Turmeric Tea Soothes the Body and Senses

Turmeric tea is one of my favorite things to drink when the weather turns cool. It’s a nice substitute for some teas that I usually drink, one that I welcome when the temperatures fall and the snow comes. Ayurveda is the holistic lifestyle of yoga. The principles of Ayurveda lie in respecting the natural change in seasons and in our body’s needs throughout the year. Winter time and cooler weather beckon us to nurture the body and fill up with warmth when the frigid, dry air blows in.  

In Ayurvedic terms, Rajasic and Tamasic foods dull the mind (Rajasic foods are excessively spicy, salty and fried foods; Tamasic foods are stale, recooked, artificial, rancid or greasy and include white flour & white sugars). All of the spices in this tea are Sattvic and counter the negative affects of Rajasic and Tamasic foods, but it is not meant as a substitute for poor diet.

In addition to warming our body and spirit, this recipe is caffeine free and loaded with antioxidants. I’m fortunate to have a sister-in-law from India who’s mom has shared many authentic Indian recipes. This is my own recipe for Turmeric Tea,  a version of traditional “Golden Milk”.  These instructions are for making a Turmeric Tea Paste with a variety of spices that have some wonderful cleansing benefits – my favorite way to detoxify the body, gently and subtly ~ as easy as drinking a good cup of tea. 

When you are shopping for your spices, try to get organic since many traditionally grown spices may have heavy metals in them. Your local health food store probably has a bulk section where you can buy just what you need to make this recipe. If you really want to be PURE, buy the organic spices whole and grind them yourself with a mortar and pestle or spice mill.

Turmeric has been used in Indian cultures, especially Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Modern science is validating through research it’s super-antioxidant properties that support liver health. Scientists have also found turmeric supports healthy circulation, researched as an antioxidant against inflammation and may support healthy circulation. In research, turmeric showed potential to increase glutathione production which increases antioxidant activity in cells. Many studies have found it to be an agent against some forms of cancer. Only cons? It may stimulate bile production so anyone with gallstones or bile obstructions should avoid using it, as well as pregnant women since it can stimulate uterine contractions. A little goes a long way too, so don’t drink this tea all day long. Too much turmeric  can cause stomach upset. Always talk with your doctor first before adding these spices to your daily routines to make sure there are no contraindications for your personal situation.

Cardamom  may soothe your digestive tract. It’s also been researched as anti-parasitic and an expectorant, helpful for supporting healthy lung and nasal function.

Cinnamon is another powerhouse nutrient, packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that keep your healthy body in balance. Cinnamon is excellent for supporting healthy digestion and supporting healthy circulation. It may improve the breakdown of foods, especially the metabolism of fats. It has been researched against fungi, inflammation, bacteria and provides support for healthy circulation, healthy digestion and may  protect the stomach from parasites.

Coriander soothes the digestive tract. It supports healthy digestion and may be calming to the intestines.

Ginger has traditionally been used to calm the stomach but has also been researched as  an expectorant, supports a healthy immune system and healthy digestion.

Clove has been researched against many microbes including listeria, salmonella and e. Coli. Clove supports a healthy immune systems 

This tea is loaded with antioxidants! Here’s a quick video on preparing it:

Here’s the Recipe: 

6 T Turmeric

1 T Cardamom

1/4 tsp powdered Ginger

1/2 tsp Coriander

1 T Cinnamon

1/8 tsp Clove

1 C Pure Water

Combine all the ingredients in a stainless steel saucepan. Turn on low heat and stir until the mixture creates a thick paste. Cool, and spoon into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator. To make your tea, add 1/2-1 tsp of Turmeric Tea Paste to warmed coconut, almond or raw milk. Sweeten with raw honey of you’d like. Enjoy! Makes 48 servings.

I packaged up three small spice jars of this paste to give as gifts and share with friends. This is a fun way to re-use those old spice or individual jelly jars.

Part of the convenience of this tea is to have it in paste form so it mixes quickly and easily with your milk. You may substitute 1 drop of clove or coriander essential oil for the powdered spices, but the recipe will become too runny if you replace the larger quantity spices with oils.

This information is for entertainment only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Many of these spices are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Consult your doctor before drinking this tea if you are taking prescription drugs.

Research

A. Jamala, Kalim Javedb,  M. Aslama, M.A. Jafria. Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Volume 103, Issue 2, 16 January 2006, Pages 149–153.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874105004782. 

Bieber, L.W. J. de S. Luna, A.F. dos Santos, M.R.F. de Lima, M.C. de Omena, F.A.C. de Mendonca, A.E.G. Sant Ana., 2005. A study of the larvicidal and molluscicidal activities of some medicinal plants from northeast. B. J. of Ethnopharmacol. 97: 199 206.