Even though turmeric is most commonly used as a cooking spice, it can also be used to make tea. So, what is turmeric tea? Keep reading if you want to learn more about this herbal tea.
Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is part of the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family of plants and comes mainly from India. For centuries, turmeric spices and teas have been used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
Turmeric has a golden, yellow, or orange color it tastes earthy but has a mild spicy punch. The taste is similar to ginger root.
You can easily make turmeric tea at home or buy turmeric tea at your local grocery stores or online. In loose-leaf teas, turmeric can be mixed with other spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Checking the ingredients of turmeric tea blends or powders helps you distinguish between low-quality and high-quality fillers and dyes.
7 Health Benefits Of Turmeric Tea
Here are a few notable health benefits of drinking turmeric tea.
1. Contains Essential Nutrients
Curcumin takes center stage when discussing turmeric. One teaspoon of dried turmeric contains the following:
- Copper
- Manganese
- Iron
2. Contains Bioactive Compounds
Bioactive compounds, include vitamins and minerals. In a nutshell, these are compounds important for maintaining overall health. Some of the lesser-known bioactive compounds include volatile oils and polyphenols.
Turmeric tea contains countless bioactive compounds, like antioxidants and volatile essential oils, with curcuminoids like curcumin being the most prominent group among them.
3. Aids Sleep
Turmeric tea is caffeine-free – so it should not get in the way when you’re trying to wind down before bed. In addition, you can mix it with other caffeine-free teas, like chamomile tea.
On the other hand, turmeric tea is usually mixed with different types of black or green tea. So, if you’re cutting out caffeine, it’s best to add turmeric to a herbal tea.
4. Helps Prevent And Treat Cancer
Curcumin’s anti-cancer action is one of its most clinically established therapeutic properties. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can lower the risk of cellular damage, which reduces the risk of cell mutations and cancer.
Furthermore, according to various research, curcumin also has anti-tumor properties, limiting the growth of tumors and the spread of cancerous cells.
5. Naturally Low In Calories
One plain cup or 23 ml of turmeric tea contains about 10 to 30 calories, and it depends on how much and what type of turmeric you added.
6. May Promote Heart Health
Turmeric and curcumin can help maintain proper heart function in many ways. Studies show that supplements containing these ingredients can lower blood pressure and blood fat levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
One study discovered adding turmeric to your diet for 12 weeks or more substantially lowered systolic blood pressure. This is indicative pressure on your arteries from your heartbeat.
Another study noted that these supplements could reduce blood fat levels, including LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Turmeric tea will not have as much curcumin as you would find in supplements, but it’s still worth incorporating into your diet.
7. Can Improve Your Mood
Researchers are also studying how curcumin may play a role in managing conditions like depression. Turmeric tea will not have nearly the quantity of concentrated curcumin taken in the studies above, turmeric tea can still have a mood-altering effect.
Drinking a cup of turmeric tea is a relaxing ritual in itself. For some people, this alone may be enough to improve their mood.
Since it’s caffeine-free you can drink turmeric tea whenever you want. You may also want to read our guide on What Are The Best Teas To Help Me Relax?
Types Of Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea’s flavor can be described as earthy or sharp. It is delightful by itself, however, it is usually paired with other flavors and spices.
Turmeric tea goes well with the following spices:
- Anise
- Basil
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
You may also want to try combining turmeric tea these drinks:
- Milk or a plant-based alternative
- Orange juice
- Pineapple Juice
- Black tea
- Green tea
There are also some flavorings that you may add to your turmeric tea to enjoy it more, including:
- Black pepper
- Coconut
- Honey
- Lemon
- Lime
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla
Black pepper sounds like something that should be kept away from tea. With that said, it enhances the spicy flavor of turmeric, but it also contains piperine, a nutrient that makes the absorption of curcumin more efficient. Curcumin is a fat-soluble, so consuming your turmeric with coconut oil and milk will help your body absorb more as these are good sources of fat.
How To Make Turmeric Tea
Making turmeric tea at home is quite simple; you only need turmeric and the help of a few household items.
Method 1: Fresh Turmeric Tea
Step 1: Prepare The Turmeric
Cut one fresh, whole piece of turmeric into small pieces.
Step 2: Add The Water
Mix the small pieces of turmeric with one cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it sit for three to five minutes.
Step 3: Strain
Strain the small pieces of turmeric out of the water.
Method 2: Dried Turmeric Tea
Step 1: Mix The Ingredients
Combine half a teaspoon of ground turmeric with one cup of water.
Step 2: Boil The Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it sit for three to five minutes. Stir the mixture properly to ensure there are no clumps.
Method 3: Cold-Brewed Turmeric Tea
To make a cold-brewed turmeric tea, you have to:
Step 1: Cut The Ingredients
Cut one fresh, whole turmeric, around four inches, into half an inch or one cm cubes, or use four tablespoons of dried turmeric tea to combine with four cups of water.
Step 2: Let The Ingredients Sit
Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Step 3: Strain
Strain the tea. You can add honey or any sweetener to sweeten your turmeric tea.
Who Should Drink Turmeric Tea?
Turmeric tea is generally regarded as safe in moderation. However, some people should still be cautious with turmeric tea or avoid it.
It is currently unknown whether turmeric in amounts higher than the amount you’d use to season food is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. So, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid going overboard.
Curcumin can cause allergic reactions in some people. Consult a doctor if you experience skin irritation.
As always, consult your doctor before trying turmeric tea if you’re on any medication. Curcumin may interact with some medicines, including antidepressants, antibiotics, blood thinners, and drugs prescribed to cancer patients.
If you love turmeric tea, you might also enjoy ginger tea.
