A Real Turmeric Latte - Traditional Indonesian Jamu

In the past few years Turmeric Lattes have become quite the 'funky trendy drink'.

But why?

What are the health benefits behind this liquid gold health elixir?

Turmeric and its healing properties have been used in traditional herbal medicine throughout the world for thousands of years.

What we think of as a 'new' health drink in a cafe has been traditionally used throughout daily life in many Asian countries to treat illness and heal the body.

Ive recently returned from a trip to Bali. One of the things that I love most about the country is the traditions they hold.

Traditional herbal medicine using local plants is something that is thought of as 'just common knowledge' and passed down through the generations.

Many things we would see a Medical Herbalist to gain knowledge on treatment, is just simply part of everyday knowledge.

In Bali, Jamu is a traditional healing drink that is made to treat a range of illnesses and promote well being.

In Bali, I had the pleasure of spending time with a beautiful friend who shared with me the Jamu recipe she uses to treat herself and her family.

Traditional Jamu is made from Turmeric and Ginger, with the additional added options of Tamerind, Raw Honey and Lime.

What are the healing benefits?

Benefits of Turmeric Curcumin and its different forms are some of the 100+ components of Turmeric that has shown to have the most active health benefits.

In the last 25 years the amazing health benefits of turmeric have been reported in over 3000 publications

Scientific studies confirm turmerics benefits as a potent:

• Antibacterial

• Antiviral

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-tumour

• Antioxidant

• Antiseptic

• Cardioprotective

• Hepatoprotective

• Nephroprotective

• Radioprotective

• Digestion aid

In Herbal Medicine, I use Turmeric anywhere there is inflammation. Strong acute dosages of Curcumin can work quickly to relieve pain.

Traditionally the benefits of turmeric are achieved through consuming it, even in low doses, over long periods of time.

Ginger

Ginger is an extremely popular food flavouring as well as a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments.

We think of Ginger straight to soothe motion sickness or to flavour meals, however there is so much more to this little powerhouse. I quite often use Ginger to help women with painful periods, or as a digestion aid.

Ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, however the most extensively studied bioactive components include gingerols and shogaols.

Here are a just a few of the benefits of ginger in studies:

• Antinausea

• Anti-inflammatory

• Reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism

• Cardioprotective

• Anti-diabetic

The humble Lemon or Lime Found in most Aussie backyards...

Lemons and limes have a very high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is famous for its antioxidant properties.

In animal studies and laboratory tests with human cells, compounds in citrus fruits, including lemons and limes, called limonoids have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

This juice can be used to boost your immune system when you feel run down, or just as a yummy drink.

How To Make Jamu Juice:

What you will need:

• 1 cup ( roughly ) turmeric peeled and roughly chopped

• 2 Inches ginger root, roughly chopped

• 1 x Litre of water

• 1 x lime or lemon

• 1 x Tablespoon Raw honey (optional for taste) Blender

• Strainer, 'nut bag' or muslin cloth

• Bowl

• Glass jar with lid or bottle

What to do:

• Peel and roughly chop the turmeric and Ginger (Yes... it will colour everything yellow!)

• Add Ginger and Turmeric to blender with 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.

• Pour mixture into a saucepan and add remaining water.

• Simmer for roughly 20 minutes. (Option to add 1 x Tablespoon of Tamerind paste or fresh Tamerind.)

• Remove from the heat and add lime juice and honey to taste.

• Strain through a very fine sieve, nut milk bag or muslin cloth (it will stain), pour into a glass bottle or jar and pop in the fridge.
  

This can be served warm or cold with ice.

For a Creamier Version, you could heat Coconut Milk (or milk of choice) and add the Turmeric Liquid as a 'concentrate' to make a creamy Turmeric Latte

Enjoy!