What is Jamu?
Jamu is the traditional healing system of Indonesia and incorporates specific herbal combinations prepared in many forms (liquid, capsules, pills etc), but commonly as a delicious daily beverage for all members of the family. In the ancient past the health and beauty system of Jamu was preserved by the Royal families of Indonesia, whereas now it is mainstream in society. While many families prepare Jamu fresh, others purchase their Jamu every morning from female “Jamu Gendong” sellers, throughout the Indonesian archipelago.
In Jamu, disease is often seen to be due to factors such as wind & cold and hence the herbal beverages have a tangy pungency and spice to activate circulation and improve digestion and elimination. Modern research has also discovered that the ingredients in Jamu contain potent anti-ageing compounds with antioxidant, anticancer and cellular protective properties. Many of the herbs are also specific for maintaining female and male sexual health and hormonal balance. Other Jamu treatments involve massage, diet therapy and oil applications.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Kunyit
One of the Turmeric most well-researched and potent antioxidant herbs known. It contains Cur cumin that has been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, liver strengthening and detoxifying properties.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Jahe / Halia
A potent antioxidant spice that relieves nausea, indigestion and acts as a natural pain killer. Taking daily relieves many inflammatory conditions, joint aches, period cramps, arthritis and intestinal irritability.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Asam Jawa
Tamarind is an important addition to most Jamu recipes as it adds the pleasant sweet & sour taste to balance out the mild bitterness of the other ingredients. Tamarind is rich in Vitamin C and acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in the Jamu formulation. Medicinally, Tamarind is a gentle laxative that helps promote bowel movements. It also has a cooling effect on the body and helps relieve nausea.
These 3 fresh herbs are the main ingredients in our Princess Ayu Jamu and Kunyit Asam Jamu.
Additional important Ginger family herbs used in the above include: Lempoyang (Zingiber zerumbet), Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), Temu Kunci (Boesenbergia rotunda) & Kencur / Cekur (Kaempferia galanga).