Like many of us, I feel a deep pull to Bali, especially Ubud, where my first solo journey unfolded in the midst of countless mysteries that still leave me in awe. I feel like Ubud reminds me of my hometown's spirit in Tamil Nadu, India: rituals woven into every corner, connection blooming with anyone you chat with, be it cab drivers or warung owners or friendly locals in the midst of their day to day activities. Daily offerings are everywhere, on sidewalks, tiny temple altars in homes and shops and sometimes even on bikes, such a reminder of reciprocity and our role in giving back to the Divine. It's so easy to get lost in this magic…

Yet, there's also a tender tension here. Tourism rapidly surges forward, often at the expense of local rhythms. "A rice field gives you 1 million IDR but a villa gives you 30 million IDR, who wants the hard labor of farming when hospitality pays more?" shared Gadé, our guide at Sebatu Temple. My Balinese dance teacher, Ni Ketut Karti, added, "Westerners offer retreats at premium prices, but locals cook and clean without fair share." My homestay Elders shared their worry that traditions are fading as the youngins chase economic paths. 

On the other hand, the West seeks the very meaning we're eroding. Such a cosmic irony, isn't it? I sit with this beauty and ache, asking: How do I visit responsibly? What offerings can I bring beyond coins to a culture that nourishes so generously? What's my part in this all?

With these musings, I walk to my local Jamu workshop, Bali’s magical drink of turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and spices that kindle digestion, immunity, and inner fire, much like Ayurveda's warming spices. 

Back in Australia, fresh ingredients like white turmeric, aromatic ginger, red ginger, and elephant turmeric are so hard to find. 

This is where Puji's recipe for powdered Jamu comes in, she invented it to make it accessible for people across the world… Puji and her family gave away free Jamu to hospitals and community centers for 3 years during COVID-19. When a student asked, “How did you afford it?” She responded non-chalantly, “Its our Dharma”

So, here is Puji’s recipe for Jamu Dharma. 

Prepare these powders ahead. Simmer the concoction in your Quiet earth Village pot. 

There are two steps to making this Jamu. 

First - the concoction or tea, to be made just before consumption

Second - the powder preparation

Concoction recipe:

Ingredients:

Lemongrass - 120 gms

Pandan leaves - 2 medium sized leaves

Dry ingredients:

Cinnamon - 10 gms

Cardamom - 10 seeds 

Star anise - 5 pieces

Cloves - 20 pieces 

Black pepper - 20 seeds 

Method:

- Bruise the lemon grass

- In a mortar pestle, coarsely hand pound the dry ingredients

- Place all the ingredients into a clay pot with a lid and bring to a roaring boil with 2.5 litres of water. 

- Once boiled, turn it off and let it cool down. 

- Strain and transfer into a glass bottle. 

This concoction can stay in the fridge for up to a week. 

Jamu powder ingredients:

1 teaspoon ginger powder 

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon Javanese turmeric powder (can be sourced online)

1 teaspoon tamarind paste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon coconut sugar or honey

1 tiny pinch of salt 

Method:

- Mix all of the above ingredients with 200 ml of the concoction, you can either warm it up gently or have it at room temperature. 

- You can also add a dash of milk to it or add the powder to your coffee or tea. 

Puji also chants to her concoction, every step of the way. 

May this Jamu recipe bring your body all the warmth for your body.