Stay Healthy with a Variety of Traditional Indonesian Herbal Drinks, Which Ones Have You Tried?

Kapanlagi.com - Jamu is one of the authentic traditional drinks from Indonesia that not only refreshes but also provides health benefits. The characteristic of traditional jamu lies in the raw materials used, where most of them are made from natural spices.

Interestingly, the use of jamu has been going on for a long time in Indonesia. In fact, in the past, people often consumed jamu to treat various medical conditions. In addition, the price of jamu is relatively affordable. Among the many traditional jamu, here are some that can help maintain body fitness. What are they?

1. Jamu Temulawak

First there is temulawak jamu. This traditional drink has a lot of benefits. It helps improve the immune system to prevent various diseases such as colds and increases appetite. That's why temulawak jamu is often given to children.

Temulawak itself is known to treat stomach diseases, constipation, bloody stools, hemorrhoids, liver diseases, and inflammation. This is because temulawak contains 40 active ingredients that are antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

It is not difficult to make temulawak jamu at home. Simply boil temulawak rhizome with tamarind, ginger, and pandan leaves. Add a little palm sugar as a sweetener. Boil until it boils, then let it cool. For a fresher taste, temulawak jamu can also be enjoyed with the addition of ice cubes.

2. Jamu Kunyit Asam

Next, there is turmeric tamarind jamu. This traditional jamu is often consumed to relieve menstrual pain. This benefit is obtained from the compound curcumin in turmeric as its ingredient. Curcumin can help reduce the production of prostaglandin compounds that cause pain, including menstrual pain.

Another benefit of curcumin is helping to reduce fever, improve digestion, and enhance the immune system. The process of making turmeric tamarind jamu itself is not difficult. Just boil turmeric extract with tamarind water and brown sugar until cooked. Then let it cool enough. This turmeric tamarind jamu can also be consumed with the addition of ice cubes to make it more refreshing.

3. Rice Galangal Jamu

Equally interesting to try is rice galangal jamu. This traditional drink is known to contain minerals and various active compounds that are antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Thanks to these contents, rice galangal jamu is usually used to increase children's appetite, control blood sugar, treat diarrhea, and aid in postpartum recovery.

As the name suggests, rice galangal jamu is made from rice and galangal. Usually, the rice is soaked for about an hour. After that, the soaked rice is boiled with galangal and other spices, such as ginger, turmeric, tamarind, and sugar, until cooked. Then, let it cool. Like some other jamu, rice galangal jamu is also delicious when consumed with the addition of ice cubes.

Although they are called jamu, these three traditional jamu have a relatively pleasant taste compared to some other jamu. In fact, there is almost no bitterness in them. They have a sweet taste, making it more comfortable to drink. Out of these three types of jamu, which one have you tried before? 

(kly/tmi)