Turmeric as a root has been used in Southeast Asian cuisine for ages, and seemingly, people then were aware of its benefits. A cup of turmeric tea daily has many health benefits. For centuries, practitioners of oriental medicine and Ayurveda have used turmeric as an antiseptic, and it’s known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is a tropical perennial plant grown India and other tropical regions. The botanical name of turmeric is Curcuma longa and it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of the plant kingdom. The name is perhaps derived from the curcumin present in turmeric, which gives it the bright yellow color and its anti-inflammatory properties, although this is still a topic of clinical research.
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote good health and overall well-being. In addition, the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of turmeric are helpful to fight breakouts, acne scars, and further reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands. Moreover, turmeric also helps reduce blood clotting and can be instantly dabbed on wounds to prevent blood flow. When experiencing symptoms of nausea or fatigue, have an invigorating turmeric tea for complete relaxation.
Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea
If turmeric is not a part of your daily diet, try including it in warm water to make tea or add it in milk. Turmeric tea is a simple herbal beverage made with water and fresh turmeric rhizomes. You can flavor your cup of turmeric tea with ginger, honey, black peppercorns, and cinnamon for taste and extra goodness.
According to the SELF Nutrition Data web site, turmeric is very low in sodium and cholesterol. There are 24 calories in 6 grams of turmeric. It has one gram each of protein and dietary fiber. It has vitamins B6, C, E and K, folate, niacin, choline, and betaine.
The minerals in turmeric include potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus with traces of iron, selenium, mangenese, zinc, and sodium. It contains 5.5 milligrams of phytosterol. It also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This potent medicinal root has long been revered in oriental countries like China and India.
Keep reading to know all the health benefits of turmeric tea.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Due to the presence of inflammatory properties, turmeric tea is good for bone health, and treats arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Immunity Booster
The antioxidant components in turmeric tea helps flush out toxic free radicals from the body. Turmeric is a natural detoxifier. It naturally cleans and detoxifies the liver, thus improving immunity.
3. Cancer Prevention
Studies reveal that turmeric tea contains curcumin, an antioxidant that has the potential to prevent and treat cancer.
4. Cholesterol Regulation
Turmeric tea helps lower cholesterol and prevents gallstones.
5. Alzheimer’s Treatment
Doctors have found turmeric (tea) is helpful in treating Alzheimer’s patients, as it helps to remove plaque from the brain.
6. Skincare Protection
Turmeric tea is helpful in fighting pimples and clearing acne scars. It has antibacterial properties and prevents bacterial and skin infections. It also improves skin complexion.
7. Healing Properties
Turmeric has antiseptic properties and so turmeric tea can be used to wash and clean wounds and cuts.
8. Viral Infection Recovery
Drinking turmeric tea during viral infections like the common cold, cough, and flu expedites the recovery process.
9. Painkiller and Antidepressant
Furthermore, turmeric has pain-alleviating and antidepressant properties. So, after a stressful day, sip a cup of turmeric tea for an instant mood uplift.
5 Turmeric Tea Recipes
Now that we know turmeric tea health benefits are numerous, let’s take a look at how to prepare turmeric tea. It’s quite simple, and it takes about the same time and ingredients as other herbal teas. To make it more interesting and healthy, here are five turmeric tea recipes to try at home.
Basic Turmeric Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- Turmeric rhizome
- Lemon, to taste
- Cinnamon, as a sweetener
Directions
In a regular pot, boil three to four cups of water. Grate some fresh turmeric rhizome into the water and let the goodness steep in. Keep the heat low.
Add a few drops of lemon and a dash of cinnamon. Drink warm.
Creamy Turmeric Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk or almond milk
- ½ tablespoon turmeric
- Cayenne pepper
- ½ inch ginger root
- Cinnamon or sugar, as a sweetener
Directions
Gently warm some coconut or almond milk in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in half a tablespoon of turmeric, add a bit of cayenne pepper, and lastly, add some grated ginger.
Boil the contents well over low heat. When fragrant, pour the mixture through a strainer in a mug. Enjoy while warm.
Golden Milk Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe
Related: More Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
- 3-inch cinnamon stick
- 1-inch sliced and unpeeled turmeric, or ½ teaspoon dried
- ½-inch unpeeled ginger slices
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Ground cinnamon (for serving)
Directions
Form a mixture of all the ingredients—cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns, and coconut milk. Boil a cup of water in a pot.
When it steams, add the mixture in the water and simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain it thoroughly.
Have it with a pinch of cinnamon. You can drink it warm or chilled.
Vanilla Turmeric Tea Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk, with or without vanilla
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, or 1-2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger, to taste
- 1 5-inch cinnamon stick, or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Directions
Mix the almond milk with honey, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper together in a pot and place it over low heat. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two. Don’t boil the contents.
Turn off the heat. Set aside and remove the cinnamon sticks. Pour some vanilla and coconut oil. Stir well. Coconut oil helps increase the absorption of beneficial compounds.
Add a hint of honey as a sweetener. Use a frother to make the vanilla turmeric tea latte frothy.
Fermented Turmeric Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces fresh turmeric or ¹⁄³ cup turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ounce freshly grated ginger
Directions
In a mason jar, put some grated fresh turmeric with honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ginger. Mix the ingredients well and let it settle for an hour or so. Cover the jar loosely and ferment it for at least 48 hours.
When fermented, the mixture will have a strong odor and a pungent taste, with the consistency of marmalade. To make turmeric tea, put some of the fermented mixture in a bowl and let it steep in hot water for a few minutes. Enjoy it warm.
Turmeric is a well-proven medicinal herb that will benefit you in ways more than one. Easily reap all its benefits by drinking a cup of turmeric tea. Give green tea a break once in a while and wrap up a long, tiring day with a soothing cup of turmeric tea instead.
Related:
- Ginger Turmeric Tea Benefits
- Is Green Tea Acidic?
- 15 Benefits of Barley Tea
- What Does Turmeric Taste Like?
Sources:
“Turmeric Tea Benefits,” TeaBenefits.com web site, http://www.teabenefits.com/turmeric-tea-benefits.html, last accessed February 3, 2017
“Drink Turmeric Tea to Activate Your Liver to Eliminate Bodily Toxins and Rejuvenate Cells,” The Hearty Soul web site, http://theheartysoul.com/benefits-of-turmeric-tea/, last accessed February 3, 2017
“Spices, turmeric, ground Nutrition Facts & Calories,” SELF Nutrition Data web site; http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/212/2
