Golden Turmeric Tonic

Steps

1. Peel and finely grate the fresh turmeric and ginger using a microplane or the small holes of a box grater. Fresh roots produce a more potent tonic than dried powder, but ground spices work if fresh roots aren’t available.

2. Heat 1 cup of water until warm but not boiling — about 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling water can damage some of the beneficial compounds in the raw honey, so keep the temperature moderate.

3. Place the grated turmeric and ginger directly into a mug. Pour the warm water over them and stir. Let the mixture steep for 3-4 minutes to extract the active compounds.

4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean mug if you prefer a smooth drink, or leave the grated bits in for maximum potency. Add the lemon juice, raw honey, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.

5. Sip slowly while warm. This tonic works best consumed in the morning or after meals when your digestive system is active.

Why It Works

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, but curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own. Black pepper contains piperine, which increases curcumin absorption dramatically — this is why the pinch of pepper is not optional, it’s essential. Fresh ginger adds its own anti-inflammatory gingerols and aids digestion, while the raw honey soothes the throat and provides a natural antibacterial effect.

Tips

• Turmeric stains everything. Wear an apron and clean your cutting board immediately after grating fresh turmeric. The stain is nearly permanent on plastic and fabric. Use a stainless steel or glass surface.
• Batch the base. Simmer a larger quantity of grated turmeric and ginger in water for 10 minutes, strain, and store in a jar. Reheat a cup each morning and add fresh lemon, honey, and pepper to order.
• Cold version. In warm weather, let the strained tonic cool, add extra lemon juice, and pour over ice. Add a splash of sparkling water for a turmeric spritzer.