The traditional drink that powers Indonesia

admin 2023年3月2日

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

local /LOH-kuhl/

[noun] – someone who lives in the area you are talking about
I asked the local if he knew where the post office was, and he pointed me in the right direction.

elite /ih-LEET/

[noun] – people who are the best, richest, most powerful, etc.
The club was expensive to join, so it was only open to the elite members of society who could afford the high fees.

blend /blend/

[noun] – two or more things that are put together
I love the blend of different spices in this curry; it gives it a unique flavor that I’ve never tasted before.

immune system /ih-MYOON SIS-tuhm/

[noun] – the system that fights infection or disease in your body
Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep are important for maintaining a strong immune system and fighting off infections.

refreshing /ri-FRESH-ing/

[adjective] – making you feel less hot or tired
After a long and tiring hike, jumping into the cool, refreshing water of the lake was a welcome relief.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

In the lush green hills of Indonesia, there is a drink that has been powering the locals for centuries. It is called “jamu,” and it is a traditional herbal drink made from a mix of plants and spices that have been used for their medicinal properties since ancient times.

Jamu has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient kingdom of Mataram in the 8th century. Back then, jamu was prepared by royal healers and was only available to the elite. However, over time, the drink became more widely available, and people began to develop their own recipes, using the plants and spices that were readily available in their region. Today, there are hundreds of different jamu recipes, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and benefits. What makes jamu so special is not just its taste but also its health benefits. The herbs and spices used in jamu have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can help boost the immune system and prevent diseases. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in jamu include turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and lemongrass, each with its own unique properties.

In conclusion, jamu is more than just a refreshing drink. It is a powerful elixir that has been passed down through generations in Indonesia, with each recipe containing its own unique blend of plants and spices. For those seeking a healthier lifestyle or a natural remedy for various ailments, jamu may be worth trying. So, the next time you find yourself in Indonesia, be sure to try a glass of jamu and taste the ancient drink that powers the nation.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Based on your experience, what other traditional herbal drinks have you tried from different cultures? Could you tell me about it?
Have you ever used natural remedies to treat an ailment? If so, what was it, and did it work? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
Do you agree that people should explore traditional medicine as a potential alternative to modern medicine?
How important do you think it is to preserve and promote traditional medicine in different cultures?
In your opinion, should traditional medicine be integrated into mainstream healthcare systems? Why or why not?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

medicinal
kingdom
ingredient
anti-inflammatory
ancient