How to Make Turmeric Tea

We all know that turmeric is among those highly valued herbs with numerous health benefits. Native to Indonesia and southern regions of India, this herb has been used for a long time, for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Turmeric is one of the indispensable ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, which is the traditional medical system of India. Now, turmeric is popular in the West too. This is because of the recent research that highlighted the health benefits of the herb, including its anti-cancer properties. Unlike the regional cuisine of the East that requires turmeric in a wide range of recipes, this herb is not commonly used in some other parts of the world. In such cases, consumption of turmeric tea can be a solution. So, if you want to consume turmeric for its so-called health benefits, then, you may opt for this herbal tea.

Turmeric Tea Benefits

You might have heard about the Island of Okinawa in Japan, where the average human lifespan is around 81 years. The inhabitants of this island are said to consume considerable amounts of turmeric tea. So, this herbal tea is said to be one of the factors that boost their health. As mentioned above, humans have been using this herb for a very long and turmeric tea is believed to be one of the best forms of using this herb. Turmeric is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent that is said to be beneficial in treating various diseases. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is believed to the responsible for the medicinal properties of this herb.

Consumption of turmeric is found to beneficial for those who suffer from inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Curcumin is an excellent antioxidant that can decrease the risk of cancer. It is also said to arrest the growth of cancer cells. Being an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant, turmeric is also claimed to provide relief to those with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also said to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has been suggested that turmeric can provide relief from the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Turmeric Tea Recipes

Recipe 1
This herbal tea can be easily prepared with a small amount of turmeric powder and water. Take four cups of water in a pot and boil it. Once the water reaches a full boil, lower the heat and add a teaspoon of ground turmeric. Now, simmer for five to ten minutes, before straining it. You may use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this purpose. Before serving, you may add some honey and lemon juice too. But, these are optional and are used to enhance the taste.

Recipe 2
In order to prepare turmeric tea with milk, you need a cup of organic milk, one teaspoon of sugar or honey and one eighth teaspoon of turmeric powder. All you have to do is to heat the milk on low heat and remove it from heat, as it gets warm. Don't boil the milk that is meant for preparing turmeric tea. Once the milk is removed from heat, add the turmeric powder and combine well before straining it. You may add honey or sugar for sweetening this herbal tea, which is said to be useful for cold, sore throat and muscle pain.

Recipe 3
Turmeric ginger tea is usually used for relief from gastrointestinal problems, cold, flu, sore throat, etc. It is also said to be good for detoxification. For preparing this tea, you have to boil two cups of water. Once boiled, lower the heat and add half teaspoon each of powdered ginger and turmeric into it. Simmer for ten minutes, before straining the tea. You may serve it with some lemon juice and half tablespoon of maple syrup.

Usually, two cups of this tea is consumed daily. But, it is always better to consult a qualified medical practitioner and seek his opinion with regard to turmeric tea dosage. If you want it as a treatment for any ailment, then, you should do it as per the instructions of the herbalist only. As in other herbal remedies, moderate use of turmeric tea is recommended. Pregnant and nursing women and those with heart diseases, gallstones and bile duct problems, must avoid this tea.