Super Star Herb Alert! Turmeric in the House…

Over the last decade, turmeric has become a very popular herb in the West used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Thousands of peer-reviewed  research articles have been published about turmeric’s physiological effects on various systems of the body. This research points toward many other benefits including:

• Reducing joint pain

• Slowing or preventing blood clots

• Anti-depressant properties

• Boosting skin health

• Diabetes and cancer prevention

Traditionally, turmeric (known as Jiāng Huáng in Pinyin) has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal medicine. It’s an important ingredient in many medicinal formulas as well as a common ingredient in cooking.

According to Chinese Medicine, turmeric falls into the category of herbs that invigorate the blood, is warming in nature and has affinity with the Spleen and Liver meridians. It’s said to move qi and blood, ease pain and clear the meridians. It also has a targeted effect on joint pain, particularly large joints such as shoulders and hips.

Note: Chinese Medicine recommends avoiding turmeric while pregnant because of its blood moving properties.

DIY Turmeric-Curcumin Capsules

It’s always a good idea to work with a licensed herbalist to determine suitability and dosage. If turmeric has been recommended, here are instructions for a DIY capsule-based recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Organic Turmeric Powder

• 1 TBS Black pepper. You may opt to grind your own peppercorns in a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle for freshness.

• Vegetarian capsules, size 00

Mix powders together thoroughly in glass container with a lid. A shallow rectangular container works well. Separate the capsule ends from one another and then scoop up the powder with the longer capsule end.  Pack the powder in by pressing it to the sides of the container and scoop more in as necessary. Once full, cap with the short end until it “clicks” back together. Hold the capsule over the container and “flick” it with your index finger to disperse any powder on the outside of the capsule. Voila! Store in cool, dry place.

Warning! Turmeric stains so wear dark clothing and/or an apron while working with it and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Golden Milk – A Nourishing, Turmeric-infused Medicinal Drink

 This delicious hot drink is great to drink at night for a calming, nourishing beverage that readies the body, mind and spirit for sleep.

Step 1: Turmeric Paste

• ½ cup turmeric powder

• 1 cup water

Combine turmeric and water into a small pan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer on low. Stir here and there for 8 minutes until thick paste forms. Add more water as necessary to prevent burning or a paste that is too dry. Scoop paste into glass container with lid. Paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 40 days to use as needed.

Step 2: Golden Milk

• 1 tsp. turmeric paste

• Dash of black pepper

• 8 oz milk substitute (almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)

• 2 tsp raw almond oil or coconut oil

• Honey or maple syrup to taste

Heat milk up in a small pan with the almond oil. Add turmeric and honey or maple syrup to taste.

As a change of pace, whiz golden milk in the blender until frothy and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Sunburst! – Fresh Squeezed, Turmeric-infused Juice

If you have a juicer, try this knock-out fresh turmeric juice. It will wake you up and make your body feel ALIVE! Peel the oranges and wash/scrub the peels of the carrot, turmeric (and ginger) with a brush. Juice and enjoy!

• 2 oranges

• 1 large carrot

• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric root

• Optional: ½ inch piece of ginger root