Ayurveda has used turmeric for thousands of years. This root has been long praised for its digestive benefits and has even been used to treat ringworm. With its warm and bitter taste, turmeric makes its way into many traditional Indian recipes. If you thought that turmeric was just a brightly colored spice, you might be wondering how do you use turmeric for detox?
What is Turmeric
Turmeric root, in the ginger species, comes from the Curcuma longa plant and is native to India and Southeast Asia. The turmeric plant can grow over three feet tall and blossoms into a flower at the top. However, it is the rhizome, or root, of the plant that is used in cooking and traditional herbal medicines.
Turmeric contains curcuminoids which are phenolic compounds. The biological activity of curcuminoids can act as an antioxidant, an antitumor, an anti-inflammatory, an anti-acidogenic, as well as a neuroprotective agent. It is for these benefits that Ayuvedic medicine has long used this powerful root.
How Does Turmeric Help Detox
A substance found in turmeric called lipopolysaccharide is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. These properties can help boost your immune system. They also help prevent damage from toxins, also called “free radicals”, in your body.
Additionally, turmeric may assist in digestion. Active components aid in gallbladder stimulation to produce bile and help the digestive system run optimally. Turmeric can also reduce gas and bloating that often come with detoxification. Finally, research shows that turmeric aids your liver by increasing the enzymes responsible for detoxifying the blood by breaking down toxins.
How Much Turmeric to Detox
Turmeric is considered safe to consume everyday. Recommendations by nutritionists say approximately a teaspoon daily can assist in health benefits. Excessively using turmeric can have side effects so it is not recommended to take more than a teaspoon daily.
Turmeric Detox Tea Recipe
What you will need:
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric
- 8 ounces of water
- ¾ teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- Black pepper optional
- Honey optional
Directions
- Bring water to a boil
- Place grated turmeric and ginger in a teacup
- Pour boiling water over ingredients in teacup
- Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes
- Strain
- Add lemon juice
- Add optional ingredients to taste preference
Drink in the morings daily for detoxification.
Potential Turmeric Side Effects
The benefits of turmeric are numerous. However, like many things in life more isn’t necessarily better. Be aware large amounts of turmeric can cause side effects such as:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramps
- Potential allergic reaction
- Risk of causing an iron deficiency
- Rick of developing kidney stones
Note that these side effects usually only occur when taking excessive amounts. Small daily doses or turmeric are recommended for a healthy diet. Consult your family care practitioner before starting any turmeric detox.