Turmeric Tea Benefits Guide
This post may contain affiliate links. Simple Loose Leaf is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Everybody’s talking about golden milk and you are not sure what's all the excitement about? Golden milk is a drink made with turmeric. And golden milk is not the only turmeric gem. There are many other blends that contain this amazing root, often blended with ginger or other spices. Find out what are the potential benefits of drinking turmeric tea.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric or Curcuma longa is a root used for cooking and making tea. It belongs to a Zingiberaceae botanical family, and it’s a close relative to ginger. The other popular name for turmeric is golden spice. It has an intense orange-yellow color and a unique distinctive scent and flavor. Turmeric rhizomes looks similar to ginger rhizomes, but they are smaller and have fewer knobs. This root is available raw, chopped and dried and dried and powdered. You can use all of them for making tea. Raw and powdered turmeric are often used for cooking. Turmeric powder is the main ingredient of golden milk and chopped and dried rhizomes are a common ingredient in spicy herbal blends.Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is not only used because of its flavor and color – it may provide countless health benefits as well.1. Antioxidant activity
Curcumin is the main antioxidant in turmeric root. Studies showed that curcumin[1] may provide a high antioxidant activity. Together with other flavonoids in turmeric, it may help reduce oxidative stress and prevent cellular damage[2]. Antioxidants may help boost immune system and reduce the damage caused by different environmental factors such as pollution, harmful UV light or cigarette smoke[3].2. Anti inflammatory activity
Studies suggest that curcumin may help reduce different types of inflammation. Inflammation is a body’s response to viruses, bacteria, external injuries or radiation[4]. Inflammation may be just temporary or it can cause chromic problems. Curcumin may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease[5], eye inflammation, arthritis, and post-operative inflammation[6].3. Anticancer activity
Although there’s no miracle cure for any cancer, studies suggest that some compounds may be beneficial in prevention or treatment of different cancers. Curcumin in turmeric may help in cancer treatments[7], especially with “colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, oral cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma”.[8]4. Antiviral activity
Curcumin has an antiviral activity, which means it could potentially help fight off many viruses. Studies suggest it has a potent antiviral activity against different viruses, including herpes simplex virus, parainfluenza virus type 3,[9] Zika virus, dengue virus and hepatitis C virus[10], viral pneumonia[11], and many others.5. Antimicrobial and antifungal activity
Besides antiviral activity, curcumin shows an antimicrobial activity too. It may help in fighting many bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staph. Aureus, V. cholerae, many of which may be resistant to drugs[12].
Coconut Spice herbal tea blend with turmeric
6. Treating skin diseases
7. Aiding weight loss
Studies suggest curcumin may help significantly reduce the weight, waist circumference and body mass index[15],[16] especially in overweight people with metabolic syndrome[17]. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a high waist circumference, low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides[18]. It may lead to several diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Furthermore, turmeric may help delay and treat type 2 diabetes[19].8. Liver detox
Turmeric is often used for detox purposes, especially for supporting the liver. Studies suggest it may have an inhibitory effect against different toxic substances, including toxins, drugs and alcohol[20]. However, never do a detox alone, as excessive curcumin intake may cause damage to your health.9. Sleep support
Golden Milk is a turmeric powder prepared with hot milk. It’s often used as a sleeping aid. Studies suggest that curcumin may have a restorative activity.[21] It may help with other brain related diseases such as depression, Schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and others[22].Are there any side-effects to drinking turmeric tea?
Although extremely beneficial, turmeric may cause some side effects too, especially if taken in excessive amounts. Always consult your doctor before deciding to try home treatments, even if it’s only a minor skin problem. Never treat serious health conditions by yourself. Turmeric, while highly beneficial, may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headache and rash[23]. Topical application may temporarily color your skin yellow.How to Drink Turmeric
If you want to start drinking turmeric tea, you can use either raw or dried root or powder. Pre-made blends are likely to be within the suggested daily dose, especially if you are following brewing instructions. If you are making turmeric tea using pure turmeric powder, use about ½ of a teaspoon. Want to make your own homemade turmeric drink? Check out these homemade turmeric tea recipes.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person is different and may react to different herbs and teas differently. Never use teas or herbs to treat serious medical conditions on your own. Always seek professional medical advice before choosing home remedies.
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