Some common herbs that may be used in jamu, in form from the traditional Indonesian herbal drink, include:

  • Curcuma domestica (turmeric)
  • Zingiber officinale (ginger)
  • Kaempferia galanga (galangal)
  • Tamarindus indica (tamarind)
  • Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen)
  • Syzygium polyanthum (jambu air)
  • Ficus carica (fig)
  • Cinnamomum burmannii (cinnamon)
  • Piper retrofractum (Java long pepper)
  • Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom)

These are just some examples of the many herbs that may be used in jamu. The specific ingredients and proportions used can vary depending on the desired effects and the recipe used.

Here are six jamu recipes that you can try at home using these herbs:

  1. Turmeric and Ginger Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh turmeric, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your turmeric and ginger jamu.
  2. Tamarind Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your tamarind jamu.
  3. Galangal and Turmeric Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh galangal, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh turmeric, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your galangal and turmeric jamu.
  4. Ginger, Turmeric, and Lemongrass Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh turmeric, and 1 stalk of lemongrass, thinly sliced. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass jamu.
  5. Tamarind and Ginger Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your tamarind and ginger jamu.
  6. Galangal, Turmeric, and Lime Jamu: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh galangal, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh turmeric, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a cup and enjoy your galangal, turmeric, and lime jamu.

Remember to adjust the amounts of the herbs and honey to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices to create your own unique jamu recipes.