Turmeric has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation in the body. Turmeric also has many antiseptic and antimicrobial properties as well, making it a nutrition powerhouse. Absorption is limited, but consuming turmeric with pepper and fat increases the absorption by almost 1000%! You can purchase fresh turmeric root at any whole foods store. Though it is expensive per pound, I paid less than a dollar for the amount you use in this recipe because it weighs so little. A vegetable peeler works great to peel the thin skin. I do the same with fresh ginger root. If you are looking to reduce inflammation or know someone with arthritis, diabetes, or another chronic inflammatory condition, give this cool elixir a try:
Turmeric Iced Tea
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
1 inch turmeric root, peeled and sliced
2-3 cinnamon sticks
1 lemongrass tea bag (I used 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass)
6 peppercorns
Pinch of sea salt
Sliced orange or lemon
Coconut oil (optional, but the fat increases absorption)
honey to taste
Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat. Add lemongrass tea bag and steep for 3 minutes. Then take out.
You can enjoy this tea warm or cold. In the summertime, I like to have it over ice. Enjoy!
Inspiration from: http://nutritionstripped.com/turmeric-tea/
