Page 149 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

manufactured jamu are escalating. Although jamu can achieve results on its own,

it works more quickly and effectively when combined with complementary
beauty products. To this end, some jamu companies have developed an
integrated range of jamu, skin care and make-up. Martina Berto is an example.

The company makes a complete range of products using Indonesian herbs
as active ingredients. For normal skin, Sari Ayu Cananga, a cleanser made with
kenanga, prevents dryness and removes any trace of dirt and makeup. A
matching toner heals, moisturizes, cleanses pores and restores the skin’s natural
acid balance. For dry skin, lotions made from fresh essence of Java rose and
other ingredients moisturize and soften the skin.
Olive cream also guards against dryness. For preventing wrinkles and

rejuvenating the skin round the eyes, Mujisat Mata Kejora oil (Miracle Morning
Star Eyes) contains a high concentration of natural oils. The Bidari Laut firming
face mask, made from bitter bidara laut wood, rice starch and honey combined
with an oil-based massage cream, completes the range.

NYONYA MENEER: A BIG NAME IN BEAUTY

The life of Nyonya Meneer, of the original Nyonya Meneer jamu company, perfectly illustrates how
jamu worked to preserve the family unit in the early 1900s. At the age of 16, she became the third
wife of a man who had a reputation as a womaniser. The third Nyonya Meneer was exceedingly
beautiful and the marriage was set for a fairytale future. However, after a short while, Nyonya
Meneer’s mother started hearing the old rumours again.
Concerned for her daughter’s happiness and learning that Nyonya Meneer was pregnant, her