Jamu: ancient wisdom at your fingertips

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic that has been used for centuries to maintain good health and prevent Disease

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Jamu, or “Djamu”, is derived from two ancient Javanese words: “Djampi” and “Usada”- Djampi meaning “to heal with medicinal herbs, or mantra/prayer”, and Usada meaning “health”, or “natural medicine”.

Jamu is believed to date back 1,300 years, originating in the Hindu/Buddhist Mataram Kingdom in Java. There are scriptures dating back to 722AD describing the production and usage of Jamu as a preventative health modality- this stuff is real, ancient wisdom.

Jamu can be found all throughout Java and Indonesia, with recipes varying from town to town, family to family, generation to generation. There are infinite amounts of Jamu recipes, each designed specifically to help prevent and remedy different disease states (both physical and mental). Jamu is traditionally made from a variety of natural: roots, herbs, leaves, fruits, spices, flowers, or seeds. Turmeric root is often a key ingredient in Jamu due to its high anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense components.

Jamu has been described as the “essence of Indonesia”. The intention of drinking Jamu is to create balance and harmony within the mind, body, and soul, thus enhancing the connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.

Jamu is ceremony