Similar to Jamu, Herbal Drinks Have Their Own Advantages!

Do you think jamu and herbal drinks are the same? It’s understandable—both are made from spices, roots, and medicinal plants that often overlap. However, herbal drinks actually have unique advantages that make them increasingly popular. From hygienic processing methods to more pleasant flavors, while still offering proven health benefits supported by research, herbal drinks are now more than just a cultural heritage—they’ve become an essential part of today’s healthy lifestyle.

A Brief Introduction to Jamu and Herbal Drinks

Jamu is Indonesia’s traditional herbal medicine, practiced for centuries to maintain health and treat illness (Elfahmi et al., 2014). Its preparation typically involves selecting and washing raw herbal ingredients, then grinding them (by pounding or blending) before boiling or steeping them in water.

In contrast, herbal drinks are more often used to describe modern herbal-based products such as herbal teas, instant ginger or lemongrass drinks, and beautifully packaged dried flower infusions. Herbal drinks can be seen as the “younger generation” of jamu—fresher, more practical, and better suited to modern tastes.

Similarities

Both jamu and herbal drinks share the same foundation: natural ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, and other medicinal leaves. Their goals are also aligned—to support health, boost stamina, and help prevent disease.

Key Differences

From the introduction above, the differences lie mainly in their definition and preparation. Jamu is closely associated with “medicine,” which can make it feel too heavy for daily consumption. Herbal drinks, on the other hand, are positioned as lighter, more approachable beverages that can be enjoyed anytime.

Advantages of Modern Herbal Drinks

Practical and Contemporary
Unlike jamu, which usually needs to be boiled or purchased from a street vendor, modern herbal drinks are available as instant powders or tea bags. They’re practical, hygienic, and easy to store—perfect for today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle.

Hygienic and Standardized
Many modern herbal drink products undergo quality testing, BPOM certification, and some are even labeled as functional foods thanks to their measurable bioactive compounds (Estiasih et al., 2025, Journal of Ethnic Foods). This makes them more acceptable to global consumers.

Rich in Bioactive Compounds
Herbal drinks are not just jamu alternatives—they’re also rich sources of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other functional compounds that support overall health. A study in Nutrients (Studzińska-Sroka et al., 2021) shows that herbal infusions can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases due to their bioactive content.

More Flavor Options
While jamu is often associated with bitterness, herbal drinks are now crafted with more palatable flavors—such as honey, lemon, or aromatic herbal teas. Unsurprisingly, younger generations find them more enjoyable and easier to consume regularly.

Aligned with a Healthy Lifestyle
In today’s wellness era, people seek products that are both healthy and stylish. Herbal drinks are often marketed as detox beverages, immune boosters, or natural diet drinks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumption of herbal drinks in Indonesia surged significantly, as many believed they could strengthen the immune system (Harfiani, 2021, PMC).

Health Benefits of Herbal Drinks

Herbal drinks offer a wide range of tangible health benefits, including:

• Antioxidant properties: Herbal teas from dried flowers, ginger, or cinnamon are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and slow cellular aging.
  
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger have been proven to reduce inflammation.
  
• Immune support: Traditional herbal blends, now produced in modern forms, remain effective in boosting immunity (Jurnal Jamu Indonesia, 2020).
• Cardiometabolic health: Several studies suggest that herbal drinks may help lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and protect liver function.
  

Conclusion

If jamu is the root of tradition, herbal drinks are the innovation that keeps this health heritage alive. With hygienic processing, friendlier flavors, and health benefits supported by research, herbal drinks are more than just beverages—they’re a smart choice for nurturing the body while preserving culture. So, why not start today by swapping your sugary drink for a refreshing herbal infusion that’s healthier, natural, and on-trend?