heatiness of jamu could be due to individuals not being used to the high dosage recommended. In this case, it would be advisable to start on a lower dose so the body gets used to jamu and slowly increase the intake.
Is it harmful to take jamu during menstruation?
No, although it is advisable to avoid taking jamu during this period as it might upset the system.
Is jamu intake addictive?
Certainly not. Once the desired effects are attained, the jamu can be stopped. However, it is wise to take jamu regularly to maintain health.
How does slimming with jamu differ from slimming the Western way?
Western slimming products work like a laxative and reduce fats without providing alternative strength, which results in a haggard look for the slimmer. Jamu slims the natural way. Jamu like Kempes Perut balances your glands and removes old fats but retains the nutritious elements without affecting your appetite or making the skin flabby.
Jamu gendong Ibu nur and her aunt set out at 7 am from her house in yogyakarta to visit her regular clients.
CHAPTER 2
Jamu in Daily Life
DESPITE THE DIVERSE RANGE OF OPINIONS ON THIS SENSITIVE TOPIC, THERE IS ONE COMMON PERCEPTION—THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF JAMU ENHANCE AND IMPROVE SEXUAL PERFORMANCE.
So, what exactly is jamu? An easy reply to this question is jamu is Indonesian herbal medicine. But the answer is not that simple, particularly as it is widely believed that jamu is nothing more than a powerful aphrodisiac. Mention jamu in Asia and reactions vary from total dismissal and distrust, to amusement, knowing smiles or perhaps a lengthy discourse on its benefits. Even in Indonesia, people cannot agree on a definition. Everyone knows what jamu is, but each person draws the line in a different place between jamu, medicine and cosmetics. Each jamu may be applied in more than one way; its use depends on the complaint or need. It can be a herbal drink taken to prevent sickness, the answer to chronic illness or an infusion, distillation, brew or paste to treat lifeless hair.
Jamu has also been described as homeopathic medicine. Certainly, there are similarities: both are holistic and plant-based. But the similarity ends there; homeopathy’s basic principle of diluting the remedy with upwards of 99 parts alcohol hardly fits with jamu-making techniques or Islamic laws on alcohol. Jamu covers a dazzling array of drinks, pills, capsules and powders said to cure nearly every disease known to man. Indonesian Department of Health officials describes it as “any curing mixture that is taken internally”—certainly a neat definition. Healthcare professionals have their own interpretations, whilst many small-scale producers and even large-scale manufacturers categorize their cosmetics and beauty products as jamu.
Jamu can be used on its own or in conjunction with other healing techniques such as massage. Its advantage is that, if correctly administered, it has no side effects and, according to most Javanese, it is highly effective. Despite the diverse range of opinions on this sensitive topic, there is one common perception—the most popular types of jamu enhance and improve sexual performance.
The Philosophy Behind the Healing
To the outsider, Indonesian herbal medicine appears to be an extremely complex form of healing, combining spiritual, religious, mystical, magical and herbal elements.
Ibu BRA Mooryati Soedibyo, President Director of jamu manufacturer Mustika Ratu and Chairman of the Indonesian Jamu and Traditional Medicine Association tries to summarize it: “Indonesians who believe in God and his powers understand the mythology of jamu in people’s lives. God created human beings and provided for their physical health and welfare. According to ecological concepts, nature is meant to prolong life, and life depends on how people use their senses and instincts. Instincts teach us that if there is darkness there must be light; if there is disease there must be a cure; if there is poison there must be an antidote.”
Islam (and Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world) embraces the concept that healing the sick is the highest form of service to God. The Qur’an states: “Nature has been created by God for humankind to exploit and use for its good purposes.... God sent down a treatment for every ailment.” In this way, both religion and the natural world are harnessed for the making of jamu.
However, even before Islam came to Indonesia in the 14th century, the maintenance of inner and outer harmony was considered essential to good health. Thus, when Islam arrived, it simply reinforced these beliefs. Being ill in the spiritual sense is an ailment for which the average Westerner would not take medicine; but, according to both Javanese and Balinese understanding of ‘health’, there are many different ‘cures’ (just as there are many different causes) for such ailments.
THE MOST POPULAR JAMU TYPES
Acnarin, for removing pimples and marks on face; produced by Jamu Indonesia Simona.
Antangin, for the common cold; produced by Deltomed Laboratories.
Busterin, for increasing and beautifying the bust, and for stimulating lactation in breast-feeding mothers; produced by Jamu Indonesia Simona.
em kapsul, for women’s health and pains in menstruation; produced by Jamu Borobudur.
esha, to increase spirits and stamina; produced by Jamu Jago.
galian putri, for women’s all-round health and beauty; produced by Jamu Air Mancur, Nyonya Meneer.
Jamu Temu lawak, a mild antiseptic wash to help prevent food poisoning; produced by Nyonya Meneer (see above).
kurkumino, to protect and help the function of the liver; produced by Jamu Ibu.
masuk Angin, to prevent influenza; produced by Jamu Cap Jago, Jamu Sido Muncul, Nyonya Meneer.
mustika rapet, for good sexual health and performance; produced by Jamu Air Mancur.
pegal linu, for rheumatism; produced by Jamu Cap Jago, Jamu Air Mancur, Nyonya Meneer, Jamu Sido Muncul, Jamu Sari Ayu.
prolipid, for reducing cholesterol; produced by Indofarma.
ralinu, to relieve pain, fatigue and muscle stiffness; produced by Jamu Air Mancur.
Sehat lelaki, for keeping men in prime form; produced by Jamu Sido Muncul.
Susut perut, to firm the tummy; produced by Berial Sumber Medica, Jamu Sari Ayu, Mustika Ratu.
wulandari, a fertility treatment; produced by Jamu Sari Ayu.
A JAMU GENDONG IN THE CAPITAL CITY
Thirty-five year old Ibu Jatiatun, or Bu Atun as she is known, is a typical example of a jamu gendong working in a large city. She came originally from a small village near Semarang, an area that is famous for its jamu. Because she did not perform well academically, she dropped out of school when she was 10, something she now bitterly regrets. Fortunately, thanks to an aunt who
