The first time I had ginger tea was when we went to Dominica back in 2013. Until then, I only used ginger in my cooking, mostly in curry dishes. However, on that small island nation, being one of the most popular plants grown on the island, ginger tea was a way of life. Islanders would start their days with a hot cup of ginger tea and then continue with ginger ice tea or ginger lemonade throughout the day.
Since then, throughout the years, my husband and I enjoyed a cup of ginger tea here and there. However lately, with Vermont winter being a full force, this year we have been making some almost every day.
For the last few months, I have also been adding some turmeric into it as, similar to ginger, turmeric has a ton of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. They say it helps cleanse the liver, boost immunity, and help with digestion. With almost everyone around us being sick, a cup of this Turmeric Ginger Tea has been our natural medicine.
Ingredients:
The ingredient list for this ginger and turmeric tea is pretty short. All you need is fresh turmeric, fresh ginger, fresh lemon slices, honey (optional), and water.
Substitutions & Additions:
- Black pepper & oil: As I mentioned in my Golden Milk recipe in detail, one of the good-for- you components of turmeric is called curcumin. Sadly for us, our bodies cannot absorb it when we consume it by itself. This is where black pepper comes to our help. One of the active components in black pepper, piperine, is known to help us absorb the curcumin when they interact with each other. Additionally, curcumin is oil soluable meaning that it needs to interact with oil for us to benefit from its full potential.
In short, while they are optional additions, a pinch of black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of oil (any oil – coconut, avocado, grapeseed, EVOO, etc.) helps you take full advantage of turmeric’s benefits. - Ground Turmeric & Ground Ginger: If you can’t get your hands on fresh turmeric, you can use dried turmeric powder. For 1-inch of turmeric root, I usually use ½ teaspoon of its dried version. The same amount works for ground ginger as well.
However, please be aware that this recipe works best with fresh ginger and fresh turmeric.
About This Turmeric Ginger Tea Recipe:
There is hardly a recipe here. All you have to do is to place the chopped ginger and turmeric into a small saucepan, add in a few slices of lemon, cover it with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, strain through a strainer and serve with a slice of lemon.
The amount of ginger and turmeric you use totally depends on your preference. If you like it strong, use more and vice versa. I only used a few slices of lemon, but you can add in more if you prefer.
I like my Turmeric Ginger Tea just by itself, but my husband prefers it with some honey. If we have leftovers, I placed it in a jar, keep it in the fridge to enjoy the next day as a cold beverage.
A Few Notes For The Best Turmeric and Ginger Tea Recipe:
- Keep in mind that turmeric root stains pretty badly so while you are prepping your ingredients, be sure to wear an apron to protect your clothes and gloves for your hands.
- Even though I peeled my ginger and turmeric (mostly for the photos to look pretty), I rarely peel them. Instead, I wash them well and chop them up to small pieces. If you want you can also grate them, but if you do so, be aware that your tea will be stronger in flavor and darker in color.
If you liked this Ginger Turmeric Tea, you might also like:
Turmeric Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ inch turmeric root cut into small pieces
- 1 ½ inch ginger root cut into small pieces
- 3-4 slices of lemon plus more for serving
- Pinch of black pepper*
- Honey optional
- 1/8 tsp coconut oil* or ghee
- 4 cups of filtered water
Instructions
- Place turmeric, ginger, lemon slices, black pepper, honey, and coconut oil in a small saucepan. Pour in the water.
- Bring it to a boil. Strain. Serve immediately with a lemon slice and honey, if desired.
Video
Notes
- If you can’t get your hands on fresh turmeric, you can use dried turmeric powder. For 1-inch of turmeric root, I usually use ½ teaspoon of its dried version.
- If you have any leftovers, feel free to place into a jar, cover it tightly with a lid, and keep in the fridge up to a week.
- You can serve this drink cold, but it is best to add the honey while it is still hot so that it will be easier for it to dissolve.
- Black pepper & oil: As I mentioned in my Golden Milk recipe in detail, one of the good-for- you components of turmeric is called curcumin. Sadly for us, our bodies cannot absorb it when we consume it by itself. This is where black pepper comes to our help. One of the active components in black pepper, piperine, is known to help us absorb the curcumin when they interact with each other. Additionally, curcumin is oil soluable meaning that it needs to interact with oil for us to benefit from its full potential.
In short, while they are optional additions, a pinch of black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of oil (any oil – coconut, avocado, grapeseed, EVOO, etc.) helps you take full advantage of turmeric’s benefits.
Janet
Tried Tumeric tea I was told it is good for pain so for two days I have drank it and my pain seems been a little better. This is going to be my drink from now on.
There are other natural ingredients to use like Devils Claw, ginger, Boswillia, these I will try thanks.
