Page 40 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

Other interesting jamu in Bu Atun’s repertoire are Jamu Tujuh Laos, which helps cure
rheumatism; Jamu Sehat Wanita recommended for women’s health; as well as jamu for amenorrhoea,
and a recipe for coughs. She also makes a mix called Cekok, which is produced from a base of Beras
Kencur. Although this tastes terrible, it helps small children get back their appetite after an illness.
People who are overweight or women wishing to tighten their stomachs also seek her help.
She prepares concoctions from starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) for lowering high blood pressure, and
other brews to raise it. Bu Atun suggests patients should consult a medical doctor if they are
seriously ill, but says many people prefer to take the jamu gendong ’s advice for such chronic
problems as migraine or white discharge.
Since moving to Jakarta, Bu Atun has been able to earn a better living than she would have
done if she had stayed in her village. She also sets aside either Thursday or Sunday to perform
massage—her grandmother taught her urut (see page 94)—which brings in extra money. Although
most of the massages are not meant specifically for healing, Bu Atun does perform a special massage
for women with sagging or painful wombs which she—and many of her patients—consider very
effective.
Considering the substantial weight of a fully laden basket of jamu, I asked how long Bu Atun
felt she would—and could—continue this work.
“As long as I’m strong enough, I’ll keep going.” was her confident reply.

A Holistic Approach
Jamu is a holistic therapy. The concept of harmony—balance between a person
and their environment, or the balance between the hot and cold elements in the