One of the most beloved spices around the world, turmeric is also one of the most recognizable with its bright yellow-orange hue that adds distinct flavor and health benefits to every serving. The Curcuma longa is consumed in different occasions and mixed in various savory dishes, but perhaps its most popular form is the filling tea that takes the root’s benefits in its purest form. Come in and check out everything about Turmeric tea!
Table of Contents
What Is Turmeric Tea?
Tracing its literal source from the roots of the herb, turmeric tea was primarily consumed in India where the perennial plant is cultivated. It shares some similar characteristics with ginger since both plants come from the Zingiberaceae family. Thriving in tropical climates, it also spans to about a meter high and produces slightly greenish flowers, but its most in-demand parts are the roots and rhizomes.
The roots of turmeric have their spot in history, having been used for a variety of purposes in the past millennia. Cosmetically, turmeric was made into perfumes and powder-like beauty products. Meanwhile, religiously, turmeric took part in spiritual events and celebrations where the plant was present in rituals. Its most popular use, however, was as a spice and as herbal medicine. The Indians saw turmeric’s potential in this area, hence the roots’ prevalence in their dishes.
Their Ayurvedic medicine has also incorporated turmeric as a natural remedy to several ailments in the form of a yellowish paste or powder. At times, this powder was mixed in either milk or water, resulting in an herbal infusion, before administering it to ailing patients. The many uses of the Indian turmeric were then noticed by neighboring country Pakistan and made its way to China, the continent of Africa, and the rest of the world. Currently, turmeric tea has maintained its unique earthy flavor profile and its golden hue that made the infusion still highly relevant in modern society.
Health Benefits Of Turmeric Tea
With the growing popularity of this slightly bitter and earthy drink, turmeric tea has been studied for the many health benefits illustrated by the Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines. Turmeric owes its healing characteristics to curcumin, the plant’s active compound and coloring agent
1.Relieves pain and swelling
Turmeric tea contains a high amount of anti inflammatory properties which is said to help those who suffer from arthritis pain. Turmeric is an organic pain reliever much like ibuprofen and other pain medication.
2.Lowers blood sugar
A compound found in turmeric called curcumin is said to help lower the glucose level and combat insulin resistance for those with Type 2 diabetes.
3.Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
Curcumin’s most recognized properties are its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported on turmeric extracts’ antioxidant activity and its effect on free radicals. Similarly, the extracts are also observed to impede the production of bad bacteria and the start of inflammation, which are the main culprits of numerous illnesses.
4.Improves neurological health
The antioxidant qualities of curcumin are believed to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants are believed to help avoid cell damage caused by old age.
5.Prevents digestive issues
On the other hand, curcumin’s antimicrobial properties may be highlighted on its effect on certain bacteria. Causing stomach inflammation that eventually evolves into a peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, in particular, is seen to be halted by turmeric extract. The trial showed that turmeric was the most effective on the H. pylori strain compared to ginger, oregano, cumin, and licorice. In addition, turmeric is also observed to help the production of mucus that covers the stomach from the effects of lesions, as well as lowering digestive gas that contributes to bloating.
6.Relieves common colds
Traditionally, turmeric tea was administered to alleviate common colds. The Ayurvedic medicine regarded turmeric as an ingredient to help remove phlegm in patients with cough. While some studies show promising results on the effect of turmeric tea against respiratory conditions, further reviews are still required to establish this medical claim.
7.Prevents and slows down certain types of cancer
Curcumin is currently being studied as an anticarcinogen, showing potential in both the prevention and treatment of cancer cells. There have also been reports of turmeric halting the mutation and the growth of cancer cells. It is also considered to be generally safe for cancer patients whose systems of the body may be weakened by the disease.
8.Lowers cholesterol level
With its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is observed to effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases which are primarily caused by inflammatory cells. Further, those who wish to prevent a stroke may drink turmeric tea since there are studies that show curcumin lowering cholesterol levels.
Proper Dosage And Side Effects
The curcumin content in turmeric tea may lead to several benefits, but the NCBI advises to take the golden drink “with a grain of salt.” Although there have been researches on the health advantages of curcumin, experts have pointed out that these studies need more solid proof of curcumin’s medicinal properties. It may also be noted that curcumin is not readily absorbed by our bodies and requires a corresponding intake of piperine in order for it to be appropriately taken in the bloodstream.
