Turmeric Tea Benefits have been discovered long ago by Indian herbal experts but modern medicine is now beginning to realize the potent health benefits of this herb. In the annals of Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has always played a key health role, especially in the field of anti-inflammation.
It is also known for its anti-cancer, anti-aging, antiseptic, anti-cholesterol and liver-protecting attributes.
The Herb
Turmeric is a tropical perennial plant that is native to India, but is cultivated throughout the tropics. Also known by its scientific name of curcuma longa, turmeric grows to about three feet and bears pairs of lance-shaped leaves of alternate sides of the stem. At the base of the stem, there is a knobby rhizome somewhat resembling ginger.
Turmeric is an herb that is sacred to Hindus and figures prominently in many aspects of Indian society and culture. Turmeric’s many health benefits have been attributed to curcumin, a group of antioxidant compounds found in the rhizome. Curcumin is also the spice that gives most Indian food its yellow color.
How to make Turmeric Tea
To derive the healing constituencies of the turmeric herb, making an infusion or tea from the herb is a recommended method. To make turmeric tea, boil about 4 cups of water in a small pot. Simply add 1 tsp. of turmeric and reduce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. This will extract the beneficial compounds from the turmeric.
Pure turmeric tea possesses a mildly bitter, slightly earthy, peppery flavor and mustard-like scent. As such, many people add touches of ginger, honey or lemon into the brew to enhance the flavor of the turmeric tea. Others simply add milk to the turmeric tea to give it a creamy twist. However, there is no guarantee as to the continued potency of the turmeric tea benefits when milk is introduced.
The turmeric tea can be drunk 2 to 3 times a day. However, as with any herb, it is best to drink turmeric tea in moderation. Pregnant women and those with congestive heart disease are advised not to drink this tea.
Among the health benefits attributed to turmeric tea are the following:
Turmeric Tea is believed to enhance joint and bone health.
Turmeric Tea may aid in the clearing of skin plagued with acne and even heals the scars of bad acne.
It may help prevent hardening of the arteries in people suffering from diabetes.
This drink may help alleviate pain from arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis.
Turmeric Tea may help kill cancer cells.
It may help stop cholesterol from forming gallstones.
Turmeric Tea may help fight gum inflammation, reduce bad breath and gingivitis.
Turmeric Tea may help calm nervous stomach.
Turmeric Tea may prove helpful in the overall fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.
“Each spice has a special day to it. For turmeric it is Sunday, when light drips fat and butter-colored into the bins to be soaked up glowing, when you pray to the nine planets for love and luck.” - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Indian-American Author
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