Wedang uwuh is a traditional drink native to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It looks like a pile of garbage, so many people call it "wedang sampah". This drink is made from natural herbs that give off a distinctive spice aroma, red in appearance, has a spicy-sweet taste, and provides a sensation of warmth.

High in Antioxidants

Wedang uwuh is made from a mixture of natural herbs, such as cinnamon leaves, nutmeg leaves, clove leaves and fruits, sappan wood, and ginger. Each ingredient contained in wedang uwuh is high in antioxidants (counteracts free radicals) and is beneficial as an immunomodulator (boosts the immune system).

• Ginger: contains gingerol and shogaol which have high antioxidant activity.

• Sappan wood: contains brazilin which contributes to antioxidant activity and gives wedang uwuh its red color.

• Clove: contains eugenol which has strong antioxidant activity

• Nutmeg: contains eugenol which is beneficial to increase antioxidant capacity

• Cinnamon leaf: contains sinamaldehyde, tannins, and eugenol which contribute to the abundance of antioxidant content

Wedang uwuh is rich in antioxidants and good for the immune system

Health Benefits

Not only is wedang uwuh high in antioxidants, but it also has health benefits. Each of its ingredients has its own role in preventing and protecting the body from various diseases, so don't be fooled by its appearance alone. Here's a brief explanation.

1. Ginger

Treats morning sickness (especially for pregnant women), aids weight loss, reduces pain in osteoarthritis conditions (especially in the knees), lowers blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels, treats indigestion, reduces menstrual pain, lowers cancer risk, improves brain ability, antibacterial, and antifungal.

2. Sappanwood

Antibacterial, helps fight skin problems, treats allergies, anticonvulsant, and improves heart health.

3. Cloves

Anticancer, antibacterial, improves liver health, controls blood sugar levels, improves bone health, and reduces stomach ulcers.

4. Nutmeg

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, increases libido, improves heart health, helps control blood sugar levels, and improves mood.

5. Cinnamon

Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, lowers the risk of heart disease, improves insulin sensitivity, helps lower blood sugar levels.

Each ingredient in wedang uwuh has health benefits

Wedang Uwuh Recipe

There are various wedang uwuh recipes that you can try, either with or without the use of sugar cubes. But this time, Fitie presents one of the complete recipes quoted from the Orami page.

1. Ingredients

• 1 Liter of water

• 80 grams of rock sugar

• 40 grams dried sappan wood shavings

• 6 cm ginger

• 2 dried cinnamon leaves

• 3 dried clove leaves

• 3 dried nutmeg leaves

• 10 cloves

2. How to make

• Smash ginger that has been previously burned, then put water in a pot.

• Add ginger, cloves, clove leaves, cinnamon leaves, nutmeg leaves, sappan wood shavings, ginger, and rock sugar.

• Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until boiling.

• Remove from heat and pour into a glass.

So, the traditional drink wedang uwuh has a myriad of benefits despite its appearance that looks like a pile of red garbage. The high level of antioxidants in wedang uwuh is beneficial for warding off free radicals and boosting the immune system. Therefore, it can be a good choice for consumption. Ladies, have you tried it yet?

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