Aysegul Sanford
So glad to hear that it worked for you. I have been sipping on one as well.
Thanks for coming by!
Liana Master
Does boiling the turmeric root make it lose it’s useful properties?
Aysegul Sanford
I think if you just bring it to a boil and take it off the heat right away (as opposed to letting it simmer for a long time) you should be fine.
I hope this helps.
vahdam teas
Thank you for sharing these great recipes. Turmeric Tea will help Relieve stress and anxiety, boosts Immunity, heal injuries, reduce pain and inflammation.
barbara newport
Can you use paste for tea
Aysegul Sanford
You could, but it depends on what kind of tea you want to make.
Have you seen my turmeric ginger tea recipe?
Lorina Bilderback
I really want to try this, but I only have powdered turmeric and ginger. How do you suggest I use that instead of pieces or dried?
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Lorina,
You can certainly do that. The instructions to make it with turmeric powder is within the post.
Simply swap fresh turmeric with 1/2 teaspoon of dried turmeric.
Hope this helps.
Sarah
I have a question. Where do you get turmeric from? This tea sounds excellant.
Aysegul Sanford
I usually find it in our local health stores or bigger chains like Whole Foods sell it as well. Not sure where you live, but I would recommend checking it with your local supermarket and see if they can order for you?
Hope this helps.
Linda
I’m in so much pain I’m willing to try anything thanks for the the recipe
Aysegul Sanford
I am so sorry to hear that you are in pain Linda. I hope this tea will make you feel better. Sending you all the warmest and positive vibes.
kaikai
Hi. I must admit I did not follow the recipe to a tee but the results were well received. I did use powdered turmeric. This will be my “go-to-tee” recipe until something else takes its place. I’m a happy camper!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Kaikai,
So happy to hear that you liked it. I am working on another Turmeric drink recipe. It will be published in January 2019. I hope you’ll give that one a try as well.
Cheers!
Jacqueline
I just stumbled upon this recipe and absolutely love it! This tea is divine:-). A keeper for sure. Thank you for sharing!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Jacqueline,
I am so glad you liked it. It is a favorite in our house as well.
I am working on a similar recipe made with turmeric and plan on sharing it in January.
Cheers!
Patricia
I especially appreciate the added pepper and coconut oil, my girls are not on board yet but a fab mommy treat!
Aysegul Sanford
So happy to hear that Patricia. I hope your girls will get on board soon.:)
Lori
Homemade tea concoctions like this make winter bearable!
Aysegul Sanford
Can’t agree more. Thanks for stopping by Lori.
Teresa
Amazing what I needed
Aysegul Sanford
YAY! So happy to hear that.
Toni Dash
I love how comforting this is! Perfect for cold nights!
Aysegul Sanford
Exactly.. A great sip while the fireplace is on. 🙂
Brenda
My sister always has tea bags of turmeric ginger tea when I visit her. Such a lovely recipe. I’ll make this for her next time she’s here!
Aysegul Sanford
Ahh you are so sweet. I hope she will like it. Thanks for coming by Brenda.
Aleksandra Žarak
Thanks for the yummy recipe. Especially as you gave me the easy way out: I did not peel turmeric nor ginger either, turned out delish!
Aysegul Sanford
I know, right? Noone likes peeling ginger or turmeric. So happy to hear you liked it. Thanks for coming by!
Joanne
This is the most amazing tea for sick days!
Aysegul Sanford
Can’t agree more. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Barbara Schieving
Perfect on a cold winter’s night.
Aysegul Sanford
It sure is. Thanks for stopping by Barbara.
Carrie
This tea is absolutely amazing
Aysegul Sanford
So happy to hear you liked it Carrie. Thank you!
Cathy Pollak
Perfection for a cozy winter.
Darly Spacy
I just tried the Turmeric Ginger Tea and it was so good! Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Mary
I have made this kind of tea before but I’ve used tumeric powder the tumeric powder work just as well as the turmeric root? and how much would you recommend using tumeric powder?
Thank you,i will try it soon!
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Mary,
I would recommend using 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder in place of 1-inch turmeric root.
I hope this helps.
Zerrin
This tea is what my son and husband need these days. Thanks for the recipe!
That final picture is LOVELY!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
Such a delicious and warming tea, Aysegul. I’d have to agree with your husband here and add a bit of honey… but I’m in love with all the healing properties of this simple tea. There are SO many benefits to these roots. Thank you for sharing (and that roaring fire capture – so pretty). xo
Neil
I made turmeric ginger tea. It warming Delicious soothing. I put black pepper in my Delicious turmeric ginger tea thank you
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Neil,
I am so happy to hear that you liked it. I am drinking some as I type this too.
Best wishes,
Ice