Chapter Two: Jamu in Daily Life "DESPITE THE DIVERSE RANGE OF OPINIONS ON THIS SENSITIVE TOPIC, THERE IS ONE COMMON PERCEPTION--THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF JAMU ARE USED TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE SEXUAL PERFORMANCE" So, what exactly is jamu? An easy reply to this question is jamu is Indonesian herbal medicine. But the answer is not that simple, particularly as it is widely believed that jamu is nothing more than a powerful aphrodisiac. Mention jamu in Asia and reactions vary from total dismissal and distrust, to amusement, knowing smiles or perhaps a lengthy discourse on its benefits. Even in Indonesia, people cannot agree on a definition. Everyone knows what jamu is, but each person draws the line in a different place between jamu, medicine and cosmetics. Each jamu may be applied in more than one way; its use depends on the complaint or need. It can be an herbal drink taken to prevent sickness, the answer to chronic illness or an infusion, distillation, brew or paste to treat lifeless hair. Jamu has also been described as homeopathic medicine.

Certainly, there are similarities: both are holistic and plant-based. But the similarity ends there; homeopathy's basic principle of diluting the remedy with upwards of 99 parts alcohol hardly fits with jamu-making techniques or Islamic laws on alcohol. Jamu covers a dazzling array of drinks, pills, capsules and powders said to cure nearly every disease known to man. Indonesian Department of Health officials describe it as "any curing mixture that is taken internally"--certainly a neat definition. Healthcare professionals have their own interpretations, whilst many small-scale producers and even large-scale manufacturers categorize their cosmetics and beauty products as jamu. Jamu can be used on its own or in conjunction with other healing techniques such as massage. Its advantage is that, if correctly administered, it has no side effects and, according to most Javanese, it is highly effective.