This ginger, lemon, turmeric, cayenne detox tea is my everything (really though I just call it my detox tea because that is a mouth full!)...I've been making it forever; however, the 25 minutes it took every morning before going to work began to wear on me so I gave it up. But I always missed it because (1.) It made me feel noticeably better and (2.) I love the flavor. Then the other day the major lightbulb moment happened and I was like, 'Why don't you make a really concentrated version, then all you have to do is boil a little water and add that to it!' Not all heroes wear capes, friends. I'll even drink this stuff cold in the afternoon for a little pep in my step and it's better than anything you could get at Kreation or Erewhon (IYKYK) any day...sorry (not really). I tried a few different things before sharing, and I think I have it down to perfection!
Let's first talk about why ginger, turmeric, cayenne, lemon, Himalayan pink salt and black pepper.
Ginger: improves all three phases of gastrointestinal function: digestion, absorption, and elimination; improves circulation; relieves menstrual discomfort or nausea; help with weight management.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits; brain and immune system boosting; lowers cholesterol; protects the heart; great for joints; and is an effective anticarcinogen. It is the curcumin in the turmeric that is so beneficial, and black pepper increases the absorption of turmeric, which is why I add some. Allegedly curcumin may also aid in Alzheimer's prevention, which I'm all about. This is such an abbreviated list though. It also has amazing benefits for your skin--helping to reduce scarring, acne, sun damage, and balancing oil production.
Cayenne pepper: Circulatory stimulation which aids in digestion and moves bacteria and toxins out of the body; relieves joint pain; works as an appetite suppressant as well as providing a boost to your metabolism!
Lemon: Great source of vitamin C and antioxidants; aids in digestion; contains peptic which helps you feel full longer; helps prevent kidney stones. And honestly, I just love citrus in general, I'll put lemon or lime on anything.
Himalayan pink salt: Contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron (and like 80 other minerals); good for hydration; balances pH and electrolytes; reduces muscle cramping. (Side note, salt lamps are great too because of the negative ions they release, plus they're pretty! I use this one which I never turn off.)
DETOX TEA RECIPE
Note: Turmeric is incredibly pigmented so can stain surfaces, wooden spoons, strainers, etc. Just be cautious.
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil then turn temp down.
Add 5-6 pieces of 1 inch slices of ginger and let simmer for 10 minutes. I love the flavor of ginger so you may want to play around with this depending how strong you like it.
Add 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, pinch of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. (I actually add a little more, but I like things intense.)
Let simmer another 10 minutes.
Strain.
Squeeze half a lemon into a mug, a pinch of Himalayan salt, add half a cup - 1 cup (depends how intense you want it) of your Detox Tea into a mug; fill the remainder with boiling water.
That's it! Store the rest in the fridge and drink over the next few days.
Because I'm the kind of person who can never leave well enough alone, I also add a bag of this tea. Extra, extra benefit if you add these collagen peptides for that gorgeous skin and hair!
UPDATED 9/7/2023:
This Detox Tea works wonders if you feel a cold or illness coming on! Many times now over the years I have boiled up this Detox Tea, made myself a nice hot mug of it, and then taken Detox Tea wellness shots with the remainder...I love it!
SHOPPING LIST
Lemon Squeezer - Since I was a kid my mother has kept these lemon squeezers in the kitchen, and I SWEAR...once you have one you will realize it is the thing you never knew you always needed in your kitchen.
Mason Jars -
