to help nausea and morning sickness, aid digestion, and prevent cold and flu-like symptoms. You will find it in most Jamu recipes.
• Turmeric (Kunyit) is very anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and helps to prevent cancer and heart disease.
• Curcuma (Temulawak) usually the oil is used for improving kidney and liver function and also to fight anemia.
• Cinnamon (Kayu Manis) helps to lower blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels, prevents heart disease, and lowers blood sugar.
• Nutmeg (Kacang Pala) helps to improve sleep, fights inflammations and skin diseases like acne, and relieves kidney stones.

What is Jamu like today?

Actually, it’s becoming even more popular. Before, Jamu was sold in traditional markets in big bottles by sellers who would prepare it at home. Now it’s being produced in fancy bottles with nice labels and you can order it custom made to suit your needs. Ordered online and delivered to your home. With the Covid 19 situation in Indonesia, it’s not unexpected that even more people have turned to Jamu to boost their immunity and stay healthy. In a country where medical insurance is not available to everybody, it is a strong reason to keep producing and consuming Jamu. It really does help with things like stomach flu, nausea, a mild case of flu, or digestion problems. We believe that regular consumption of Jamu will definitely boost your immunity and help with your overall health. But it’s not a substitution for any health conditions which you may have and take medication for.

When we look at the recipe for a really basic Jamu you can find online it doesn’t take that much to make it. Just some fresh ginger juice, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a tablespoon of honey, and some lime juice. Have it daily and you will see the benefits after a couple of days. You will be left feeling better, fresher, healthier, and more energetic. Bottoms up!