Jamu Juice is "Trending," but has been around for centuries


Indonesian traditional medicine made from the simple ingredients you may have in your home right now, Jamu is a natural anti-inflammatory variety with many health benefits, including helping to digest food and relieve pain.


Although Jamu is new to most of us, it has been part of Indonesian culture for centuries and is a big part of daily life there. It can be made from a variety of roots, herbs, flowers, and spices, such as ginger, honey, and turmeric.



"Jamu uses an abundance of Indonesian herbs and spices to make healing products that many Indonesians drink every day, through recipes that are passed down from generation to generation through family and family members," explains Metta Murdaya, founder of Juara Skincare.


Traditionally, ingredients are mixed together in a mortar before being filtered, says Michael Smith, a naturalist and founder of Planet Naturopath.


"The most popular type of jam is called 'jun', which is made from coconut milk and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nuts, ginger root and turmeric," he says.


Jamu tends to have a slightly sweeter taste due to the addition of sugar cane or honey, "while others may use ginger root instead," Smith said. "Its appearance ranges from light brown to dark red due to the different ingredients used."


Jam Has an Interesting History — And Important

Combining wisdom with health practices from Indonesia and other Asian regions, Jamu is a rich local culture in Indonesia.


"Jamu is Indonesia's millennial tradition of herbal wellness that puts happiness in the heart of well-being," Murdaya said. "As a land known as the spice island, Indonesia has been a center of trade for Arabs, Indians, Chinese, etc., so over the centuries, influences from their health traditions have been embraced in other Jamu practices, making us part of it. which includes wisdom from other Asian regions. "


Jamu is about a whole lifestyle

According to Indonesian tradition, Jamu is more than just a beverage. "We believe that for you to be healthy you need to be on an exciting journey that puts you in the forefront of sensory awareness and social interaction," Murdaya said. "To feel the full effects of Jamu is to embrace not only products, but also a health philosophy that recognizes a person as part of society and happiness as not a luxury, but a necessity."


Recently, Jamu saw great interest — in Indonesia and beyond. In Indonesia, Murdaya says there has been a revival of Jamu as the importance of living a natural and healthy life has been widely recognized. People accept traditional jam for health reasons and to encourage their people to take this drink, they are selling it.


"Many hotels and restaurants have begun to include Jamu prominently in their menus, making it more accessible to western tourists, especially in Java and Bali," Murdaya said. He added that the Indonesian government has also increased its support for the Jamu industry, which helps businesses grow and promote the development and export of Jamu products to share the Jamu culture overseas.


Looking forward to learning more about Jamu? Continue scrolling to discover some of Jamu's potential health benefits.


 


1.Jamu Has a Tons of Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

"Jamu is made with a few different anti-inflammatory ingredients, turmeric is the most potent," explains registered dietitian Trista Best. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which is responsible for the deep and rich yellow turmeric color. Important, and that is what gives turmeric its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin can help reduce inflammation in the body, such as arthritis and IBS.1


But turmeric is not the only ingredient in Jamu that has anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains plant extracts called gingerols that make it anti-inflammatory.2


"By reducing inflammation in the body, [the body] is better able to provide the right immune response to real threats and all other bodily functions can function effectively," Best said.



2.Contains Antioxidants

When it comes to healthy ingredients, turmeric is a big win. One major reason is due to compounds in turmeric called curcuminoids, which are reported to act as antioxidants in the body, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage.3


"If allowed to happen, this damage can damage healthy cells," Best said. "When these cells multiply, there are endless conditions."


Think of it this way: Free radicals are thought to contribute to all kinds of damage to the body, including heart disease, cancer, etc. may prevent this type of free radical damage.



3.Ginger May Contain Antiviral Properties

Ginger contains natural antiviral properties, Best of all it tells us. "Specifically, these compounds prevent the replication of the virus and prevent the virus from entering the host cells," he says.


Ginger can also help relieve stomach pain, and it may be helpful in reducing constipation and other symptoms of indigestion.2


Ginger's health benefits are not new — the root of this powerful plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It was once listed by Ptolemy as a remarkable herbal remedy, says Smith.



4.Contains Essential Electrolytes

The sugar-free coconut water is rich in potassium, an important mineral and electrolyte that helps keep us hydrated. Potassium has many benefits, such as helping with muscle and nerve function. Best of all he says that in addition to helping with dehydration, controlling blood pressure, and reducing muscle cramps, potassium can also relieve existing burns from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.



5.Honey Contains Natural Antimicrobial Properties

In its raw form, honey has natural anti-bacterial properties.5 "This makes it a great addition to anyone's diet, especially [for a person] suffering from stomach problems, food poisoning, or just wants to prevent potential problems," Best said. .


Jamu has many potential benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to relieving stomach pain and fighting damage from free radicals.


Want to try Jamu and get ready to make your own? Try this recipe. As well as a blender and strainer, all you need to start is fresh turmeric and ginger, honey, 2-3 limes, and some water. Enjoy!