Detoxifying Turmeric Drink

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian curry, has a long history of medicinal use in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Tumeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, natural antiseptic and potent painkiller among many other benefits. I started reading about it when I came across it in hearing about detox drinks; apparently turmeric is also a powerful liver detoxifier. My Indian grandmother used turmeric as a natural remedy to numerous ailments over the years; she has made it into a paste and applied it directly to skin to reduce swelling, and added it to tea to ward off the first signs of a cold.

Turmeric is especially known for its benefits to digestion, immune function, liver health and even possible protection from cancer. This pungent herb contains curcumin, which may boost your body's natural healing powers. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that help protect your body from unstable molecules that can damage cells. Turmeric is linked to lower cholesterol levels and the prevention of atherosclerosis, which is plaque buildup in arteries that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Turmeric may also help protect against blood clots developing on artery walls. Turmeric's ability to reduce inflammation may help relieve joint pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis. Warm lemon water with tumeric is a basic recipe for detox drink.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a lemon
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp of turmeric
• warm water
• a dab of honey (optional)

Directions:

Squeeze 1/2 of a lemon into a mug. Add the turmeric. Add warm water. Stir well. Add honey to taste, if desired.

Here is my recipe for a detoxifying turmeric tea:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water, boiled
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch cinnamon

Directions:

Place water in kettle and bring to a boil. While the water is boiling, mix the lemon and honey in a mug until combined. Stir in the spices creating a thin paste. Once the water is boiled, combine with the spice mixture. Keep the spoon in your mug while you’re drinking and stir often to prevent the spices from settling on the bottom of the mug.

Turmeric removes the sour taste of lemon and adds sort of a peppery flavor that takes some getting used to, truth be told. I might start off with a low dose and build up. Although turmeric is considered safe when taken in the recommended doses, some people may experience side effects, including nausea, dizziness, diarrhea or stomach upset. In addition, turmeric can cause stomach problems in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If you have any concerns, talk to your medical adviser before taking turmeric.