I have been fascinated with the traditional Indonesian jamu juice for quite a while now.
It dates back almost 1,200 years to ancient Java and has been linked to Ayurveda.
In Indonesia, jamu is used to address everything from weight gain and a sluggish metabolism to acne, insomnia, fatigue and cough or colds.
And it’s delicious!
The most fabulous part?
An all-purpose jamu juice recipe needs the simplest of ingredients and can be brewed at home, anywhere in the world.
Why are jamu juice’s benefits?
Jamu juice is a health tonic that draws its potency from the natural ingredients you will find on kitchen shelves across the world. Let’s take a look.
Turmeric
First of all, there is turmeric — one of the most powerful healing herbs.
Besides being a natural liver detoxifier and kidney cleanser, it also speeds up metabolism, helps in weight loss, is anti-inflammatory, heals damaged skin, busts infections and so much more.
Ginger
Then there is ginger. Also anti-inflammatory, it contains a host of anti-oxidants to minimise the damage caused by free radicals and other toxins (created by, say, those barrels of alcohol, lack of sleep and larders of meat!).
Additional benefits: Ginger calms down the stomach, curbs indigestion and acidity, and replenishes the body’s stores of iron, sodium, vitamins A and C, flavonoids and phytonutrients.
Tamarind
Another key component in the the jamu juice recipe is tamarind.
Tamarind is a rich source of dietary fibre, which binds to toxins, bile salts and excessive cholesterol, flushing them out of the body safely and cleanly. It also contains hefty doses of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which inhibits an enzyme that helps the body hold on to fat (hello, weight loss!).
Other scientifically verified health benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation, heal the digestive system, step up blood circulation, maintain nerve function and soothe a whole range of skin issues — including chronic acne and dull complexions.
Finally, tamarind is also rich in many vital nutrients, including vitamins A, B and C, and iron, all of which get sorely depleted when you’ve been living it up a bit much.
Little surprise then that Jamu juice is cropping up on beverage menus Stateside — to much acclaim. But why not just DIY it for the freshest flavors and benefits?
Jamu juice recipe: Ingredients
2-4 fresh turmeric roots (or 1-2 teaspoons organic turmeric powder)
1 small knob of ginger
1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
1 litre drinking water
Honey to taste
Jamu juice recipe: The method
1. Peel and grate the turmeric and ginger
2. Boil the turmeric and ginger in water for approximately half an hour, till it becomes slightly creamy; add more water if the concoction starts looking a bit dry
3. Cool for a few minutes, then pour it into a blender, add the tamarind and honey; blend until frothy
4. Strain and serve warm; or refrigerate in an airtight bottle
How to drink the jamu juice
Jamu is pretty potent and you need just a little bit everyday.
I normally make enough for 3-4 days and store it in the refrigerator — simply lightly reheating and drinking a shot glass worth before breakfast and after dinner, every day.
Have you ever tried jamu juice? What’s been your experience with this cure-all drink?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Mel says
I 100% need to try this!! I totally overdid it this past holiday season and a detox is in order! Thanks for sharing this!!
Theo says
I have a strange allergy to “cold”. On a cold night, I often wake up with little rash-lumps that resemble mosquito bites, especially on my bottom and my legs. It’s even worse when I go swimming because I can only stay in the water for about 1/2 an hour. Usually, after an hour or so with warm clothes, the rash-lumps vanish. I have taken antihystemines for my allergy and they do help, no doubt!
Recently, I started taking Jamu (tumeric, about a walnut size, ginger about 1/4 walnut size, one egg, honey to taste) and when I went swimming (without antihystemines), there was no sign of my rash/lumps. I have not had that pain-in-the-butt allergy since.
NOTE: I do not advise anyone to use my recipe.. this note us just to report my experience. I am now sourcing a better recipe and so should you.
NOTE 2: I feel healthier all round, but that may be a subjective observation and not a scientific fact.
Uraraka says
I’m confused by the “2-4 turmeric roots”. Turmeric Roots come in different sizes. So what do you consider one root?
jumping shell says
Jamu juice is truly fascinating, with its ancient roots and numerous health benefits. The combination of turmeric, ginger, and tamarind makes it a powerful health tonic. Making it at home sounds simple and cost-effective. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe and experiencing the potential benefits!
Quick Draw says
It’s great to be back on your site following a protracted absence. It’s been a while since I last worked on this project.
Dorothy says
Discover the power of Jamu juice, a traditional Indonesian tonic made with turmeric, ginger, and tamarind. It’s easy to make at home and offers numerous health benefits. Try it today!
carlos philip says
Jamu juice is an ancient Indonesian herbal drink made from natural ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and tamarind. Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, it’s gaining popularity for its health benefits and holistic approach to wellness. To make it at home, blend turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and honey with water, then strain and enjoy for a refreshing, medicinal drink.