Jamu tonic: Indonesian medicine and its benefits (Easiest recipe included)
What is Jamu?
Jamu is an ancient Indonesian traditional herbal medicine that is made from natural materials, such as roots, leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and fruits. According to Wikipedia, it’s been used for over 1300 years since the Mataram Kingdom in Java! Normally, females in a family would mix the tonics and hand down the recipes to the next generation. Recently, many health drinks have used Jamu in their recipe to help improve the immune system and overall health.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Jamu
Jamu tonic is mostly made from these main ingredients: turmeric, ginger, galangal and tamarind. Each herb has been renowned for its myriad health benefits. So imagine how powerful and potent this drink would be when you combine those herbs!
1. High anti-inflammatory properties
Most Jamu ingredients have abundant anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, which in turn helps improve your overall health.
2. Improving digestion and gut health
Your gut can be considered the second brain, and it can control your mood and emotions. Ginger and turmeric are popular due to their benefits in improving the digestive system's health. They are also great for helping people maintain a healthy weight.
3. Natural detox for kidneys and liver
Your kidneys and liver are working all the time to process various types of toxins you’ve unconsciously absorbed every day. A buildup of toxins can cause many mental and physical health conditions. Turmeric and ginger are excellent herbs to help detoxify your body and support kidney and liver health.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Various Jamu ingredients contain many powerful minerals and vitamins that can help optimize energy levels and vitality. Their rich antioxidant compounds are the best source to support the immune system and fight against aging.
5. Maintain heart health
Almost half of Australians are at risk of heart disease. Therefore, maintaining heart health is the most important thing to prevent many diseases at any age. Most ingredients in Jamu are great for controlling blood pressure and blood circulation, which can help you keep your heart in good health.
The Easiest recipe to make your homemade Jamu
The powder blend – Curcumin Forte is a traditional Jamu formula for you to make your own homemade Jamu!
Ingredients
- 20 g Curcumin Forte Powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon or Lime juice
- 3 to 4 tbsp Honey or other sweetness
- 1 litre Water or coconut water
Instructions
- Add curcumin forte powder and 1 litre of water to a saucepan and bring it to boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Lemon juice and honey and stir.
- Pour into a glass bottle or jar and refrigerate. Enjoy chilled or warm.
💡Tips:
- Jamu drinks can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Consume 1-2 glasses of Jamu juice daily (best in the morning) to help you achieve your health goals.
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Traditional Jamu Recipe
This recipe follows a more classic method using fresh turmeric, ginger, and tamarind — just like the jamu women have made for generations in Java.
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh turmeric root (or 2 tbsp turmeric powder)
- 50 g fresh ginger root
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 3–4 tbsp honey, coconut nectar, or other sweetener
- Juice of 1 fresh lime (optional)
- 1 litre water
Instructions
- Wash and slice turmeric and ginger (no need to peel if organic).
- Add turmeric, ginger, tamarind paste and water to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain into a jug or glass bottle using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
- Stir in sweetener while warm. Add lime juice if you like a little zing!
- Let it cool. Serve warm or chilled. Keep in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
💡Tips:
- Wear gloves when handling turmeric to avoid staining your fingers.
- Adjust sweetener to taste – jamu is traditionally earthy and mildly sweet.
- Shake before serving – the natural ingredients can settle.
Which Jamu Recipe Should You Choose?
If you're short on time, Curcumin Forte is a simple and powerful way to enjoy the benefits of Jamu with no mess. If you enjoy kitchen time and want a traditional feel, the fresh jamu recipe brings the whole experience.
Jamu FAQ – Your Questions Answered
1. What does Jamu taste like?
Jamu has an earthy, slightly spicy flavour with a hint of sourness from tamarind and brightness from citrus. Sweeteners like honey or coconut nectar help balance the taste.
2. What time of day is best to drink Jamu?
The best time is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to support digestion, energy, and detox. But anytime is better than none!
3. Can I mix Jamu with other ingredients?
Absolutely! Try adding it to smoothies, teas, or juices. Some people even add black pepper or a dash of cinnamon for extra health support.
Conclusion
Jamu is more than just a herbal drink — it’s a tradition rooted in nature, wellness and generations of wisdom. Whether you choose the traditional recipe or the quick and easy Curcumin Forte version, Jamu can become a beautiful part of your daily health routine.
Jamu drinks are packed with anti-inflammatory herbs, antioxidants, and gut-loving goodness; this golden tonic supports your body and mind from the inside out.
