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Today, I want to share a simple herbal blend that supports my wellness routine. I mix turmeric, honey, and a pinch of black pepper to create a flavorful elixir. You can add it to teas and drinks, or just take a spoonful daily. Read on to learn about the unique properties of turmeric and honey, and how you can make this blend in just 5 minutes.
The Health Benefits of Turmeric & Honey
The Individual Benefits of Turmeric and Honey
Turmeric and honey, each a powerhouse in its own right, have long been celebrated for their health benefits. Turmeric, a bright yellow spice known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine, is lauded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, primarily due to curcumin, its active ingredient. Honey, especially in its raw, unpasteurized form, is rich in antioxidants and has natural antibacterial qualities.
The Combined Benefits of Turmeric and Honey
When combined, turmeric and honey create a blend that enhances each other’s natural properties. This fusion, often termed ‘Golden Honey,’ is cherished for its potential to support overall wellness, promote a healthy immune system, and offer a natural boost to your daily health routine.
Sourcing and Preparing Turmeric Honey
Making great turmeric honey starts well before mixing the ingredients. It’s all about carefully choosing quality ingredients to make sure they offer not just taste, but also their full health benefits.
Choosing the Right Honey
I buy my honey at the Agway near me because they source it from local beekeepers. My preference for local, raw, unpasteurized honey is rooted in both its health benefits and environmental impact. Here’s why:
- Purity and Nutritional Value: Raw, unpasteurized honey is minimally processed. This means it retains more of its natural vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, which are often diminished in commercial processing.
- Supporting Local Ecosystems: By choosing local honey, you’re supporting local beekeepers and, in turn, the health of local bee populations. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating many of the plants in our environment, supporting biodiversity, something I’m passionate about.
Selecting Turmeric
Turmeric can be found in two main forms, and each brings something unique to your turmeric honey. I prefer to use fresh, but I realize not everyone has access to this, so feel free to use the powdered form.
- Fresh Turmeric Root: This is the raw form of turmeric, resembling ginger in appearance. It’s known for its vibrant color and earthy, peppery flavor. Fresh turmeric root is believed to have a higher content of essential oils and curcumin compared to its dried counterpart. It’s also a way to ensure you’re getting turmeric in its most natural form, free from processing or additives.
- Organic Powdered Turmeric: Powdered turmeric is the dried and ground form of the root. It’s convenient to store and use, with a longer shelf life than fresh turmeric. When selecting powdered turmeric, look for organic varieties to avoid additives and to ensure that the turmeric was grown without harmful pesticides.
Turmeric Honey Recipe
This simple, yet effective recipe is a staple in my kitchen, especially during the winter months when we are all struggling to keep our immune systems strong. I also use it for its anti-inflammatory benefit, since I struggle with inflammation from a severe spinal injury. I love how a few natural ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can yield a remedy that’s both healing and tasty.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup local, raw, unpasteurized honey.
- 1–2” fresh turmeric root grated or 1-2 teaspoons ground turmeric.
- A pinch of black pepper.
Instructions
- Preparation of Turmeric: If using fresh turmeric root, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel the papery outer skin off a 1-2″. Then, using a fine grater, grate the turmeric root finely. If you opt for ground turmeric, ensure it’s organic and free from additives.
- Combining the Ingredients: In a clean bowl, add the grated turmeric or ground turmeric to the honey. Sprinkle in the pinch of black pepper. The quantity of pepper need not be significant; even a small amount is enough to boost curcumin absorption (Source).
- Mixing and Storing: Using a spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the turmeric and black pepper are evenly distributed throughout the raw honey. Transfer this mixture into a clean, airtight jar. Glass jars are preferable as they don’t react with the turmeric and are easier to clean.
- Infusion Time: Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours before using it. This infusion time allows the properties of the turmeric and black pepper to meld with the honey, enhancing the overall potency of the mixture.
Why Black Pepper?
The inclusion of black pepper in this recipe is deliberate. Piperine, a natural substance in black pepper, enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin on its own has poor absorption in the body, but when combined with piperine, its absorption rate can increase by up to 2000%. This means more of the curcumin gets absorbed into your bloodstream, making the turmeric honey more effective (Source).
Tips for Storing Turmeric Honey
- Refrigerate the fresh turmeric honey, as the water content from the fresh root shortens its shelf life compared to the powdered form. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-3 weeks.
- If you use ground turmeric, you can store the honey at room temperature. This mixture should be shelf stable for up to two months.
Ways to Take Turmeric Honey
Remember, there are numerous ways to include turmeric honey in your daily health routine. Here are three easy methods:
Turmeric Honey Shot: Mix 2 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of turmeric honey in a glass. Stir well and enjoy this health-boosting shot!
Morning Tea Additive: Stir a spoonful of turmeric honey into your morning tea for a flavorful and healthful start to your day.
Yogurt Topping: Drizzle turmeric honey over your yogurt for a delicious and beneficial breakfast or snack.
Smoothie Sweetener: Add a tablespoon of turmeric honey to your favorite smoothie. It not only sweetens the drink but also adds a nutritious boost.
Salad Dressing Base: Create a unique salad dressing by whisking together turmeric honey, olive oil, and a bit of vinegar. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor to any salad.
Exploring Further: The Wonders of Natural Remedies
Turmeric honey is just the beginning. Nature offers an abundance of remedies that can enhance our health and wellbeing. On my website, you’ll find more insights into natural remedies:
- Discover the various Uses of Turmeric in everyday life.
- Learn about the benefits of Fermented Garlic Honey.
- Explore the world of Oxymels – a combination of vinegar and honey.
- Dive into the gentle potency of Herbal Glycerites.
Each of these links opens a door to understanding how we can harmonize our lives with the gifts of nature. Whether you’re seeking to alleviate a specific ailment or aiming to enhance your overall wellness, nature, in its infinite wisdom, has a remedy waiting for you.
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