Are there any health benefits in taking Jamu?
What is Jamu?
Jamu is a traditional herbal medicine popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. While there is no fixed recipe, natural materials such as roots, bark, flowers, seeds, leaves and fruits are used as ingredients. Vendors and advocates claim a range of health benefits ranging from curing chronic illness to tightening your vagina! As such Jamu is increasingly being commercialised as the rich and famous cash in.
Does Jamu work?
There is NO concrete scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of Jamu to treat diseases.
Many people take Jamu due to testimony and experience from the older generations. However, there are no high-quality clinical studies and clinical trials (studies on humans) to prove that Jamu works. Most existing studies are early-stage studies in the test tubes or on animals.
Risks
Concerns from the scientific community around Jamu focus around whether it is safe and hygienic for human consumption. There is a lack of research into the safety and efficacy of the ingredients. My biggest concern is when mass-produced traditional herbal medicines claim significant health benefits or promise miracle cures without a complete clinical study.
There is an increasing number of cases of Jamu being mixed with prescription drugs, such as steroids, for their additional benefits. However, doctors consider risks and benefits when prescribing a drug and monitor for side effects whilst being taken. When drugs are included in the ingredients of Jamu there can be potentially dangerous consequences for consumers. Also, the active ingredients in Jamu may interact with other medications.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia has withdrawn many Jamu products from the market due to impurities and the presence of steroids in the ingredients.
Based on a study done on 25 samples of Jamu in Indonesia, 23 samples contain alkenylbenzenes. These are toxic to the human body if taken for more than 14 days and can cause liver damage or even liver cancer.
Demeaning advertisements to women
Some adverts for Jamu can be very demeaning to women, taking advantage of their insecurity. For example, “Buy this Jamu, so you will have a tight vagina, and your husband will not run away or marry another woman”. Considering that Malaysia has a conservative Muslim population, I am surprised that such advertisement is widely promoted on mainstream media, social media and large billboards.
Can Jamu rejuvenate your vagina and tighten your vagina?
No.
The best way to tighten your pelvic muscles is to do Kegel exercises! They are very easy and can be done while you’re sitting watching TV or while sitting in a car. For more information
watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C8uoq98x2A
or read this article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/bladder-and-bowel/step-by-step-guide-to-performing-kegel-exercises
If you still want to take Jamu, take it at your own risk! But please make sure that you discuss with your local doctor.
So, what do you need to do to become healthy?
The simplest way for most of us to be healthy is a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and regular exercise. Please consult your doctor if you have a diagnosed medical condition.
You can read about how to eat well here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/
Based on research studies, regular exercise can help to prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease. You can read about recommended exercise here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
References