Looking good is a way of life for every Indonesian woman. Traditional beauty secrets are taught alongside the philosophy that a woman is responsible for maintaining her own health and beauty. The art of total beauty, particularly hair care, is recorded in temple reliefs from the 9th to 17th centuries but nobody had access to these secret recipes without royal permission. Only a select few knew which ingredients fashioned the exotic potions of the kraton. Although the palaces do not wield the same influences as before, their power within their region still remains strong. Life behind the kraton walls goes on as before, and ordinary people still try to emulate court customs, thus preserving much of the traditional beauty regimen. Much of Jamu's mystical secrets lies in the herbal ingredients that goes into the potions and soaps. 

 [ Madurese women and their beauty secrets ]

Jamu is one of the greatest success stories of the beauty industry, yet it is virtually unknown outside its country of origin, Indonesia. In that country, 80 percent of the population relies on its natural medicinal powers to attain the figure, the complexion, the physical strength or the mood they desire. Broadly speaking, Jamu refers to any kind of traditional medicine. But most people think of Jamu as a herbal beverage with medicinal qualities and swig back a daily glass to achieve their heart's desire - or a few more glasses to cure an ailment already there.

The origins of Jamu are lost in time, though, like most of the country's beauty rituals, it is supposed to have been born in the in central Java where commercial production is still based. The purest forms of Jamu come from the island of Madura, where women reputedly can live to 135 years of age.

In fairytale fashion, the magic Jamu potions - herbs, roots, barks, leaves, honey, fruits, egg yolk and other ingredients' - are handed down verbally from mother to daughter through the generations. It is very much a woman's industry. While the more common mixtures are taken for general health, strength and beauty, there are more than 350 well- known recipes for conditions as varied as skin whitening, kidney stones, malaria and flu. Most popular Jamus contain turmeric for its astringent qualities and tamarind for flavour and blood cleansing. The dried ingredients are usually mixed with water plus a little honey or lime to taste. Under commercial production, the potent plant matter is ground into powder and pill form for convenience. However, a bag of dried herbs from Madura still has the greatest effect and stays potent for five years.
.......................................................................................................................

Jamu Herbal Whitening Soap       
Sumber Madu
Original Madurese product
80 grams - white

This jamu beauty soap is formulated to naturally lighten your skin tone. You will find that the skin becomes fairer and the texture more delicate.

[ Indications ]

1. Reduces melasma
2. Protects the skin from blemishes
3. Softens the skin

[ Directions ]

Massage the soap's lather on the face and the body, let the lather take effect for 1 minute and then rinse with water. 

 [ Madura ]

Cultural forms in Madura are generally speaking similar to those of Java and, looked at from a wider viewpoint, belong to the Java - Bali - Madura - Sunda family. Madurese culture, however, has its own shades and tones, undoubtedly conditioned in part by the harsh landscape and climate. Because of the acrid climate of the land, the Madurese womenfolk have been successful in utilizing the best of the indigenious herbal knowledge to protect and enhance their natural beauty. The people of Madura are well known for their straightforwardness and direct approach, particularly evident in their manner of speech. Often considered rough and un-refined by outsiders, a different picture emerges as soon as one goes a little deeper. It might be fairer to say that the Madurese are hot-blooded and deeply passionate.

　
[ See ]

1. Underarm whitening
2. Nipple whitening