You’ve seen the vibrant yellow drink on wellness blogs and cafe menus. Now, you can make it yourself. This guide provides easy Jamu recipes for classics like Kunyit Asam and Beras Kencur, adapted for Western kitchens.
In the bustling cities and quiet villages of Java, the day often begins with a visit from the Mbok Jamu, carrying a basket of bottles filled with colorful herbal tonics made from traditional jamu recipes. These jamu recipes, passed down for generations, are a testament to Indonesia’s rich herbal medicine tradition. More than a quick remedy, the jamu recipes are daily rituals that support balance, boost energy, and nourish the body from within. Once a closely held secret, these jamu recipes are now gaining worldwide recognition for their potent, natural ingredients.
But you don’t need to travel to Java to enjoy its benefits. The beauty of Jamu lies in its simplicity, with roots, spices, and leaves that are now accessible in the West. This guide shares easy-to-follow jamu recipes, helping you bring the tradition home. Try these five classic jamu recipes in your own kitchen, using ingredients found in European or American stores. By exploring these jamu recipes, from the vibrant Kunyit Asam to the soothing Beras Kencur, you can make this ancient wellness practice part of your modern routine.
What is Jamu? More Than Just a Drink
Jamu is a holistic system of health. The recipes are not random; they are based on a deep understanding of how different ingredients affect the body’s systems. Traditional Javanese philosophy believes in balancing the “hot” and “cold” elements within the body. Ingredients like ginger are “hot” (*panas*) and warming, while others might be “cooling” (*adem*). A Jamu recipe is a carefully balanced formula designed to address a specific need, whether that’s reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, or purifying the blood. This sophisticated understanding of herbalism is now being explored by modern science, with studies on ingredients like turmeric (the star of many Jamu recipes) appearing in publications from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The Jamu Pantry: Key Ingredients and Where to Find Them
Building your Jamu toolkit is simple, and these jamu recipes make it easy to get started. Here are the core ingredients you’ll need to try a variety of jamu recipes at home. With these essentials, you can experiment with different jamu recipes and discover your favorite flavors. By following these jamu recipes, you’ll quickly feel confident creating your own herbal tonics.
- Turmeric (*Kunyit*): The vibrant orange root is the undisputed king of Jamu. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, thanks to its active compound, curcumin. Look for fresh turmeric root in the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets (like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s) or any Asian grocery store. It looks like a smaller, orange version of ginger.
- Tamarind (*Asam Jawa*): This provides the classic sour taste. It’s a key ingredient in Kunyit Asam. You can buy it as a whole pod, but the easiest form to use is seedless tamarind paste, which is sold in blocks or jars at Asian and Latin American markets or online. A little goes a long way.
- Ginger (*Jahe*): A warming root that aids digestion and fights nausea. Widely available everywhere. For Jamu, look for mature, pungent ginger.
- Kencur (*Aromatic Ginger*): This is a unique and essential ingredient for Beras Kencur. It has a camphor-like, peppery, and slightly medicinal flavor. It is the hardest ingredient to find fresh in the West. Look for it as a dried powder in specialty Southeast Asian grocery stores or online. Do not substitute with regular ginger or galangal; its flavor is unique.
- Palm Sugar (*Gula Jawa*): This unrefined sugar has a deep, caramel-like flavor. It’s the traditional sweetener for Jamu. Look for it in solid disks or granulated form at Asian markets or health food stores. Maple syrup or coconut sugar are good substitutes.
- Lemongrass (*Sereh*): Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and is known for its calming properties. Use the lower, pale part of the stalk and bruise it with the back of a knife before simmering to release its oils.
- Temulawak (*Javanese Ginger*): A close relative of turmeric, this root is a cornerstone of many Jamu recipes for liver health and detoxification. It has a more bitter, earthy flavor than turmeric. It is most often found as a powder in the West.
The Recipes: Your Guide to Jamu at Home
Here are five foundational Jamu recipes, adapted for ease and accessibility. Remember, these recipes are a starting point. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or the intensity of the spices to your own taste.
1. Jamu Kunyit Asam (Turmeric Tamarind Elixir)
The Queen of Jamu: Anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and great for women’s health.
- Taste Profile: Earthy, tangy, and sweet with a warming finish.
- Primary Benefits: Reduces inflammation, eases menstrual cramps, aids digestion, purifies the blood.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup (approx. 100g) fresh turmeric, washed and roughly chopped (no need to peel)
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 2-3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup palm sugar (or to taste)
- A pinch of black pepper (helps with turmeric absorption)
- Optional: A small knob of ginger
- Instructions:
- Combine the chopped turmeric and water in a blender. Blend on high until it forms a smooth, vibrant pulp.
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag into a saucepan, squeezing to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp.
- Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, and black pepper to the saucepan. If using, add the ginger now.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors have melded. Do not boil vigorously, as this can destroy some of the beneficial compounds.
- Let it cool completely, then store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Jamu Beras Kencur (Rice and Aromatic Ginger Tonic)
The Comforting Classic: Believed to relieve fatigue, warm the body, and increase appetite.
- Taste Profile: Sweet, creamy, and spicy with a unique, almost medicinal aroma from the kencur.
- Primary Benefits: Restores energy, soothes coughs, warms the digestive system.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white rice, soaked in water for at least 3 hours
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 2-3 tbsp Kencur powder (or a 2-inch piece of fresh kencur, if you can find it)
- 1/4 cup palm sugar
- A 2-inch knob of fresh ginger, sliced
- Instructions:
- Drain the soaked rice.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, kencur, palm sugar, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to infuse the water with flavor. Let it cool slightly.
- Pour the infused water (with the solids) and the soaked rice into a blender. Blend on high until very smooth. The rice will act as a thickener.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for a smooth texture, as rice grit is unpleasant.
- Serve warm or chilled. It will separate, so shake well before drinking. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
3. Jamu Jahe Sereh (Ginger Lemongrass Brew)
The Soothing Warmer: A simple, fragrant tonic for digestion and relaxation.
- Taste Profile: Spicy, citrusy, and sweet.
- Primary Benefits: Soothes an upset stomach, reduces bloating, calms the mind.
- Ingredients:
- A 4-inch piece of fresh ginger, washed and thinly sliced
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 1/4 cup palm sugar or honey
- Optional: A cinnamon stick or a few cloves.
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except the sweetener in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into mugs.
- Stir in palm sugar or honey to taste until dissolved. Serve warm.
Making a batch of Jamu at the start of the week is a great wellness habit.… The guide continues with two more detailed recipes for Jamu Temulawak (Javanese Ginger) and Jamu Galian Singset (a popular slimming tonic)…
Integrating Jamu into Your Wellness Routine
Jamu is not a one-time cure; it’s a daily ritual. Here’s how to make it part of your life:
- A Morning Shot: A small glass (about 100-150ml) of Kunyit Asam in the morning is a fantastic way to start the day, reducing inflammation and waking up your system.
- An Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Beras Kencur can be a great, caffeine-free way to combat the mid-afternoon slump.
- A Nighttime Soother: A warm glass of ginger and lemongrass Jamu can be very calming before bed.
- Listen to Your Body: The core philosophy of Jamu is balance. Pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel “hot” and agitated? Maybe choose a more cooling Jamu. Feel “cold” and sluggish? A warming ginger-based Jamu is perfect.
Conclusion: Your Health, in Your Hands
Making your own Jamu is a joyful way to care for yourself, and these jamu recipes make it easy to start. With simple ingredients, the jamu recipes allow you to connect with centuries of herbal wisdom while creating drinks tailored to your needs. Try different combinations and explore how these jamu recipes can energize, soothe, or restore balance to your body. By experimenting with jamu recipes in your kitchen, you’re embracing a delicious, empowering, and time-honored path to wellness.
Once you’ve mastered the drinks, you might be curious about other aspects of Javanese culture, from understanding royal titles to the art of Wayang.