All your questions and answers about jamu.

What exactly is jamu?

Jamu may be a new elixir in the Netherlands and all over the West, but in Indonesia it has been the go-to wellness drink since 700 AD, maybe even earlier! It is almost always made and sold by talented women, who are called 'jamu gendong'.

More than 1500 types of jamu exist. Each is made by its own combination of ingredients, but all are drunk for wellness purposes. Most jamu, like ours here at Good Jamu, is 100% vegetable. Spices straight from farmers in Indonesia and organic carrots form the basis of our jamu, think of turmeric and ginger . All refreshing ingredients that stimulate body and mind. But jamu is often also made with seeds, leaves, bark and flowers.

Jamu is a holistic therapy. That means, it should be drunk regularly to maintain the well-being of the whole body as a whole, rather than curing certain ailments individually as modern medicines do.

Jamu embodies balance. Drinking is about finding and maintaining that internal harmony we all strive for by being mindful of what you put into your body.

What does jamu do for you?

Jamu is not an overnight solution to an illness or discomfort. It is consistently drunk as part of one's diet to support and enhance their overall physical and mental well-being.

Different types of jamu have different health benefits depending on the ingredients they use. In our jamu, the main ingredients are ginger and turmeric. It is believed that these roots contain valuable antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are considered essential for keeping the body in top condition. Ginger and turmeric are also used to support good stomach and brain health, as well as to provide vitality and strength.

We carefully select all natural ingredients that go into our jamu with the motive of making you feel happy inside, so that you can be the best version of yourself every day, no matter what challenges lay in your way.

How much jamu should I drink?

If you're new to jamu, start by drinking a shot glass a day. Once you get used to drinking it, increase your measurement to a small or medium glass. Remember there is no such thing as drinking too much jamu! Feel free to add a splash or two of water if the flavor is a little too intense for you. We admit it, our jamu can be quite sharp - that's because the raw materials we use are pure.

When should I drink jamu?

We tend to have a glass of jamu early in the morning, before coffee (or instead of coffee, as it gives you that coffee-like energy boost without the caffeine) and breakfast. It is believed that if you drink jamu on an empty stomach, your body will absorb the nutrients it contains more effectively, optimizing the health benefits.

Can I use jamu to make other drinks?

Absolute! Jamu can be incorporated into numerous drink recipes. Try adding a few shots to your smoothies . We love how it packs them tightly with even more nutrients and gives them an extra kick of flavor.

If you have a penchant for a cocktail, add a shot of jamu to a plain margarita or make a not-so-plain margarita and have some fruity, carroty boozy fun! But of course there are plenty of people who don't drink alcohol, and to you we present the jamu spritzer. That's just a shot of jamu, sparkling mineral water and honey (as much or as little as you like). A slice of orange in the glass adds a touch of class if you fancy it.

We know what you're thinking and yes, all the other recipes can be found here.