Empon-empon: benefits, recipes, and the relationship with covid

The popularity of herbal medicine in Indonesia has skyrocketed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting from tamarind turmeric, wedang, to empon-empon which was popularized by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, all of them are claimed to strengthen the immune system in warding off coronavirus infection.

Herbal drinks such as jamu have always been a weapon for Indonesian society to fight disease. The ingredients are believed to provide many health benefits, including maintaining immunity. During this time of the pandemic, empon-empon became one of the most popular drinks.

What is empon-empon?

According to Indonesia Dictionary (KBBI), empon-empon is a rhizome that is used as a traditional herb. Rhizome is a plant stem that spreads underground. This stem produces buds upward and roots downward.

Some of the kitchen spices that you use every day are classified as rhizomes. Examples of rhizomes include ginger, lemongrass and galangal. Kencur, turmeric, and ginger which are often processed into herbal medicine are also included in this plant group.

The rhizomes used to make empon-empon vary widely, but the most common ingredients are ginger, ginger, and lemongrass (lemongrass). This drink is usually also added with brown sugar, granulated sugar, or cinnamon to make it taste better.

If you have ever come across cooking spices in powder form, they are now available in the same form. So, you don't need to boil all the raw materials. Just brew it and add any other ingredients you want.

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Benefits of empon-empon for health

Source: Brooks Cherries

Ginger, turmeric, and ginger which are the ingredients of the empon-empon do provide a number of health benefits. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many people who believe in its properties.

Empon-empon doesn't actually make you immune from COVID-19. This drink also does not ward off coronavirus infection as many have talked about. However, empon-empon can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 in the following ways:

1. Prevent bacterial infection

Ginger contains an active compound called gingerol. These compounds help the body prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of various bacteria, one of which is P. aeruginosa which can infect the urinary tract and respiratory tract.

Apart from bacteria, fresh ginger is also effective in preventing RSV virus infection. This virus attacks the respiratory tract and causes mild cold symptoms. RSV infection usually goes away within a few days, but it can be severe in children.

2. Prevent inflammation

Inflammation is actually useful for fighting infection. However, long-term inflammation actually has a negative impact on the body. The turmeric in the empon-empon can prevent inflammation, even the effect is similar to that of anti-inflammatory drugs.

The compounds in turmeric work by inhibiting the NF-kB molecule. This molecule plays a role in triggering inflammation in body tissues. By stopping the action of NF-kB, chronic inflammation in the body can also be reduced.

3. Protect the body from free radicals

Free radicals can damage body cells and are the forerunners of many chronic diseases. Fortunately, ginger, ginger, and turmeric are very rich in antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants help ward off free radicals and protect cells from damage.

In addition, ginger also increases the work of the antioxidant enzymes that are already present in your body. So, your body not only gets an army of antioxidants from the outside, it also has stronger self-defense.

Recipe for making empon-empon

There are various versions of the empon-empon that you can make. Those of you who don't really like herbal medicine can make a more "modern" version of empon-empon by adding lemon juice, a few drops of olive oil, or other ingredients according to taste.

However, in general, here are the ingredients you need to prepare to make two glasses of empon-empon:

• 300 grams of ginger
• 200 grams of ginger
• Kencur to taste
• Turmeric to taste
• 2 pandan leaves
• 4 lemongrass stalks
• 4 sticks of cinnamon
• 300 mL of water
• 2 pieces of brown sugar, crushed or thinly sliced

How to make:

1. Clean all ingredients. Slice ginger, ginger, kencur, and turmeric. Lemongrass is quite crushed a little.
2. Put all the ingredients in a saucepan, then boil it until it boils.
3. Turn off the heat, then let stand for a moment until all the ingredients are absorbed.
4. Pour the empon-empon into a glass. Use a filter to separate the herbs from the rhizome dregs. Serve warm.

Empon-empon is not a magic potion that can protect you from COVID-19. However, this drink still provides health benefits. So, there is nothing wrong with occasionally consuming empon-empon so that the body is always in shape.

Meanwhile, the best way to prevent transmission is to wash your hands and limit your distance from other people. Use a mask when traveling, and eat more nutritious food to keep the body healthy during a pandemic.