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
Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
Find other ways to take advantage of turmeric