As such, people who have prescribed medicines on blood pressure regulation and blood coagulation should seek their healthcare providers’ advice on drinking turmeric tea. Similarly, pregnant and lactating women should exercise precautions and consult their physicians about tea consumption to ensure their and their child’s well-being.
Best Turmeric Tea Brands
Traditional Medicinals’ Organic Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger Herbal Tea
Traditional Medicinals concocted a trinity blend that combines the well-known anti-inflammatory characteristics of turmeric, the similarly nutritious meadowsweet, and the soothing quality of ginger for a powerful herbal infusion. Earthy and savory with every sip, the resulting taste perfectly layers each of the ingredients that honor the long history of turmeric farming and the milestones of traditional medicine.
The Republic of Tea’s Organic Turmeric Ginger Green Tea
Masterfully making green tea as the base of this rejuvenating blend, The Republic of Tea maximizes the health benefits in every cup by incorporating organic turmeric and ginger, each of which has medical benefits that health-conscious tea-drinkers will love. To enhance this powerful tea creation, the sweet cinnamon and the natural antibacterial honey were added. Enjoy this full-bodied blend by letting filtered water come to a boil and steeping a tea bag for three minutes.
Buddha Teas’ Organic Turmeric Ginger Tea
Buddha Teas keep their turmeric tea blend simple, perhaps as a nod to the religious figure and to the modest way of life that Buddhism upholds. The turmeric tea base is fused with ginger and black pepper, the latter which contains piperine that helps the body absorb the beneficial curcumin. Buddha Teas pack the nutritional qualities of this tea blend in an amalgamation of spicy, earthy, and sweet tastes that comes out after seven minutes of steeping.
Turmeric Tea Recipes
When you have tried the best turmeric tea brands and now want to explore making your own tea blend, here are some recipes that will take turmeric tea to a whole new level.
The Spiced Golden Milk
This turmeric concoction has milk as its base, which gives the milk a golden hue fit for indulgent tea-drinkers. Make this filling tea mixture for a drink that hits the right sweet and spiced notes.
Ingredients
2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric, 1-2 pieces of ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 black peppercorns, 2 teaspoons of honey, powdered cinnamon (for dusting)
Tools
Saucepan, strainer
Steps
- Step 1: Pour the milk of your choice in a saucepan. This will be your drink’s base. Add the powdered turmeric, pieces of ginger, cinnamon stick, and whole peppercorns.
- Step 2: Allow the mixture to boil and let it simmer for about ten minutes before removing from the heat.
- Step 3: Once the milk has acquired a yellowish color hence the moniker, the spiced golden milk is ready to be served. Strain the mixture to remove the peppercorns and cinnamon stick.
- Step 4: Mix in a few teaspoons of honey according to your desired sweetness. Dust the milk with ground cinnamon for presentation and serve immediately.
Iced Turmetic Tea
In desperate need of turmeric but it’s hot outside? Try out this iced turmeric tea blend to satisfy your curcumin intake even when it’s sweltering outside.
Ingredients
2 cups water, 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, ground cinnamon, ice cubes, sliced lemons (optional)
Tools
Saucepan, strainer, drinking straw (optional)
Steps
- Step 1: Boil water in a saucepan and put in your ground turmeric, minced ginger, and cinnamon one by one.
- Step 2: Allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes. Remove from heat and add the honey. Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred taste.
- Step 3: Strain the tea to remove the sediments of turmeric and ginger.
- Step 4: Let the tea blend cool to room temperature before popping it into the fridge. Should you wish to drink it immediately, just add a few ice cubes to the tea!
- Step 5: Pour in tall glasses and serve immediately. Put in a straw and slice of lemon for the complete tropical feel.
Aside from the great health benefits, turmeric tea’s versatility when it comes to tea blends and recipes is one of the reasons that the golden drink is still as loved and celebrated today as it was in ancient times. In hindsight, turmeric tea connects the past and the present with its rich background and full taste.
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