Ginger and turmeric Jamu, an immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory health tonic to give your body a supercharge. It's an easy-to-make blend of fresh turmeric, ginger, lime, water, and honey.
What is turmeric jamu?
Turmeric Jamu is a traditional herbal medicine from Indonesia, made using natural ingredients such as roots, bark, flowers, seeds, leaves, and fruits. It is one of the most well-known forms of Jamu, recognized for its vibrant orange color and numerous health benefits.
Long before the introduction of modern Western medicine, Indonesians turned to Jamu to prevent and treat a wide range of illnesses. This ancient practice reflects a deep understanding of nature’s ability to support and restore health.
Jamu blends vary in color; bright orange, green, or even black - depending on the ingredients used. With countless combinations possible, Jamu can be tailored to address specific health needs. Over centuries, Indonesians developed recipes for everything from common issues like colds and indigestion to more serious conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Turmeric Jamu, in particular, is valued for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it a powerful ally for maintaining overall well-being.
History of Jamu
Jamu is a centuries-old Indonesian herbal medicinal tradition rooted in the wisdom of nature. For generations, Jamu has been used to address various health and skin concerns, harnessing the healing power of natural ingredients like turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and other botanicals.
Even today, despite the widespread use of Western medicine, Jamu remains an integral part of Indonesia’s healthcare system. The Indonesian government formally recognizes Jamu as a traditional medicinal practice, complete with its own set of regulations akin to FDA standards. This demonstrates the enduring importance and trust in Jamu’s healing potential.
Jamu’s origins date back over 1,300 years to the Mataram Kingdom in Central Java, where it was developed as part of the royal court’s health practices. Its evolution has been deeply influenced by Ayurveda, the ancient system of Hindu traditional medicine, blending Indian holistic principles with local Indonesian knowledge to create a unique and effective healing tradition.
Today, Jamu stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and a timeless approach to holistic health.
Learn more about the history of Jamu here...
Turmeric Jamu health benefits
- Immune booster - Fight colds, flu and virus
- Anti-inflammatory - Good for bones and joints
- Detoxifier and kidney cleanser - Clean your system of toxins
Learn more about the incredible health benefits of turmeric in our ingredient blog.
Why make turmeric Jamu?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget how incredible our bodies truly are. Every single day, your body works tirelessly—pumping blood, oxygenating cells, digesting nutrients, and keeping you energized. But with busy schedules, stress, processed foods, and environmental toxins, we often push our bodies to their limits without giving back.
That’s why slowing down and making intentional choices for your health is so important. Taking care of your body isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. As the saying goes, your health is your greatest wealth.
Turmeric Jamu is a simple yet powerful way to invest in your well-being. This traditional tonic is packed with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting ingredients, making it a nourishing gift to your body. With every sip, you’re not just supporting your health - you’re embracing balance and centuries of wisdom in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients for Jamu
- Water
- Turmeric root
- Ginger root
- Black pepper
- Lime (or lemon)
- Honey (or maple)
Substitutions
If you don’t have honey or want to make the Jamu 100% vegan, use maple syrup, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup. No lime? Lemon works just as well.
How to make turmeric Jamu
Making Jamu at home is fun and easy. There are 2 ways to make Jamu: You can make it either in a blender or a cold press juicer.
1. Turmeric Jamu Blender Method
- Wash & Slice. Wash your fresh turmeric and ginger, slice into thin pieces. Skin on is ok. Peeled works fine also.
- Blend. Add the turmeric, ginger, black pepper and water to a high-powered blender. Blend for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Boil. Pour the mixture into a pot and bring to a slow boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, take off the heat. Add the honey and citrus juice. Give it all a good stir.
- Strain. Using a fine strainer, nut milk bag or cloth, strain the mixture. Pour into a glass bottle and transfer to the fridge.
