I’ve mentioned before that Remedy Teas is one of my all-time favorite spots for tea, lunch, toast and general hanging out. Well, it still is! And one of my favorite things on their menu is their TNT Detox drink. It’s made with turmeric, lemon, ginger, and cayenne and it’s very spicy and delicious. You can order it hot or iced. Of course, any time I really love something (enough to want to eat it every day) I have to try making up a version at home. I have no idea the proportions or specific ingredients (dried or fresh ginger, for instance?) that Remedy uses, but I tried making a version of the TNT Detox at home yesterday and it turned out splendidly!
I’ve been trying to incorporate more turmeric in my diet anyway, hence the smoky spiced lentils and rice from last week, and this is a great way to do it. One of these bad boys everyday and I feel sure to get my daily dose of turmeric. The reason I’m interested in eating more turmeric is the collection of recent health studies about the positive benefits of using turmeric as a supplement. Turmeric has been used for ages in India and other parts of Southeast Asia for its culinary and medicinal properties. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and reduces inflammation and pain from arthritis, various skin conditions, reduces liver damage and cancer growth, reduces risk for Alzheimer’s and all kinds of other amazing healing properties. Read more here. Of course, I’m no doctor, so don’t come to me for medical advice, but based on what I’ve heard about turmeric, I want to try to incorporate it more. I have a joint pain in one of my knees and hips and I’m hoping this might reduce the inflammation in a natural way.
But without further ado, here’s the recipe.
The Recipe
12 cups of water
2 lemons, sliced
3 Tbls powdered turmeric
1/2 cup sliced fresh ginger
1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne
bee-free honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
In a large pot, place the water, lemons, turmeric, ginger and cayenne. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the drink through a strainer to remove the ginger and lemon pieces, etc. Pour into a large glass jar, jug or pitcher and fill the rest of the way with water. I stored it in a half gallon growler jug in the fridge. Add extra water to thin out the drink if desired. Shake before serving. Serve hot or cold with sweetener if desired (bee-free honey or maple syrup to taste).
Do any of you incorporate turmeric into your daily routine?
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I think I’d better head over to Remedy this morning…I have some sort of wicked virus that’s taking me out of work and play this week. Thanks for the recommendations!
Oh no! Poor dear. Let me know if you need anything!
does this taste better than the infamous Iron Tincture?
Ha! Yes, this actually tastes good and it’s a nice thing to sip leisurely and enjoy. Instead of tossing it back and gagging!
Where can I find out info on what drink detoxifies? Sound like something I should be drinking.
Jere–I know it’s used mainly as a detoxifier for the liver to keep your system running smoothly. I’m not sure if it detoxifies anything else specifically.
Interesting variation of the master cleanse diet drink.
I do take a turmeric liquid daily as an anti-inflammatory and for my digestion – (1 tsp) Turmero – here’s a link with product details:http://www.apexnorcal.com/Turmero-Resvero.html
I also take Reservo, too. I am always looking for recipes with turmeric in them, too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Carla, for commenting and for sharing the info about Turmero/Reservo. 🙂
Yes, turmeric is good for its anti-inflammatory response. I take an all natural supplement which comes from turmeric, to help with my arthritis/joint discomfort, and it really helps. This recipe has all “very good for you” ingredients.
Thanks, Sue. Glad to hear the supplement you’re taking helps with the joint pain/arthritis. It gives me hope! 🙂
Hi! This looks great! I have a couple rookie questions. The 2 sliced lemons… Am I cutting the circular slices and are they peeled or unpeeled? I’m excited to try it!
Magic — Yes, circular slices are great! And leave the peel on, but make sure to scrub the outside of the lemons well beforehand (especially if they’re not organic). Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Looks awesome! If I understand correctly, the water isn’t added until AFTER the mixture is simmered and strained – correct? Thanks
Thanks, Jenn! Simmer the other ingredients with the 12 cups of water. If you want to dilute it a bit after it’s simmered and strained, you can use additional water for that. I usually like to add a little extra water after the simmering process, but if you like it the way it is, there’s no need. Hope this helps!
I’ve been using these things in V-8 juice too (low sodium), as well as tea, might be good in veggie smoothies to jazz them up, I have a question if your taking these daily for multiple health issues how much is recommended on a daily basis I don’t want to use more than I need I’m on a strict budget
Hi Lori — That’s a great idea to add this to juices or smoothies. I would check with your doctor about how much would be recommended for you on a daily basis. Since I’m not a health professional, I’m not the best person to ask. Thanks for the idea to add this to smoothies!
Mix tablespoons 2:2:1 turmeric:ginger:cayenne (best if you find organic) and stir carefully into 1/2 jar of good local honey (Carefully! It puffs out of the jar and makes a mess if you stir too fast). Then fill up with more honey and stir again.
Feel free to mix as much spice mix as you can handle, it is just difficult to get used to the cayenne, so you can use less if you like. Important is to eat a spoon at least once a day, better twice or more.
GREATE against pain and inflammation (especially joints). Does NOT taste delicious, but it is not supposed to be a treat for your palate anyway, embrace it as your medicine.
This is so good!!! My two year old loves it too 🙂
This is very similar to the drink used on the lemonade diet. I’ve tried adding turmeric to a detox drink in this way but I don’t really like the taste of it here. I much prefer adding it to curries and other cooked dishes!