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Jamu: Herbal remedies "Proudly Made in Indonesia"

What is Jamu and how does it relate to a medicinal garden?

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink that has health, medicinal or fitness attributes and the recipes are transmitted from generation to generation. It is one of the most prominent alternative medicines in Indonesia. It originated some 1,300 years ago in the Mataram Kingdom in Central Java, and it is heavily influenced by Ayurveda, a system of Hindu traditional medicine. Until today, most traditional Jamu drinks are made with traditional techniques by smashing the ingredients and pestle-pummeling. Generally, Jamu ingredients are roots and spices like turmeric, ginger, or tamarind that you can easily find in family herbal garden. The fun fact about it, being a traditional household recipe, many have been adapted over the years, to incorporate a specific taste or specific property.

 

 

Do local communities consume Jamu?

Yes. In general, people consume herbal medicine to remain healthy and also to treat certain diseases. With centuries of practices, specific kind of Jamu can be made for specific purpose, from health issue like a common cold or serious illness like diabetes and cholesterol. They are mainly known for boosting the immune system and for their anti-oxydent properties.

 

What do you like about it, do you drink often?

Yes we do like it because it is natural! We drink it every day, especially now with the Covid pandemic.

Before participating in the Socfindo Conservation initiative, we had already held workshops on healthy living and eating, however, by participating in this project we learned even more about natural ingredients and recipes from plants that can be consumed daily.

We always share recipes that we know and also use frequently with friends or anyone who needs to recover from illness.