Jamu Medicine
Jamu is the traditional medicine system of Indonesia.
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.
Jamu medicine, while rooted in Indonesia, is also practiced in other Southeast Asian regions, including Singapore and Malaysia. Its origins can be traced to Java, a historical hub of spice trade that exposed the practice to diverse medical systems. This exposure has led to the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Arabic medical practices into Jamu traditions.
The essence of Jamu lies in its preventive approach, utilizing plant-based remedies distinct to Southeast Asia to maintain health, prevent, and cure diseases through frequent and consistent consumption. This contrasts with the reactive nature of modern medicine.
Key ingredients in Jamu formulations encompass lemongrass, cashew tree, Indonesian cinnamon (cassia), mangosteen, noni, guava, greater galangal, and Japanese ginger, among others. These remedies are traditionally prepared at home, using a blend of fresh and dried herbs, and consumed either as liquid formulations or applied topically.
Beyond homemade formulas passed down through oral traditions from generation to generation among women, an industrial market for Jamu products has flourished in Indonesia, offering a variety of forms ranging from vitality-boosting pills to skin health creams. Similar to other medicinal plant markets, such as the supplement industry in the USA, the commercial Jamu sector faces challenges related to the safety and integrity of herbal ingredients and the risk of adulteration with pharmaceutical substances.
The Takeaway
Jamu medicine remains an important system for supporting health and vitality in Indonesia and surrounding countries. While there have been several studies on the potential health risks of Jamu formulas, such as for microbial contaminants and other hazards, little is known still about the great potential for health benefits of regular incorporation of these herbal blends into the diet. This is definitely an area that merits further scientific investigation!
Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.
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Thank you for this interesting story. I spent some time in Berastagi, Toba, and the Karo Highlands during my years in SE Asia. It is one of my favorite places on the planet, with an amazing, rich culture. Thank you for the reminder!