You can’t come to Indonesia without seeing Jamu; it’s everywhere, and its vibrant orange color is hard to miss. Intrigued by this traditional herbal medicine, I followed a recommendation from a local connection I made during my yoga teacher training and headed to Nadis Herbal.
Nestled in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Nadis Herbal offers a hidden gem for health and wellness enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike—the Jamu Making Workshop.
This experience provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of traditional Balinese herbal medicine. If you’re seeking an authentic cultural experience that also promotes well-being, this workshop is a must-try.
What is Jamu?
Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine that has been used for centuries as an alternative treatment for various ailments.
The drink is known for its vibrant orange color, Jamu is a staple in Indonesian daily life. Plus, it offers benefits ranging from boosting immunity to enhancing skin health.
Curious about this intriguing elixir, I decided to explore the Jamu Making Workshop.
But to my surprise we didn’t just make Jamu, we learned about more traditional Indonesian herbal medicines, creating our own body scrub, body oil, and body mask.
It was a day filled with learning and self-care fueled by the healing ingredients that come from the Indonesian land. It’s an absolute must-try for any wellness enthusiasts heading to Ubud, Bali.
Nadis Herbal in Ubud, Bali
Founded in 2011, Nadis Herbal was inspired by the efforts of small farmers in Bali who are dedicated to preserving native Balinese medicinal plants.
I Made Westi and Ni Wayan Lilir, the pioneers behind Nadis Herbal, come from farming families. They are committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of local herbal plant farmers.
Their academic background in Balinese medicine from the Ayurvedic Health Faculty at the Hindu University of Indonesia adds a layer of expertise that makes Nadis Herbal a trusted name in the field.
A Glimpse into the Workshop
Upon arrival at Nadis Herbal, I was welcomed into a world where ancient traditions meet modern wellness practices.
The table was set with a beautiful array of herbs, flowers and oils. A stone pestle and mortar awaited to be dirtied, and a warm cup of herbal tea was served as I was instructed to put the apron on that was provided- it was time to get messy.
Rather than learning about Jamu and Balinese herbal medicines by lecture, I was put to work as they explained why we used each ingredient. The workshop covered the making of four traditional Jamu products:
Jamu Drink
We learned how to make the iconic turmeric drink that’s packed with health benefits. The process was both enlightening and delicious, as we discovered the secrets behind this traditional elixir.
Cutting up turmeric, galangal and mixing in tamarind for a hint of tang, and palm sugar to sweeten it up. Then it’s blended, filtered, and boiled on low for about 30 minutes before serving.
INGREDIENTS: TURMERIC, GALANGAL, TAMARIND, PALM SUGAR
BENEFITS: ANTISEPTIC, TONIC, BLOOD CLEANER, ANTI-CANCER, WARMING, ANTI-FUNGAL, ENERGIZER, SLIMMING
Body Scrub (Balinese Boreh)
For the body scrub, we not only made it, we actually got to experience it firsthand. The lovely people at Nadis scrubbed us down with the self-made traditional exfoliating scrub used in Bali for generations. It was incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. We learned that if the scrub dries on the body within 10-20 minutes that a sign you’re in good health, but if you’re not it can take up to an hour to dry.
To make this scrub we ground all the ingredients and then used immediately, since it only has a 2-3 day shelf life.
INGREDIENTS: RICE, GINGER, AROMATIC GALANGAL, GALANGAL, NUTMEG, CORIANDER, CLOVE
BENEFITS: EXFOLIANT, STIMULATES NERVOUS SYSTEM, AIDS DIGESTION,WARMING RELIEVES ITCHING, ANTI-FUNGAL, HELPS WITH SLEEP, RELAXING, ANTISEPTIC
Body Oil
We created our own aromatic body oil, perfect for relaxation and skin nourishment. This floral delight became my favorite souvenir, and I was excited to put it in my hair to bring back some vitality, especially after dealing with the effects of the Bali water.
Making this was surprisingly easy, we just put everything into the pot and boiled on low for 15 minutes.
INGREDIENTS: YLANG-YLANG PETALS, CEMPAKA PETALS, PANDANUS PETALS, COCONUT OIL
BENEFITS: HELPS FIGHT INFECTIONS, APHRODISIAC, CALMING, BALANCING, UPLIFTING, AROMATIC, HYDRATING
Body Mask
The body mask was another highlight. The Nadis team applied the luxurious mask to us in the store, after they had washed off the scrub. It left my skin feeling absolutely rejuvenated.
To make this traditional herbal mask you just put corn and aloe in a blender and blend. You can add cucumber as well if you’d like.
INGREDIENTS: CORN, ALOE
BENEFITS: DRAWS OUT TOXINS AND SMOOTHS SKIN, SKIN TONIC
The detailed explanations of each step, including the composition and function of the ingredients used, ensured that I not only learned how to make these products but also understood their benefits and applications.
This hands-on, immersive experience at Nadis Herbal was truly unforgettable. Blending traditional wisdom with modern wellness practices in the most relaxing and informative way.
If you’re headed to Ubud, and are interested in traditional herbal medicine or wellness travel make sure to book your workshop at Nadis.
