This tea combines the powerful phytochemicals found in ginger and turmeric (such as gingerol and curcumin) with the vitamin C in lemon to create a spicy tea that enhances immune function, helps protect against illness and supports wellbeing.
For best results, you need to make this tea with fresh ginger and turmeric root, ideally organically grown. Unlike teas made from leaves or powders, which you normally make by infusion, adding boiling water and leaving to steep, this is made by decoction, simmering the roots in water to extract all the goodness.
The recipe includes a splash of milk or a teaspoon of coconut oil (or similar) and some cracked black pepper. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is fat-soluble, and the body can only absorb it if is taken together with a fat. Piperine, a component of black pepper, enhances the effect of curcumin. Honey can be added at the end for sweetness.
INGREDIENTS
Makes enough for 2 cups
800ml cold water
7cm piece of ginger root, unpeeled
5cm piece of turmeric root, unpeeled
2 slices of lemon
½ tsp black pepper (cracked)
juice of half a lemon
1 tsp fat (optional: milk, coconut oil or coconut milk is a good choice)
honey, preferably raw (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the ginger and turmeric into thin slices.
Place the cold water in a saucepan and add the ginger, turmeric and slices of lemon, plus half of the cracked black pepper.
Bring to the boil, cover the pan loosely with a lid so that steam can evaporate, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes. The liquid should reduce to about half.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the rest of the black pepper and the lemon juice.
Strain the tea into the cups and, if desired, add milk, coconut oil or milk, or other fat, and some honey to taste. Enjoy!
