Jamu

Jamu is the traditional medicine of Indonesia, and its many remedies for disease or discomforts are all natural, being based on the incredible botanical richness of that region. Though heavily influenced by Ayurveda from India, Indonesia is a vast archipelago with numerous indigenous plants not found in India. Jamu may vary from region to region, and it is often not written down, especially in the country side. However, the western world has begun to take increasing note of jamu, and many of the more popular remedies are now being packaged and exported.

Western interest in jamu has however been noted as early as the year 1775 AD, by the german botanist Georg Eberhard Rumphius who published Herbaria Amboinesis. Scientific research for jamu by the research center of herbal medicine in Bogor Botanical Garden, resulted in the publication of Medical Book for Children and Adults, written by E. Van Bent. In 1940 the first seminar about jamu was held, in Solo, and prompted the formation of Indonesia's Jamu Committee four years later. 1981 saw the publication of another jamu book, The use of Medical Plants.

Jamu is now often distributed in the form of powder, pills, capsules, drinking liquid and ointments, but Jamu shops still exist, which sell only raw ingredients or prepare the jamu on spot as required by buyers. Women roaming the street to sell jamu is also still a common sight in Indonesia.

Jamu Herbs

Jamu

The various Jamu prescriptions draw from the richness of hundreds of herbs, but have a look at some common ones in this list.