Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant – it reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system. It aids digestion and can relieve heartburn.
Today, turmeric is scientifically recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, and is widely used for the treatment of disorders associated with inflammation. In one study, turmeric was found to be safe and equally effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee (1).
Turmeric also plays a major role in improving brain function, which is promising for individuals suffering from neurodegenerative disease like stroke or Alzheimer’s. The compound, ar-turmerone in turmeric promotes brain regeneration, and helps differentiate stem cells into neurons.
Curcumin, another active component of turmeric, also helps slow the spread of cancer cells and can prevent tumours from forming in the first place (2).
Be sure to use lead-free turmeric if you plan on using any of these recipes. Source your turmeric wisely! If fresh turmeric is not available at your local health food store or farmers’ market, opt for a high-quality organic powdered turmeric.
Also, if you’re wondering why all of the recipes contain either black pepper, plant-based fat, or both, it’s because it helps increase absorbability of turmeric in the body.
1. Turmeric Ginger Honey Paste
• 2 tbsp. turmeric powder, or 2 tsp. grated fresh turmeric
• 4 tbsp. raw, unpasteurized honey
• 2 tsp. fresh grated ginger
• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• freshly cracked black pepper
Stir together the ingredients in a bowl. It should taste very strong. Store in a glass container in the fridge. To use, boil a cup of water and let cool until warm. Stir a few teaspoons of the mixture into the water and drink.
2. Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea) Elixir
• 4 inches fresh turmeric root, grated (or 1 tbsp. turmeric powder)
• 2 inches fresh ginger root, grated (or 1 tsp. ginger powder)
• 1 cup freshly made coconut milk or almond milk
• 2-3 black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla bean powder
• 1/2 tsp. cardamom seeds
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. fresh cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup or raw, unpasteurized honey
Put coconut milk, black peppercorns, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, ground cloves and cinnamon into a pot. Heat on the stove lightly, but not hot enough that it burns your finger. Take off the stove, stir in vanilla, put on a lid, and let sit for 1 hour. Strain into a large glass mason jar, stir in 1 tbsp. honey, and enjoy!
3. Healing Turmeric Juice
• 3 inches fresh turmeric root
• 2 inches fresh ginger root
• 2 oranges, peeled
• 5 large carrots
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 tbsp. melted coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Run all of the above ingredients through a juicer, except for the coconut oil and pepper. Once finished juicing, add the coconut oil and black pepper. Stir, and enjoy!
4. Turmeric Super Tonic
• 4 inches fresh turmeric (or 2 tsp. turmeric powder)
• 3 inches fresh ginger (or 1 tbsp. ginger powder)
• 3 lemons, peeled
• Dash cayenne
• Pinch of black pepper
• 4 cups coconut water or filtered water
• Maple syrup or raw honey to desired sweetness
Juice the turmeric, ginger and lemons, and then add to coconut water or regular water. Add the cayenne and black pepper and stir well to combine. You can also add your sweetener now if you please. Store in the fridge – will keep for 2-3 days.
5. Creamy Turmeric Smoothie
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup mango
• 2 tsp. soaked chia seeds
• 1 tsp. coconut oil
• 3 inches fresh turmeric root (or 2 tsp. powdered turmeric)
• 1 cup coconut water
Place the above ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth (about 30 seconds). Enjoy!
