Turmeric Tamarind Jamu with Betel Leaves

Turmeric is the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh, coming in a perennial plant of the ginger family, and its mustard yellow powder is commonly used as a culinary spice in South Asia. However, Turmeric also has an active medicinal ingredient called Curcumin which has many anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. It has been used to treat everyday problems such as indigestion and flatulence, as well as more serious problems such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, high cholesterol, heartburn, jaundice, liver disorders, and menstrual disorders. Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to reduce inflammation and to relieve wounds, cuts, and bruises.

Moderate use of Turmeric powder as part of regular diet is fairly safe, and recent studies have found that a dosage of 500mg capsules of Turmeric three times per day is safe. However, prolonged consumption of high doses of Turmeric extract may cause stomach or liver distress, as well as dehydration and constipation. Therefore, it should be avoided by people with gallstones or bile obstructions. If you are currently taking blood thinners (including Aspirin), you should consult your doctor before taking Turmeric since it is an anti-platelet (prevents blood clots).

Turmeric usage in Indonesia as one of acidic drinks / Indonesian traditional herbal medicine is very common. One example is as in turmeric tamarind jamu. Jamu basically means “tonic” or “cure-all” and is a system of local healings throughout Indonesia. 

Jamu : {traditional medicinal concoctions made of herbs and plants} 

Most jamu are elixirs, but some can be body treatments such as creams or poultices. In this jamu, fresh turmeric root is juiced then mixed with turmeric juice, Betel leaves (Piper betle), honey, lime juice and water to create a refreshing, earthy drink. The brightly coloured turmeric stains your tongue a little bit but you can feel it seeping through your body doing good things to you. This jamu is common for women who are having incoming period to cope with pain and also after the period. Remember that the content of turmeric tamarind jamu can be trusted to cope with various diseases. This drink can be consumed regularly and definitely healthy. 

This herbal drink also has betel leaves in its ingredients. To read about betel leaves read here.

Ingredients :

200 gram turmeric root, grated
200 gram seedles wet tamarind
5-8 pcs betel leaves
1 tsp salt
honey/sugar as sweetener
1/4 cup Fresh lime juice


How to Make :

1. Clean up continues grated turmeric or blender. Then filtered and take the water.
2. Boil the juice of turmeric, add tamarind, betel leaves and stir occasionally. Turn off the heat, then add sugar/honey and salt to boiling while in stir.
3. Chill. Add lime juice. Herbs turmeric tamarind jamu ready to drink, can also add ice cubes.