Learn what turmeric is good for and how to turn it into a tea
Natural News Blogs > Food > Nutrition

By Keith Lock

Posted Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 10:48am EDT

Turmeric (often misspelled as “tumeric”) is being haled as the “next Vitamin D” which sure, may sound a little hypey, but it certainly is a spice that does wonders for human health according to many studies.

It is often called “Indian Saffron” or even “poor man’s saffron” (but don’t let that dissuade you from considering it of high value in terms of “food as medicine”). Read on to find out what turmeric is good for in regards to health and healing.

What is turmeric spice and what are some of the benefits?
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and like ginger, is a root. Standard consumption of turmeric is by powder form, but extracts are on the market as well.

It is one of the main spices used is several of the Middle Eastern and South Asian nations. It is also a component of the multiple thousand year old Ayurvedic medicine system.

Many of the health benefits of the spice come from the active compounds, called curcuminoids, that it contains. It is a great source of some of the B vitamins.

Some of the essential nutrients found in turmeric include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3
• Calcium
• Manganese
• Phosphorous
• Potassium
• Zinc
• And more…

Science shows what turmeric is good for
Studies abound discuss the numerous benefits of this ancient spice. In fact, the active ingredient curcumin has been linked to potential anti-depressant effects. It also has shown promise in regards to the treatment of clogged arteries, and in improving autoimmune disorders, among other things.

It has been said that if you suffer from any of the following: digestive problems, constipation, allergies, low energy, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, infertility, insomnia or acne outbreaks, that an abused liver may be part of the underlying reason. Making a tea from turmeric can behave as a soothing liver tonic and flush out impurities.

How to make turmeric tea using the root

It’s often much easier to find ground turmeric (or even an extract or tincture) but if you are lucky enough to locate the root it could make for a wonderful turmeric tea. If turmeric powder is all that you have, you can still make the tea with the recipe below. It also contains lemon and ginger for extra health properties.

Be prepared for the potential of “staining” from the turmeric. It isn’t used as a dye for nothing!

Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup of grated fresh turmeric root (or 1 tbsp ground turmeric)
• 2 tbsp of grated fresh ginger root
• 4 cups of water
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup of natural sweetener like honey (or “to taste”)

Directions:
1. Peel and grate the turmeric and the ginger root.
2. Place in pot with the water.
3. 20 minutes.
4. Strain the tea.
5. Juice the lemon and add to the tea.
6. Add the natural sweetener.

Recipe adapted from: Turmeric, Ginger and Lemon Tonic Tea

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