the science of jamu
Jamu (traditionally spelled ‘Djamu’ or ‘Djamoe’ is over 1300 years old and regarded as a national drink not only in Bali but across the entire archipelago of Indonesia.
Jamu to the Balinese and Indonesian people is central to their livelihood, health and culture. Jamu represents a centuries old Indonesian ancient herbal medicinal tradition that uses specific, natural ingredients to treat skin and health issues. In Indonesia today, even with the prevalence of western medicine, the government still recognises Jamu as a medicinal practice with its own set of FDA regulations.
The exact types of herbal ingredients and the techniques of Jamu brewing are rather sacred in the sense that they are not written down, but handed down between generations. Until now it has been impossible to find authentic Jamu available for retail in the western world and The Jamu Group is proud to be the first producer and retailer of the original Indonesian health drink powder to the world.
How, when, where and why were these treatments ever developed? What is so special about them? And how has Jamu been perfected?
What is Jamu? How, when, where & why did Jamu come into existence and what’s so special about this centuries old traditional Indonesian health drink?
Centuries ago the royalty of Indonesia asked their traditional healers to create natural plant based remedies and treatments not only for medicinal purposes, but also for beauty, spa and ceremonial rituals. Using a then unrecorded (and sometimes closely guarded) secretive combination of herbs, fruit and flowers the healers created blends which kept the skin healthy, extended youthfulness, prevented illness, detoxified the body for overall health and wellbeing and treated a wide range of ailments ranging from general fatigue to stomach aches to skin conditions and immunity boosters to fight off the onset of seasonal health complaints including colds and flus.
Over time Jamu became a daily preventative drink taken not only by the ruling class, but by almost everyone across the vast archipelago of Indonesia with Jamu production being guarded as family secrets passed down generation to generation and finding the recipes and answers through modern research being a near impossible task. Only in the 1940s with Indonesian government cooperation with the medical community did traditional healers finally open up their secrets for scientific studies to be conducted. The findings were a revolutionary discovery for Indonesia as the herbal Jamu mixes were found to be more effective than their western equivalents.
These discoveries in the Forties hold true to today in Indonesia, with regional blends of Jamu still produced traditionally by small families and consumed mostly in liquid form in local communities. Until now it’s been virtually impossible for people outside of Indonesia to enjoy the health benefits of drinking Jamu without high levels of added unnatural preservatives. In 2020 The Jamu Group found the solution to bring an authentically organic and delicious taste of Balinese Jamu to the world in powder form. 100% organic, non GEO, vegan friendly and packed full of daily goodness to help you live a better, healthier Jamu life!
The 17 most popular herbs in Indonesia and their amazing health benefits
Jamu uses hundreds of fruits, herbs, and spices, almost all of which are grown natively in Indonesia. Here are the 17 most popular herbs and spices used in the Indonesian beauty and healing tradition:
1. Kunyit in Indonesian or Turmeric
It is naturally anti-inflammatory, highly antioxidant, is known to help prevent cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer and can improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
2. Jahe in Indonesian or Ginger
Helps digestion, promotes weight loss, relieves nausea and morning sickness, cold and flu relief, maintains blood sugar level, reduces cholesterol.
3. Lengkuas in Indonesian, Galangal or Thai ginger or Blue ginger
It is part of the ginger family, used as anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, analgesic, wound disinfectant, blood pressure regulator & hearth tonic, helps with arthritis & rheumatism.
4. Kencur in Indonesian, Kaemferia Galangal or Aromatic Galangal or Sand ginger
Helps relieve cold & cough, headaches and migraine, influenza, treats rheumatic diseases, asthma cure and helps to get rid of acne.
5. Temulawak in Indonesian or Curcuma or Javanese Curcuma or Giant Curcuma
The essential oil in curcuma is believed to improve kidney & liver function, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, helps in cancer prevention, treats anemia.
6. Cinnamon
It is loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces cholesterol levels, heart diseases and blood pressure, lowers blood sugar level and has powerful anti-diabetic effects.
7. Nutmeg
Promotes healthy sleep, reduces inflammation on the skin including acne, helps with Alzheimer and dementia, detoxifies the organs and relieves kidney stones.
8. Tamarind
Reduces blood sugar level, treats hair loss, high in vitamin and minerals such as potassium which is vital for the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory, good to reduce pain in the joints and connective tissues.
9. Cardamom
Potentially reducing colorectal cancer by enhancing antioxidant activity in the body, blood circulation, anti-diabetic effect, the essential oil is believed to have anti-depressant properties, protecting from bad breath, a remedy for nausea and vomiting.
10. Passion Flower
The essential oil in curcuma is believed to improve kidney & liver function, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, treats anemia & is known to help in cancer prevention.
11. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood and cognitive function, but the potential benefits don’t stop there. It can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety may boost cognitive function and help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders as well as minimising menstrual cramps.
12. Lavender
Since ancient times Lavender has been used to treat mental health issues, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, acne and skin irritations. The subtle natural flavour of lavender is very calming and one of the key ingredients in our ‘Sleep’ Jamu blend.
13. Ginseng
Has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is regarded as a potential antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, benefits brain function like memory, behaviour and mood and boosts the natural immune system. Ginseng is regarded to fight tiredness and increase energy levels and can be found in our ‘Energy’ Jamu blend.
14. Holy Basil
Is not your average basil that you may find in the pantry. Holy Basil is native to Southeast Asia and has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms. The nutritional value of Holy Basil is high in vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc and iron.
15. Star Anise
May reduce symptoms associated with depression, prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria and potentially protect against the formation of stomach ulcers. Star Anise is regarded as functional in balancing blood sugar levels and can reduce inflammation as well as helping relieve menopause symptoms.
16. Cloves
Strong in vitamin K and Manganese – an essential mineral for maintaining brain function and building strong bones – Cloves are high in antioxidants, can kill bacteria and potentially improve liver health as well as regulating blood sugar levels and may promote bone health.
17. Lemongrass
Has natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help treat oral infections and cavities as well as promoting healthy digestion, help reduce high systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Lemongrass is widely regarded to be an effective regulator of cholesterol and may help in weight loss.
Our story
In 2020 amidst the Coronavirus 19 pandemic the founders of The Jamu Group started to realise the amazing health properties of this sacred concoction of Indonesian herbs and spices. With daily consumption we found our resistance to catching the common change of seasons flu (or worse) was far lessened. we felt healthier, fitter, lost weight and were sleeping better with less anxiety. We didn’t make drastic changes to our diets or do any juice cleansing – we simply started drinking a glass of Jamu every day!
Living in Bali during the pandemic we connected with local farmers and Jamu producers to design a range of Jamu blends designed specifically for customers overseas. Keeping to the traditional core ingredients and process we created the modern face of Jamu with a Balinese twist and extra added organic Vitamin D for an extra health boost!
The Jamu Group is now an integral part of the Jamu industry in Bali, Indonesia with our commitment to delivering only the finest organic and authentically traditional taste of Jamu. We extend this gift to our customers and back to the agriculture and farming sector here in Bali with our commitment to giving back directly to the local community. The cycle of Jamu is as infinite as time itself and we’re privileged to be the first to bring this incredible story to life and share the positive health benefits of Jamu to you no matter where you may be in the world.
Welcome to a healthier, better life with Jamu!