2. Turmeric Jamu Cold Pressed Juicer Method
- Wash & Slice. Wash your fresh turmeric and ginger, and cut them into pieces big enough to fit into the juicer. Skin on is ok. Peeled works fine also.
- Juice. Add the turmeric and ginger root to the juicer and extract all juicer. Add some of the water to the juicer to get all the juice out from the pulp.
- Boil. Pour the mixture into a pot, add the water, and bring to a slow boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, take off the heat. Add the honey, cracked black pepper, and citrus juice. Give it all a good stir.
- Strain. Using a fine strainer, nut milk bag or cloth, strain the mixture. Pour into a glass bottle and transfer to the fridge.
How to drink Jamu
Traditionally, Jamu is served chilled from the fridge or over ice. It is equally as nice warmed through and served as a comforting hot beverage. During the daytime when it's a little hot outside I like to drink it chilled, I prefer to warm it up in the evening time for a nightcap.
When to drink Jamu
It would be an ideal drink first thing in the morning to prime your digestion or to enjoy in between meals throughout the day.
Chefs Top Tips
It's best to wear gloves when you're making Jamu, the turmeric will turn everything orange!
FAQ Section
Turmeric Jamu will last for up to 5 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container, ideally a glass bottle. Shake well before opening.
The flavor of this Jamu recipe is deliciously intense. The turmeric provides earthiness, ginger brings spice, lime juice adds acidity, and the honey balances it out with a touch of sweetness.
Yes indeed, you can use maple, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup.
More healthy drink recipes to try
- Ginger shots
- Wax gourd juice
- Rosella - Hibiscus Tea
- Malva nut juice
- Golden turmeric moon milk
- Spirulina detox shot
- Turmeric wellness shot
- Ayurvedic turmeric paste
- Wild kombucha
We hope you enjoy this delicious recipe. We're happy to share it with you. If you make this recipe please let us know in the comments below what you think. We love seeing your recreations. Happy cooking friends!
📋 Recipe
Turmeric Jamu - Immune Boosting Health Tonic
Equipment
- Weighing scales
- Chopping board
- Chefs knife
- Blender
- Strainer
- Glass bottles
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 600 ml Water - filtered filtered
- 150 g Turmeric root
- 50 g Ginger root
- 2 teaspoon Black pepper - ground
- 2 each Lime juiced
- 30 ml Honey
Instructions
Making in a blender method
- Assemble and weigh out all ingredients.
- Clean the turmeric and ginger to remove any loose skin or blemishes.
- Slice the turmeric and ginger.
- Put it in a blender with the water and black pepper.
- Blend for 1 minute on high speed until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add lime juice and sweetener to taste.
- Strain through a very fine sieve, nut milk bag or muslin cloth (remember, it’ll stain!)
- Pour into a glass bottle or jar and refrigerate.
- Serve either warm or chilled with a wedge of lime.
Making in a cold press juicer method
- Assemble and weigh out all ingredients.
- Clean the turmeric and ginger to remove any loose skin or blemishes.
- Put the ginger and turmeric through the juicer until all the juice is extracted.
- Pour mixture into a saucepan, add the water and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add lime juice, cracked black pepper and sweetener to taste.
- Allow to cool.
- Pour into a glass bottle or jar and refrigerate.
- Serve either warm or chilled with a wedge of lime.
Notes
- Jamu is lovely served either chilled or warm through for a hot comforting tonic.
- Try adding more water if it is a little strong for your taste buds.
BREDA says
It is great that you give all the variations, equipment that us needed and the nutritional benefits also.
Erik R says
LOVE THIS, thanks for sharing 👌😊
Michelle Peria says
Interesting to see 2 methods described here. I'm curious about boiling the mixture and whether that reduces the medicinal properties of the tumeric.
Why not skip the boiling step?
Jamie Raftery says
Hi Michelle. I believe that cooking the turmeric root actually increases the medicinal properties. Please research this further from a reputable source. The taste is also a little milder! Healthy regards, Jamie