Turmeric, Ginger and Lemon Tonic Tea

Turmeric is traditionally called the "Indian Saffron" or “poor man’s saffron” due to its color. I mentioned before that turmeric is a great defense against Alzheimer’s disease. This anti-inflammatory, free-radical-fighting antioxidant-rich curry spice contains an anti-cancer compound called curmumin which produces almost no toxicity compared to over-the-counter drugs.

Turmeric is also a liver tonic. The liver is the second largest organ in the body and has many important functions. Sadly, our liver has been abused from all types of food, medications and external toxins. If you’ve been experiencing digestive problems, constipation, low energy output, arthritis, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, infertility, insomnia or acne outbreaks, one of things you can do is to take care of your liver. And drinking a liver tonic such as this tea will help your liver get back to normal.



This tea will awaken your digestive fire. Digestive fire refers to the overall health and activity of your digestive system. If your digestive fire is stagnant or diminished, you’ll experience digestive problems such as constipation which leads to increased accumulations of toxins. When there’s accumulation of toxins, it will lead to different kinds of disease. Avoiding cold drinks, sweets, alcohol, caffeine and other liver exhausting substances such as eating too many proteins and carbohydrates, overeating and even lack of exercise will bring your digestive fire back.

Other benefits of turmeric tea:

• Body and liver detoxifier
• Boost immunity by improving liver function
• Cleanses and purifies the blood
• Eases symptoms of coughs and colds
• Improves circulation in the body
• Improves skin complexion
• Prevents internal bleed clotting
• Protects liver tissue
• Reduces bad cholesterol
• Reduces inflammation – such as all types of arthritis and other inflammation
• Stimulates secretion of bile which helps break down fat

These are just some of the healing properties of turmeric but it all goes back to the healing roots of turmeric – as a liver tonic. When you cleanse your liver, you might notice that your digestive system is working better, your bowel movement is regular, you lose excess weight, you have clearer skin and bright eyes, you're sleeping better and many others.

The addition of ginger doubles the anti-inflammatory effect. Always have ginger at home because it works wonders for our body and helps fight off bacteria when you’re suffering from stomach flu or diarrhea. It is also a very effective digestive aid and it’s great for arthritis. Here's a great ginger post Spicy Sweet Find: Fresh Ginger by Marillyn Beard (@Just Making Noise).



Lemon is a another great detoxifier. Upon waking up in the morning, it’s good to drink a glass of warm water with a few drops of lemon juice. If you drink a lot of lemon juice, it would be wise to rinse your mouth with water because the acidity of the lemon can corrode the teeth.

Now, to prepare fresh turmeric root, it is best to wear disposable gloves and be prepared to have all your utensils stained with yellow. So, preparing a solution of baking soda, white vinegar and water to wash everything that has been stained with turmeric is a great idea. If turmeric could stain everything, it could also stain your teeth. So, brush your teeth after drinking this tea. (Your toothbrush will be stained too). Since fresh turmeric root is hard to find for some, just use the ground turmeric. They will still work wonders and you still need to be careful when using them. :)

Here’s a short video below on how to prepare turmeric from Rouxbe Online Cooking School.

Rouxbe Online Cooking School & Video Recipes

Preacautions:
Although turmeric and ginger is good for you, avoid taking large doses most especially if you have gallstones, bleeding disorders, overly acidic stomach or are pregnant or nursing. Also avoid large doses if you are taking any medication that contains blood thinner. The following recipe yield 4 cups and can be drank in one day without any side effects.



Turmeric, Ginger and Lemon Tonic Tea

¼ cup grated fresh turmeric root (or 1 tbsp ground turmeric)
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger root
4 cups water
1 lemon
¼ cup agave nectar or honey

To prepare the tea, peel and grate the turmeric and the ginger root. Place in a soup pot and add water. Bring to mixture to a boil and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Strain the mixture into a clean glass container. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.

Then, juice the lemon and pour into the turmeric tea along with the agave nectar or honey.

This infusion can also be drunk at room temperature.


Enjoy the liver tonic.