Indonesian Jamu: a Simple Recipe to Make Your Own Healing Turmeric Juice

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian tonic taken as medicine for all kinds of ailments. Make your own refreshing turmeric Jamu to rev up your digestion and immunity this Spring.

Jamu has a history that goes back hundreds of years in Indonesia. There are many different recipes for various medical issues, and these recipes were handed down orally by generations of village healers. Jamu remedies include herbs, bark, roots and fruits.

To make an all purpose Jamu to wake up your digestive system after a long (and in many places, severe) winter, try juicing the following:

Lime
Fresh ginger
Fresh turmeric

Add this to some fresh coconut water (please do use an actual coconut, rather than the packaged stuff, which is not remotely the same). The ratios will be determined by personal taste. It does taste strong, and is not meant to be chugged down like a juice or smoothie. Make a small amount and refrigerate it. Enjoy a bit in the morning to wake up and tonify your system, and after meals as a digestive. It will be bright orange from the turmeric.

Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and fresh turmeric juice is preferable to dried turmeric powder. Even a casual round of online research will reveal the health benefits of turmeric. If you can’t find it at your local market, you can ask your grocer to order some, or it can be easier to find the root at Asian markets.

If this drink is just too strong tasting, you can add some raw honey to it until you adjust to the flavor.

Try this green jamu recipe.

More resources

Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family

Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods

Find other ways to take advantage of turmeric


In the kitchen with Ethical Foods

how to make pumpkin orange marmalade or jam

Easy Fresh Pumpkin Orange Marmalade Recipe

Marmelade à la citrouille et à l’orange. Here’s a lovely recipe for a fresh pumpkin jam that’s earthy, bright and versatile. The flavor and color will… Read more
vegetarian thanksgiving christmas holidays

A Gourmet Vegetarian Holiday with Deborah Madison

Whatever you may have thought about vegetarian holiday fare, today, top chefs are creating delicious, festive and satisfying vegetarian holiday menus that may leave you… Read more
how to make home made eggnog

How to Make Homemade Eggnog: Recipe from Beets ‘n Bones

Here’s an easy recipe to make home made eggnog from scratch and avoid all the chemicals and weird ingredients in store bought eggnog. Read more
how to use thanksgiving leftovers

Holiday Leftovers: Vegan Cranberry Quickbread

Like many of us, Jenn Sebestyen, author of the Veggie Inspired Blog, found herself with plenty of holiday leftovers.  So what do you do with… Read more
How to plan a sustainable, organic, and local holiday dinner

How To Plan An Eco Friendly Holiday Feast

Our top six tips for a healthy, sustainable and locally sourced holiday dinner. Save money, avoid waste and enjoy a wholesome, humane feast. Read more
vegan christmas recipes

Favorite Holiday Dinner Party Vegan and Vegetarian Cookbooks

Recipes for a gorgeous and festive holiday dinner party While there are many cookbooks out there that inspire you to cook healthy, simple every day… Read more
classic pumpkin bread recipe and holiday pantry gift

Traditional Pumpkin Bread Recipe

How to make classic pumpkin bread, and an adjusted recipe that you can give as a pantry gift. I’ve noticed a trend in bakery pumpkin… Read more
vegan vietnamese cuisine

Vegan Vietnamese Cuisine

The light, fresh flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine make a perfect base for exciting vegan cooking. Van, a Vietnamese vegan cook shares her passion for… Read more
Red Thai Curry Recipe

Red Thai Curry Recipe

Why order takeout when it’s so easy to cook at home? Try this easy Thai curry recipe at home for a simple, healthy and knockout… Read more

Soy Anise Braised Oxtail With Preserved Plum

Here’s an easy and delicious recipe for braised oxtail, an often overlooked cut in the US. This recipe can also be made with bone in… Read more
braised goat recipe

Braised Goat Shoulder Recipe With Cinnamon and Blood Orange

Wondering how to cook goat? Here’s a braised goat recipe for a shoulder chop, or any cut suitable for braising. It’s a lovely meat that… Read more

Cardamom Scented Grassfed Lamb Stew With Prunes Recipe

What do you think of prunes? This amazing pairing of lamb and prunes is guaranteed to give you a new perspective on this humble ingredient.… Read more

Chicken Ginger Broth for Spring Colds

Many people come down with colds, flu and sinus infections when the seasons change.  Here is a recipe for Chinese ginger chicken broth that, with… Read more
Sheep milk curry and rose petal marinade for heritage breed turkey breast

Rose Petal And Indian Curry Heritage Breed Turkey Breast

Heritage breed turkeys taste richer, but can dry out when cooked. Here is an easy and delicious marinade that delivers a flavorful, moist turkey breast… Read more
make your own coconut yogurt from whole coconuts

How to Make Yogurt From Fresh Whole Raw Coconuts

Thick, creamy homemade coconut yogurt made from coconut flesh—without the fillers and thickeners found in store bought coconut yogurt. If you do this entirely from… Read more