Jamu Juice (Turmeric Ginger Healing Elixir)

I discovered the magic of Jamu Juice on my recent trip to Bali. Every hotel we stayed at served us Jamu Juice with breakfast.

Indonesians start their day with jamu as a natural pick-me-up, a remedy against illness, and an immune system booster. In Bali traditional remedies are very much a way of life. The local people told me the drink was passed down from their ancestors to benefit overall wellness.

Jamu comes in many flavors using roots, flowers, seeds, leaves and fruits. We enjoyed many varieties but the most common one is turmeric, ginger jamu juice. This is the one I’m sharing today.

Why I Love Jamu Juice

• naturally healing
• anti-inflammatory
• improves digestion
• enhances immunity
• boosts longevity
• easy to make

Ingredients and Health Benefits

This is primarily a turmeric drink with a little bit of ginger, lemon and honey. There are only 5 ingredients. Filtered water is used for liquid.

Fresh Turmeric

Since this is the star of the show, I highly recommend getting fresh turmeric. It has has a brighter, fresher flavor and a higher curcumin content. Curcumin is the active healing compound in turmeric.

Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as skin disorders, respiratory problems, joint pain relief, and digestive disorders. It may help reduce the signs of aging by boosting collagen production, repairing skin damage, and improving skin tone.

When buying fresh turmeric, look for firm, fleshy rhizomes with pale brown skin. Avoid soft, dried, or shriveled ones. It’s found in many health food stores, Asian/Indian food stores, and some supermarkets. Store fresh turmeric in a container in the refrigerator. Dried turmeric can be substituted but it won’t taste as good.

Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger has a spicy, peppery, warm complex flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger improves digestion by stimulating gastric juices and reducing bloating. It can help relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis, muscle soreness, and menstrual cramps. 

When buying fresh ginger, look for firm, plump pieces with smooth, taut skin avoiding any that appear shriveled, dry, or have soft spots. Fresh ginger should have a strong, pungent aroma. You can find it in most supermarkets and health food stores. Since it’s easy to find, dried ginger is not recommended.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds a bright citrusy taste to the drink. It also adds Vitamin C. Lime juice can be substituted. In Bali they use lime juice. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Honey

You need just a little bit for sweetness. Use raw and unfiltered honey which retains its natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Local honey is best since it contains trace amounts of pollen from the plants that help with seasonal allergies.

Black Pepper

Just a pinch to help increase the bioavailability of the curcumin in the turmeric. It’s optional.

How to Make

This is a very simple recipe with only 4 steps. Our hotels had classes on how to make Jamu Juice. Below is a very short video from the class in Bali.

Step 1 – Slice: Slice the turmeric and ginger. Don’t touch the cut part of the turmeric if you’re not wearing gloves.

Step 2 – Blend: Add turmeric, ginger, water and black pepper (if using) to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth about 1 minute. If you don’t have a blender you can grate the turmeric and ginger.

Step 3 – Simmer: Pour into a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes to develop the flavors. Remove from the heat. Add lemon and honey, stir.

Step 4 – Strain and Serve – Use a fine strainer, nut milk bag or cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Serve warm or cold. Pour into a glass bottle to store.

Serving

Serve hot, cold or at room temperature. It’s best to drink it first thing in the morning like the Balinese people to get the most health benefits. You can also have it in between meals.

Serving size can be a shot of about 1/2 cup or up to 1 cup a day. If it’s too spicy dilute it with water.

Variations

• Tamarind is often used in Jamu juice. It adds a unique, sour, and tangy flavor but it’s not as sharp or acidic as lemon. Add about 1-2 tablespoons to the pot to simmer with the turmeric and ginger.
• Lemongrass in Jamu juice give it a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly herbaceous flavor. Add the bottom of 1 stalk to the pot to simmer with the turmeric and ginger.
• Add more ginger if you like it spicier.
• Add more lemon juice if you want it more tart.
• Instead of water use coconut water. It make the jamu juice sweeter and provides electrolytes.

Storing

Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a glass container. The fresher it is the more nutrients. I usually use it up in 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing because some nutrients and antioxidants will be lost. Shake before serving.

More Anti-Inflammatory Drink Recipes

Here are some other healing beverages you may enjoy.

• Golden Milk Turmeric Latte – warm and soothing.
• Easy Mushroom Latte – with chaga mushrooms, a powerful adaptogen with the ability to strengthen and balance our immune system.
• Hibiscus Tea – an iced or hot tea with many health benefits.