I’m at home today nursing a viral infection. My symptoms are discomfort due to swollen glands, a sore throat, dry cough and fatigue, lots of fatigue. My priority is to take it easy and rest. I also want to reduce symptoms through natural remedies instead of synthetic drugs.

If things get worse, I will seek medical help (again). But meanwhile, to ease symptoms and promote healing, I’ve been drinking this easy-to-make cocktail that combines turmeric (curcumin), black pepper, ginger, lemon and honey. It’s a soothing, cleansing and refreshing concoction with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. When I make it, I purposely add some black ground pepper to increase the absorption of the turmeric.

Should you be suffering from cold or flu symptoms these days, I’m happy to share this drink with you.  Cheers! 🙂

The beverage is great to sip on throughout the day or at night. To help soothe a sore throat, I recommend that you drink it warm (not too hot) or even cold. If you have a lot of throat pain, try adding a few ice cubes.

Cheers again!

Turmeric, ginger, lemon and honey beverage

• 1 tablespoon ground (powdered) turmeric (also called curcumin / curcuma)
• Ground black pepper, about 2 turns with pepper mill
• 1 tablespoon (1 thumb size) fresh ginger root with skin, rinsed and grated
• 5-6 cups (or more) of boiled water
• ½ of one lemon, juice squeezed and entire peel added
• ¼ – ½ cup liquid honey, preferably locally produced (pure maple syrup for vegans)

Procedure

Bring 5 cups of water (can add more if you prefer) to the boil.

In a stainless steel pot or a large tea pot, add the turmeric, pepper and ginger root. Add the 5-6 cups boiled water, the squeezed lemon juice with the entire half lemon with peel on and the honey (or maple syrup). Stir everything, put a lid on and allow to infuse for at least 10 minutes on counter top. Use a strainer to pour into a cup or pour directly if you don’t mind some small chunks. You can transfer and strain the entire beverage into a glass bottle with a lid. When the beverage has cooled, store the bottle in fridge. Enjoy heated in microwave, room temp. or cold and sip throughout the day .

PS: Don’t worry should you notice a yellow glow to your teeth because of the turmeric, just brushing them after will make them all white again!