Long before turmeric lattes became café staples and ginger shots flooded Instagram wellness reels, our grandmothers were already brewing their own health elixirs-straight from their kitchens. In Southeast Asia, herbal remedies are not a trend. They’re tradition.
Across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam, generations have relied on herbal drinks and tonics to stay healthy, boost immunity, or simply feel better after a long day.
Known by many names-jamu, maajun, air herba, salabat-these potions reflect centuries of plant knowledge, cultural practice, and holistic care.
In a time when young Southeast Asians are returning to local wisdom and natural wellness, it's time to look back-and celebrate-this herbal heritage.
What Is Jamu?
Jamu is the Indonesian term for traditional herbal drinks made from turmeric, ginger, galangal, tamarind, rice, cinnamon, and a variety of roots, leaves, and spices. These drinks are usually handmade and consumed daily for health maintenance.
Variants include:
- Kunyit asam (turmeric-tamarind) for digestion and menstrual relief
- Beras kencur (rice with aromatic ginger) for energy and appetite
- Temulawak (Java ginger) for liver health
Jamu isn’t just about drinking something healthy. It’s tied to rituals, family, and community-handed down from one generation to the next. In Indonesia, it's common to find women vendors carrying jamu bottles in woven baskets or selling freshly brewed concoctions at traditional markets.
Malaysia & Brunei: Maajun and Air Herba
While “jamu” is a uniquely Indonesian word, the concept is shared widely across the Malay world.
In Malaysia, traditional herbal remedies are known as air herba (herbal water) or maajun (usually in paste or pill form). These are especially popular for women’s health, particularly postnatal care.
Many Malaysian families still consume air herba made from ingredients like lemongrass, pandan leaves, cloves, and tongkat ali. In the East Coast and northern states, jamu-like tonics are used to ‘buang angin’ (expel gas) and strengthen the body.
In Brunei Darussalam, traditional medicine practices are rooted in Malay healing systems. Herbal drinks are commonly used for energy, internal cleansing, and women’s well-being. While they may not be labeled “jamu,” the cultural function is very similar.
Philippines: Salabat and Folk Healing
In the Philippines, the go-to remedy for sore throat and colds is salabat, a ginger tea brewed with honey and calamansi (local lime). This soothing drink is often consumed by singers, teachers, and anyone who needs to keep their voice in top shape.
Beyond salabat, traditional Filipino healing includes herbal decoctions passed down by albularyo (folk healers). While western medicine dominates urban areas, rural communities still value these remedies as affordable and effective solutions.
Thailand, Laos, and Viet Nam: Herbal Wisdom in Daily Life
In Thailand, herbal drinks and remedies are part of everyday wellness. Drinks like nam krajeab (hibiscus tea) and ya dong (herbal-infused alcohol) are widely consumed. Thai traditional medicine also includes massage with herbal compresses and sauna therapy with infused steam.
In Laos, rural communities make use of plants like lemongrass, ginger, and neem in healing teas and stews, often used alongside Buddhist spiritual rituals.
Viet Nam has a long tradition of herbal tea culture. Drinks like trà gặng (ginger tea), trà sen (lotus tea), and trà atiso (artichoke tea) are consumed both for health and social pleasure. Traditional medicine in Viet Nam combines native wisdom with influences from Chinese medicine.
A Revival Among the Young
Interestingly, herbal wellness isn’t just surviving-it’s thriving.
In Indonesia, startups like Suwe Ora Jamu and Acaraki are bringing jamu to the Instagram generation. Bottled jamu now comes in sleek packaging with modern branding. Jamu cafes in Jakarta and Yogyakarta blend tradition with trendy minimalism.
In Malaysia and Singapore, young entrepreneurs are reviving old family recipes and selling them via TikTok shops or eco-friendly markets. Some brands focus on women’s health, while others promote jamu as a daily immunity booster.
What was once seen as old-fashioned is now being embraced as sustainable, authentic, and proudly local.
Herbal Wisdom, Shared Identity
While the names may differ-jamu, maajun, salabat, nam krajeab-the heart of it remains the same. Across Southeast Asia, people have always turned to nature for healing, strength, and balance.
These traditions are not just about drinking roots and leaves-they're about connecting with our past, respecting our elders, and taking care of ourselves in ways that feel grounded and real.
In a global culture obsessed with superfoods and supplements, jamu and its regional cousins remind us: the original wellness movement might just be in our backyard.
So next time you feel tired, bloated, or just out of sync-skip the overpriced detox. Ask your grandma instead. Chances are, she has the perfect recipe.
