The Jamu tradition
Centuries of botanical intelligence
Jamu is Indonesia’s centuries-old healing tradition — herbal wisdom passed from royal courts to family kitchens, one generation to the next. Every JUARA ritual begins with a botanical that has earned its place in that history. Here is where each one comes from, why it works, and how it is still used in Indonesia today.
Our Core Ingredients
Where it comes from
A member of the ginger family grown throughout Java and Sumatra, turmeric has been cultivated in Indonesia for thousands of years and sits at the heart of almost every Jamu recipe.
Why it's healthy
Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Applied to skin, it helps calm redness, protect against environmental stress and support an even, radiant tone.
In Jamu today
Turmeric is still stirred fresh into jamu kunyit asam, a tonic drunk across Indonesia, and remains a staple in the Lulur beauty ritual — where a fresh turmeric paste is massaged into the skin before bathing.
Where it comes from
A warming root native to Southeast Asia, ginger has been grown in Indonesia's volcanic soil for generations and is central to daily Javanese cooking and medicine alike.
Why it's healthy
A natural astringent with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, ginger helps refine pores, reduce excess oil and calm the inflammation that contributes to breakouts and premature ageing.
In Jamu today
Ginger is simmered into wedang jahe, Indonesia's everyday ginger tonic, taken to aid digestion and circulation — the same warming, purifying quality it brings when massaged into skin.
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Where it comes from
Grown across the Indonesian archipelago, tamarind's tart fruit has long been prized in both the kitchen and the beauty ritual, especially in Java.
Why it's healthy
Naturally rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, tamarind gently softens and brightens skin, helping to smooth texture and support a more even, luminous complexion over time.
In Jamu today
Tamarind water remains a household toner in Indonesia, patted onto skin after bathing, and is a key ingredient in jamu kunyit asam, drunk for its cleansing effect from within.
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Where it comes from
Native to the Indonesian islands, the candlenut tree produces an oil-rich nut once burned as a candle — a leaf wick threaded through its centre — which is how it earned its name.
Why it's healthy
Rich in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, candlenut oil is deeply moisturising and non-greasy, helping to mend rough or chapped skin and restore a soft, supple feel.
In Jamu today
Candlenut oil is still used in traditional Indonesian body treatments and spa rituals today, valued for the same nourishing, protective qualities that made it a household staple for centuries.
Where it comes from
Rice has been Indonesia's staple crop and cultural centrepiece for over a thousand years, and rice water has an equally long history as a beauty ritual across Java and Bali.
Why it's healthy
Rich in natural vitamin E and essential fatty acids, rice gently cleanses and hydrates without stripping the skin, while its natural enzymes support a smoother, more even texture.
In Jamu today
Rice water is still splashed onto skin and hair in villages across Indonesia today, and fermented rice remains a prized ingredient in traditional Javanese beauty preparations.
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Where it comes from
Native to Indonesia's Maluku Islands — historically known as the Spice Islands — clove was once among the most valuable commodities in the world, driving centuries of trade through the archipelago.
Why it's healthy
Clove flower is rich in eugenol, a compound valued for its soothing, moisturising and antioxidant properties, helping to support skin's natural barrier and comfort.
In Jamu today
Clove is still hand-harvested across the Maluku Islands and used throughout Indonesia in traditional remedies for its warming, protective qualities.
Where it comes from
Indonesia is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and coffee has long held a place in Indonesian culinary and wellness culture beyond the cup.
Why it's healthy
Finely ground coffee offers natural exfoliation, while caffeine applied topically provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, leaving skin revived, smoother and more awake.
In Jamu today
Ground coffee is still used in traditional Indonesian body scrubs and spa treatments today, prized for the same energising, polishing effect it has always offered.
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Where it comes from
Grown in the highlands of Java and Sumatra, fermented black tea has been part of Indonesian daily life and herbal tradition for generations.
Why it's healthy
Rich in antioxidants, fermented black tea helps protect skin from environmental stress while supporting hydration, making it a gentle, everyday ally for skin's resilience.
In Jamu today
Tea remains an Indonesian daily ritual in its own right, and fermented tea extracts are woven into modern Jamu-inspired routines for their protective, calming qualities.
