My first encounter with Jamu medicine occurred roughly a decade ago during a visit to the northeastern part of Sumatra Island in Indonesia. After a scientific conference in the capital city of Medan, our group ventured to Berastagi, home to a series of hot spring pools nestled at the foot of Mount Sibayak. Near the entrance, I met a young woman with a basket on her back, filled with bottles of fruit juices infused with turmeric, ginger, and various aromatic herbs. Known as a 'jamu gendong,' or Jamu seller, she was among many traditional healers who sell their medical formulations on the streets.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Nature's Pharmacy to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.