We’ve gone a long winter without fresh, local produce and its many nutrients, and this is the time of year when we start to pay for it. We are at the peak of health imbalance right before spring starts, and our bodies often surrender to end-of-winter flu and colds. And then we take over-the-counter medicines for these illnesses, adding one more burden to our already tired liver.
While waiting for the sunny days to come, the only thing we can actually do to ease our transition towards spring greens galore is to turn back one more time to natural health boosters. For me, it’s always about turmeric.
Turmeric’s body benefits
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic, turmeric provides a number of body-healing benefits [source]. Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright color, has a wide set of health benefits.
It reduces the body’s inflammatory response that can lead to joint pain and stiffness. The spice also helps the brain produce more serotonin and dopamine, which can ease insomnia and improve mood [source].
While I add turmeric in different quantities to almost everything I cook (soups, stews, dips, teas), I decided to also upgrade my morning lemon water with a splash of turmeric honey. Inflammation is the root of most modern diseases, and adding turmeric to your daily diet is one of the simplest ways to start reducing it.
Turmeric Honey + Anti-Inflammatory Morning Drink
Mixing turmeric with honey results in a versatile combo you can add to lemonades, smoothies, or even spread on toast. For me, it was about turning my morning warm water into an anti-inflammatory elixir.
The warm water with lemon wakes up my metabolism, while turmeric calms down acidity and inflammation. Honey acts as a prebiotic, and together, they prepare the stomach and gut microbiome for a new day of challenges.
Opting for a mug of warm lemon water first thing in the morning can help you feel more energized and alert (thanks to the lemon’s citric acid). Plus, you might not want (or need) coffee to get you going. And ditching coffee comes with its own health benefits!
You could also use this turmeric honey to add some sweetness to a pre-bedtime golden milk. The warming taste and velvety texture of golden turmeric milk work together to make a calming evening drink that soothes your digestive system, relaxes your mind, and prepares you for a regenerating sleep.
You can also make a version of this recipe with apple cider vinegar for added digestive benefits.
You’ll need:
- 1–4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- 3–5 cracks of black pepper
- 3–6 slices of fresh turmeric
- 2–5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- 1–2 slices of fresh ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons manuka honey
Instructions:
- Heat 2 cups of water in a small pot until it reaches a boil.
- Add the black pepper, fresh turmeric, and fresh ginger to the pot and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add ground turmeric and apple cider vinegar to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and discard the solids.
- Add fresh lemon juice and raw honey to the strained liquid and stir until the honey has completely dissolved.
- Finally, add manuka honey to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve warm or cold as desired.
This elixir contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, which help reduce inflammation in the body. The honey and lemon juice provide a sweet and tangy taste while also providing additional health benefits.
Turmeric Honey + Anti-Inflammatory Morning Drink
Equipment
- Lidded glass jar
- whisk
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon organic raw honey
- 1 peppercorn, crushed
- 3 cups purified water, warm
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the honey and turmeric into a jar and whisk with a spoon to obtain a creamy mixture.
- Add the crushed peppercorn and stir to incorporate.
- Divide the mixture into mugs, and add equal amounts of warm water and lemon juice.
- Stir to incorporate, and serve warm on an empty stomach.
Notes
References:
Xu XY, et al. Bioactivity, health benefits, and related molecular mechanisms of curcumin: current progress, challengers, and perspectives. Nutrients. 2018.
Kulkarni SK, et al. An overview of curcumin in neurological disorders. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician with more than 20 years of practice experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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