Healing 3-Ingredient Turmeric Tonic

A 5-minute, 3-ingredient, 1-pot healing tea tonic with ginger, lemon, turmeric, and cayenne. The perfect way to detox the body, recover from a cold or flu, or relax before bed.

So what makes this tonic healing?

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which boasts amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has been known to aid digestion and relieve nausea.

Lemon is naturally detoxifying and alkalizing in the body, aids in healthy bowel movements, and boasts plenty of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

And cayenne stimulates circulation, boosts metabolism, naturally relieves pain, and can have an alkalizing effect in the body.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp fresh grated turmeric (packed // or 1/2 tsp ground, though fresh is best)

• 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (packed // or 1/2 tsp ground, though fresh is best.

• 1 whole lemon (juiced // ~3 Tbsp or 45 ml juice as original recipe is written // plus leftover rind)

• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional // can sub stevia or raw honey if not vegan)

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional // or cracked black pepper which many readers have commented helps with the bioavailability of the turmeric!)

• 3 cups filtered water

Instructions

1. To a small saucepan, add turmeric, ginger, lemon juice and leftover lemon rind, maple syrup (optional), cayenne (optional), and filtered water. I personally didn't think it needed any sweetener, but sweeten to taste.

2. Bring to a simmer (not a boil) over medium to medium-high heat (~3 minutes). Then turn off heat.

3. Set a small strainer over serving glasses and divide between two mugs. Enjoy. If the tonic is too potent for you, dilute with more hot/warm water.

4. Store (strained) leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop until just warm.

Thank you to Minimalist Baker for this yummy recipe.