Jamu : Healthy Turmeric Ginger Drink

Jamu Asam Kunyit (Sour Turmeric Jamu) is a refreshing drink which is good to treat fatigue, bloating, boost energy and improve blood circulation. It is also consumed to treat some skin problems such as dullness as it improves blood circulation and detoxify our body. Jamu is also a good remedy to reduce inflammation. The taste of this sour turmeric jamu is sweet and sour and it is best to be taken warm.

Half cup of jamu 

Ingredients

• 4 inches fresh turmeric
• 2 palm sugar
• Tamarind juice from 2 tablespoon tamarind  
• 4 cups of water
• 4 inches fresh ginger
• 3 stalks of lemongrass (crushed) or 3 pandan leaves

Method

• Peel turmeric and ginger skin and crush it with mortar and pestle. You can also grind or blend it. 
• Boil the water in a pot. Add in turmeric and ginger paste. Add in also pandan leaves.
• Boil in slow-medium heat until about an hour.
• If the water dried add in one cup of water. Add in tamarind juice and palm sugar. 
• Boil until less than 2 cups of liquid remain. Then turn off heat and cool. Strain and take the liquid. Refrigerate it and it usually can be stored up to 5 days. 

The basic recipe only use turmeric, palm sugar (from coconut), tamarind juice and water. But I add ginger and other ingredients to add the benefits. Some people even add betel leaves and manjakani (Quercus Infectoria). Drink this jamu after warmed, 1/2 cup once.