It sounds a little difficult, but in reality, making turmeric tea is quite simple. At home, I make this turmeric tea for weight loss with four ingredients: turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and honey. On the stove for ten minutes and ready.
Do not skip the black pepper. Piperine from black pepper helps your body better absorb curcumin in turmeric. Without it, you are mostly just drinking yellow water.
If you are looking for something simpler, my turmeric water is just turmeric stirred in warm water, no boiling needed. For a nighttime turmeric drink, turmeric milk is the better option.
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Ingredients
Turmeric: I use turmeric powder here. A quarter teaspoon is enough. If you add too much, it becomes bitter tea that's hard to consume.
Ginger: Fresh ginger only. Instead of slicing it, I grate it, because grated ginger releases more juice and its flavor is significantly stronger. Dried ginger also works well if fresh ginger is not available.
Black pepper: Just a pinch. Do not skip this, as I said above, it is what makes the turmeric actually work in your body.
Honey: Optional, but I always add it. Turmeric tea made with nothing but turmeric is pretty bitter. If you prefer no added sugar, leave it out.
Water: One cup per serving. Add more if the tea tastes too strong.
Step-by-step procedure
- First, put a saucepan on the stove and add water.
- Grate ginger and add to the water. Ground ginger or freshly grated ginger has more juice than chopped, meaning a much stronger flavor.
- Always use grated ginger for additional benefits. If fresh ginger is unavailable, use dried ginger.
- Add black pepper powder. Not only the powdered form, but using black peppercorns is also a good idea; strain them out while serving.
- Add turmeric powder. It gives a strong flavor, so adding in moderation is better; if one prefers a stronger turmeric taste, go ahead and add generously or double the quantity.
- Bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, let all the flavors steep well into the water, and switch off the flame.
- I generally simmer for no more than 3 minutes. Over-boiling makes the tea bitter.
- Strain the tea. It is better to strain to remove any solids, making it easier to consume.
- Allow it to turn lukewarm. Add honey and stir. Drinking without adding honey makes it challenging to drink.
- The drink is ready to consume.
Variations
Cinnamon turmeric tea - Throw in a mini cinnamon stick while simmering. A little warm, more than a slight sweet, and my favorite version during cold mornings.
Lemon turmeric tea - Squeeze in some lemon after straining and cooling. It helps keep the flavor bright and fresh. Similar to my lemon ginger tea, but with turmeric as the base.
Turmeric Coffee - If you prefer your morning turmeric with coffee, my turmeric coffee is worth trying.
Ginger Water - If you are looking for a light morning drink without turmeric in it, try ginger water, a few-ingredient drink with ginger in water.
Lemon chia seed - Cool the tea completely, add soaked chia seeds and a squeeze of lemon. Full recipe for this on my blog: lemon chia seed water.
Substitutions
Fresh ginger: If you do not have fresh, use dried ginger. Dried ginger is more concentrated than its fresh counterpart, so use half as much.
Honey: Skip entirely for zero added sugar. A dash of maple syrup works too if you want a little sweetness.
Turmeric powder: Even the fresh turmeric root will work. Grate it, just like the way you would grate ginger. It tastes a little less powdery and more on the earthier side.
Why This Drink Works
For ages, in Ayurvedic cooking, turmeric has been used, particularly for digestion and inflammation.
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, and black pepper is why your body can actually absorb it. Without the piperine found in black pepper, most of the curcumin goes unused.
Ginger aids digestion and reduces bloating, which I can personally feel when I include it frequently.
By itself, this tea won't make you lose weight. Though making the simple swap of a sugary morning drink for this amounts to quite a lot.
Tips
- For example, I take it first thing in the morning, 20 minutes before breakfast.
- One cup a day is enough. More than a couple of cups can trigger nausea in some people on an empty belly.
- This tea complements an active lifestyle and a healthy diet very well, but it is not a replacement for either one.
Before You Try This
Turmeric in food amounts is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few things you should know before making it a daily routine.
If you take blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or have had gallbladder issues, for example, make sure to check with your doctor first; turmeric can affect how certain medicines work.
Best to skip turmeric tea daily, but turmeric as a cooking spice is fine during pregnancy; but a daily tea is a different story.
It's not a medicine; this is something you consume as part of your diet.
FAQ'S
For me personally, a week in, I feel like digestion is much smoother, and my mornings don't feel heavy. Don't expect sudden changes; the true value shows gradually, not over 7 days.
One cup a day is enough. I have it before breakfast. Over two cups on an empty stomach will leave most people with nausea; more isn't always better.
You drink it warm, 20 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. Consistency matters more than timing; one cup daily over weeks is what makes the difference.
This drink is actually more of a breakfast tea. Turmeric milk works better at night. The milk base is easier on your gut before sleep, and is also a warmer drink option during the evening.
Related posts
Video
Recipe
Turmeric Tea Recipe For Weight Loss
Ingredients
- 1 glass water
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder/ kali mirch powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder/ haldi
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Firstly, take sauce pan, add water into it.
- Grate ginger and add into the water.
- Add black pepper powder, turmeric powder.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes and let all the flavors steep well into the water.
- Switch off the flame.
- Strain the tea.
- Allow it to turn lukewarm.
- Add honey into it and give a stir.
- Drink is ready to be consumed.
Matilde Longhenry says
thanks after sharing
Julius Ndethiu says
I have tried it and it works wonders only be patient and consistent. It is also a relaxing drink. Tastes yummy.
Asiya says
Appreciate your lovely feedback...