It’s so interesting how our taste buds change over time! Growing up I despised ginger-- could not stand it! I guess you could say I was a bit of a picky eater, and much to my chagrin, my mom would put ginger in everything (Jamaicans love them some ginger)! Salad dressing, stews, desserts, so many places where, in my opinion, it just did not belong.

And I’m not talking about a dash of ground ginger. It was the real stuff. We always had fresh ginger root stocked in the freezer.

Not only was ginger used as a flavorful spice, at my house it was also used for medicinal purposes. Ginger tea was the first line of defense against almost all digestive issues.

Stomach ache? Have some ginger tea.

Nausea? Ginger tea.

Gas? You guessed it, ginger tea was the answer.

Back then I would’ve much preferred to just pop an antacid. However, I’ve really changed my mindset when it comes to popping pills. There really is something to be said about natural remedies--getting back to our roots and using nature’s medicine whenever possible.

Today, I have to admit, I looove ginger and I too have bags of ginger stored in my freezer.

Ginger tea is no longer reserved for the occasional stomach ache, but is something I enjoy regularly. One of favorite ways to start my morning is with a cup of ginger turmeric tea. The combination of these two powerful herbs makes for an incredible immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, gut healing drink.

Both ginger and turmeric have a host of healing benefits, which is why I love starting my day with this tea. Plus, it soothes my stomach almost instantly and tastes amazing. The earthiness of the turmeric, the sweetness of the honey and the zing from the ginger all come together in an amazing way. It’s a must try!

Health Benefits of Ginger Turmeric Tea

Here are just a few of the health benefits this tea has to offer:

Ginger

The medicinal properties of ginger have long been recognized by cultures across the world and used as an herbal remedy to alleviate different types of pain. Its benefits are far reaching, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and therapeutic compounds. Ginger fights against infection (bacterial and fungal), regulates blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol.

As you might expect, ginger is an excellent pain-reliever, helping to reduce joint and muscle pain, menstrual pain and headaches. Ginger supports gut health by promoting proper digestion. It has been shown to improve cognitive function and attention. Ginger may also contain anti-cancer properties. One particularly compound, 6-gingerol, has been shown to block the growth of cancer cells.

Turmeric

Argued to be the best herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease, the powerful health benefits of turmeric can not be denied. Like ginger, turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin which gives turmeric it’s superfood status. In fact, turmeric is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds available today. Studies show that these compounds help to treat and possibly prevent cancer.

Additionally, antioxidants in turmeric help to improve skin health (conditions like acne and psoriasis) and liver functioning by helping to detoxify the body. Turmeric also supports a healthy gut by reducing symptoms of IBS, specifically ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease. Turmeric even combats obesity by reducing the growth of fat cell.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a popular seasoning, but it actually has many health benefits that you may not be aware of. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s also anti-inflammatory. Another healthy attribute of black pepper is that it enhances the body’s absorption of other nutrients. Peperine, a compound found in black pepper, boosts the absorption of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) by an estimated 2000%. Combining the two drastically increases the health benefits.

Raw Honey

You can use any sweetener you like or none at all. Raw honey is my sweetener of choice because it offers some health benefits that you won’t find in other refined sweeteners. Like ginger and turmeric, raw honey contains antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals, as well as phytonutrients that provide immune-boosting properties. Raw honey also kills bacteria and fungus that cause infection. It’s a prebiotic, feeding good gut bacteria and balancing the gut microbiome. Studies show that raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.

Where To Find Fresh Ginger and Turmeric

For this recipe I use fresh ginger and turmeric root. You can substitute and use the ground powder for each of these. However, I’ve found that turmeric especially does not dissolve well in water, but it’s definitely doable.

If you’re wondering where to find fresh ginger and turmeric, many grocery stores have them available in the produce section. Ginger is usually pretty easy to find. Turmeric can be a little more tricky, depending on your location. You can try your local farmers market as they tend to have more exotic options. Also Whole Foods often has turmeric available. If all else fails, you can buy your turmeric online. Amazon has turmeric root available and it can be shipped right to you.

If at all possible, try to get the fresh stuff. I find it tastes so much better and richer that way. You can safely store ginger and turmeric in your freezer for months at time.

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Ingredients

3 cups water
1 TBS ginger, grated
1 Tbs turmeric, grated
¼ tsp black pepper
Raw honey to taste (or sweetener of your choice)
Optional Additions

1 Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon
Lemon
Mint Leaves

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Once water is boiling, add all ingredients excluding sweetener and reduce heat to a low simmer.
Steep for 10-15 minutes (for stronger tea, steep for longer).
Strain and serve. Add honey to sweeten to your taste.

I love this recipe and also enjoy it as a base to many other herbal teas when I want to change it up. Once your tea is brewed you can easily add another teabag of your choice to your cup for an additional level of flavor.

Ginger turmeric tea is healthy, healing, and delicious. It’s a wonderful addition to any morning routine. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

If you’ve tried this recipe (or plan to), I’d love to hear you what you think!

Leave me a comment telling me how you enjoyed this ginger turmeric tea!

Healing Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe