Ginger Turmeric Tonic
A simple anti-inflammatory, antioxidant tonic that has it all.
As the name would suggest, this is a simple yet lively combination of fresh ginger, turmeric, black pepper and honey. These ingredients are packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial benefits.
BENEFITS ACCORDING TO CHINESE MEDICINE
Ginger, Turmeric, Honey and Black Pepper work synergistically to keep the Liver and digestive organs happy. This encourages the free flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body while also providing support for Lung health and easier digestion. This fortifies the immune system, helping us fight off pesky allergies and pathogens.
Ingredients like Turmeric have long been known in other traditions such as Ayurvedic Medicine, to have anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, modern science has even conducted studies to back up these long-held claims.
It’s important to understand that in Chinese Medicine herbs are almost never used by themselves. Instead they are combined as a formula, enabling each herb to best support the other and maximize effectiveness.
Ginger (Fresh) (Sheng Jiang): Warms the Middle, Soothes the Stomach, and Warms the Lungs. Great for coughs, cold, nausea, and indigestion.
Turmeric (Jiang Huang): Regulates and Invigorates the Blood, Moves Qi and Expels Wind. This herb breaks up what we call Blood Stasis (aka- pain in the body) so it can be beneficial for acute infection, inflammation reduction, menstrual, epigastric and abdominal pain. An overall inflammatory wunderkind.
Black Pepper (Hu Jiao): Warms the Middle, Disperses Cold and Relieves Pain. The addition of Black Pepper activates the bioavailability of Turmeric, and helps to relieve digestive complaints like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to Cold.
Honey (Feng Mi): Moistens the Lungs and Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach digestive organs. Honey offers anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties, so it can be an excellent way to help the body’s immune defenses. It’s also supportive for the digestive system and can help to soothe cough or sore throat.
And the best part? These components are inexpensive, and easily accessible. Most may already be hanging out in your pantry— what’s not to love?
GINGER-TURMERIC TONIC RECIPE
Please Note: This is a standard recipe, ingredients can be doubled or tripled to make larger batches.
1 T. Fresh Ginger, grated (Fresh is best, but can substitute 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger)
1 T. Fresh Turmeric, grated (Fresh is best, but can substitute 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric)
Black Pepper (a pinch to taste)
1⁄2 Lemon, juiced
2-3 tsp. (preferably) Raw Honey
3 C. Filtered Water
Place all ingredients into a saucepan and bring water to a simmer (not a rolling boil).
When the water has turned a bright orangey yellow (approximately 6-10 minutes, depending on desired strength), remove from heat.
Strain liquid into a glass container, making sure to squeeze the dregs in order to release all the water remaining in the herbs.
Enjoy as a hot beverage or let cool to room temperature.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for later use.
If you have questions, or want to know more about the best dietary therapies for you, I’m always happy to be in touch. Feel free to reach out or book an appointment online.
