I've talked to a number of my clients about the side effect free, natural anti-inflammatory benefits of tumeric, and I'm usually met with the question of "well, how do I take it?" The following is a delicious and refreshing tonic that can be made at home and sipped in the morning or with a meal.

Tumeric is that intensely brilliant yellow-orange herb of the ginger family from tropical South Asia. Its often found as a culinary spice in Indian cuisine and has been widely used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. An active ingredient in Tumeric called curcumin has been the focus of numerous academic studies which have found it to have significant therapeutic anti-inflammatory action and can be beneficial and effective in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases including IBS, stomach ulcers, psoriasis & other skin rashes and Arthritis, among many others.

You can find it in either capsule or loose powder form at Whole Foods or the East End Co-op. If you choose to use the loose powder I would recommend getting it from the bulk herb section of either of those stores rather than as a spice from the baking section for the sake of freshness and potency. There are innumerable recipes that engage Tumeric, especially curries, and you can purchase a variety of teas containing the spice, but as for a tonic to have on hand for daily consumption, the following is one of my favorites:

You will need:
4 cups coconut water
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 lime juiced
1/2 cup ginger thinly sliced
1/4 cup real maple syrup OR honey
4 teaspoons Tumeric
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
dash of cayenne and a few mint leaves (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a sealed beverage container and shake vigorously.
Chill and serve in 6oz portions.
I enjoy this most first thing in the morning!