Herbal Jamu: Facts about Indonesia's Wellness Drink
"Jamu Is the Traditional Indonesian Drink—and Daily Ritual—Tied To Long-Term Wellness"
The origins behind this ancient herbal elixir🧉
Jamu is a traditional medicine from Indonesia. It is predominantly a
herbal medicine made from natural materials, such as roots, bark,
flowers, seeds, leaves and fruits. Materials acquired from animals, such
as honey, royal jelly, milk and native chicken eggs are often used as
well.
Jamu is believed to have originated in the Mataram
Kingdom era, c. 1300 years ago. The stone mortar and pestle with long
cylindrical stone mortar — the type commonly used in today's traditional
jamu making, was discovered in Liyangan archaeological site on the
slopes of Mount Sundoro, Central Java. The bas-reliefs on Borobudur
depict images of people grinding something with stone mortar and pestle,
drink sellers, physicians and masseuse treating their clients.
All of these scenes might be interpreted as a traditional
herbal medicine and health-related treatments in ancient Java.
Most popular types of Jamu & its benefits
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Beras Kencur
Ingredients🧂: Extractions from kencur, rice, ginger, and a bit of tamarind
Benefits: To boost appetite, increase stamina, and ease joint pains
Recipe here👩🍳✨ -
Kunyit Asam
Ingredients🧂: Extractions from turmeric and tamarind. Some add palm sugar for sweetener
Benefits: To ease period cramps, regenerate body cells since it’s packed with antioxidant
Recipe here👩🍳✨ -
Kunyit Asam
Ingredients🧂: Extractions from sambiloto and brotowali leaves. Not appropriate for the sweet-tooth because the taste is supposed to be bitter
Benefits: To boost appetite, reduce the risks of diabetes, and as an alternative dialysis treatment
Recipe here👩🍳✨
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