Balinese Goodness

Whilst I was recently in Bali, I was introduced to one of the Balinese gems, "Jamu".

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian tonic made from roots, fruits, seeds and leaves.

The Balinese version that I enjoyed daily, whilst soaking up all things Balinese, consisted of turmeric, ginger, lime, black pepper and honey.

Knowing the amazing healing benefits of each of these ingredients I was keen to try making my own Jamu once I returned home.

So I did!

It's so simple and I just love ingesting the goodness!

I keep my 750ml bottle in the fridge and indulge in a couple of shots daily!

These are the ingredients I used:

• Fresh turmeric – 125 grams

• Fresh ginger – 40 grams

• Black Pepper – a pinch or 1 drop of Young Living Black Pepper essential oil.

• Lime juice – 1 lime (lemon could also be used)

• Honey – 2 tablespoons

• Filtered water – 4 cups (Coconut water could be used to add extra electrolytes)

And here's how to make it:

Rinse and clean your fresh turmeric and ginger with hot water as you won’t be peeling the skin off.

Slice your fresh turmeric and ginger into thin pieces.

Blend the turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and water in a high powered blender for about 1 minute until it’s completely smooth. (I used my NutriBullet)

If you choose to use Black Pepper essential oil, as I did, add this towards the end once your Jamu is beginning to cool down.

Boil. Pour the mixture into a pot and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, then add the lime juice and honey. Give everything a good stir.

Strain. Using a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag, or cloth, strain the mixture and pour it into a glass bottle to refrigerate.

Your Jamu can be further diluted if it is too strong, added to smoothies or juices or made into a hot tonic by adding a small amount to a cup of hot (boiled) water

BENEFITS OF TURMERIC AND GINGER Turmeric and ginger are the main ingredients in this recipe – and for good reason...

TURMERIC There’s no doubt that the turmeric spice has taken over our food industry lately. From lattes to hearty soups, there’s many ways to take advantage of its benefits if used properly. So what are those exactly? Turmeric is most known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. And this is all thanks to its star compound: curcumin. Inflammation is at the root of all disease and antioxidants neutralise harmful molecules called free radicals, hence reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage

Black pepper is included in this recipe because it makes the curcumin more bioavailable (ie it is more easily absorbed by your body).

GINGER Ginger has been used in many cultures around the world for its medicinal properties. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol which reduces inflammation, helping with pain in chronic conditions, an unhappy digestive system and even period pains!

Cheers and Happy Healthy Wishes Always!

Lou 🌸🤗🌸