The Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing (9780804857734)

Jamu traditional herbal medicine encompasses natural drinks, ointments, lotions and massage

Jamu herbal preparations and treatments are part of an integrated system of inner and outer health and beauty that has been practiced and honed for centuries by Indonesians. This book is the result of ten years of research and over 100 interviews with jamu practitioners and producers-from housewives and home apothecaries to the CEOs of multinational corporations who produce jamu products for export. It is designed for anyone who is interested in traditional herbal medicine, health and beauty.

Jamu treatments have been used in Indonesia since at least the 16th century but until recently were unknown in the west. How, when and where were these treatments developed and used? What is so special about them and why are they now becoming popular in spas and health retreats worldwide? In the pages of this book, you'll learn about:

• The secret world of ancient Javanese palaces where Indonesian jamu was perfected
• Healers and jamu makers whose skills have been passed down for generations
• Dozens of age-old remedies, recipes and treatments that can be used safely at home
• Detailed information about the natural herbs and ingredients used in jamu preparations
• How jamu is sold traditionally, and the female pioneers of the modern jamu industry
• And many other fascinating topics!

This book is the result of ten years of research and over 100 interviews with jamu practitioners and producers-from housewives and home apothecaries to CEOs of multinational corporations who produce jamu products for export. It is designed for anyone interested in holistic medicine, health and beauty.

The Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing is lavishly illustrated with over 96 color and 10 B&W photographs and is the first definitive reference in English on this exotic and practical healthcare system. Includes some sample remedy recipes and a resource guide on where to buy ingredients


About the Author:
Susan-Jane Beers is an Irish-born writer with a background in public relations and journalism. Educated in England, she worked in London until 1987 then moved to Asia. While living in Indonesia in the 1990s, she became interested in Indonesian traditional medicine when it solved a chronic ailment she had within days. This led her to embark on ten years of in-depth research into the archipelago's traditional health and beauty treatments; the result is this book. Beers also writes for regional magazines, including Artention, The Peak and B International in Hong Kong and Expat magazine in Singapore.