Anti-Inflammatory Ginger + Turmeric Shot

I've finally stopped giving health food stores all of my money and have begun making my own delicious tonics, elixirs and shots.

You've probably seen anti-inflammatory and immune boosting drinks at places like Fresh, Village Juicery, Greenhouse Juice etc., and they're delicious and totally on point in terms of providing immune boosting nutrients that help us stay healthy.

It used to be my favourite treat to pop into a store that is overflowing with gluten-free, dairy-free superfood goodness as well as totally on trend with what foodies and those passionate about health are raving about on their Instagram accounts.

I would either finish a workout or pop in when I was amidst a busy day and grab a few things... Usually a green juice, raw chocolate thimble, overnight oats and/or of course, a ginger + turmeric shot.

I always assumed they were not easy to make, and above my skill level to produce (I'm still working on that inner critic!) but when I took a second to really think about it I realized, I know exactly how to make my favourite tonic at home.

Once I did, my life changed forever, It is now a staple in our fridge, and I love to share it with my beau, Ryan. When we finish a workout together, it's part of reducing inflammation and supporting immunity. When one of us are feeling sick, we chug back 2 (or 3!) ounces. When I'm about to start my chuckle, it's a way of reducing water retention and inflammation.

This tonic is simple and consists of only a few ingredients which are super easy to find. It has an earthy flavour and a warming heat from the ginger. It's also infused with turmeric which is known to boost the immune system, support liver detoxification and reduce systemic inflammation. And in all honesty, who doesn't need more of that??

So, I urge you to give this recipe a try. I promise you that you'll be so impressed with yourself and happy to have this magical potion at your fingertips without the $6 per oz price tag! And remember, no blender? No problem! You can use any blender and sieve to make this one.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that increases circulation and reduces inflammation. It has long
been used in folk medicine to soothe nausea.

Coconut water is often referred to as “Nature’s Gatorade.” It contains 13 times more potassium – an electrolyte needed for proper cell function – than Gatorade, plus twice the amount of another electrolyte (sodium).

Lemon is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that is needed to manufacture glutathione, a tripeptide that assists with detoxification. Also, according to Dr. Alexander F. Beddoe in Biological Ionization in Human Nutrition:

"...The liver can make more enzymes out of fresh lemon juice than any other food element. Given more of the raw materials needed to function properly, the liver’s efficiency gets a boost from lemon consumption."

Raw honey is rich in minerals and easily digestible sugars, which signal the body to down-regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol. It is also thought to boost the immune system.

Unrefined sea salt contains 84 minerals that support adrenal function, help regulate blood volume and blood pressure, and assist with the delivery if nutrients to cells. It also reduces adrenaline levels and supports overall metabolic health.

Black pepper improves the absorption of the turmeric.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE TURMERIC ABSORPTION

The active compound in turmeric – curcumin – is fat soluble, so I drink mine in the morning with fried eggs or something similar. Also, it is best absorbed when taken with fat and a old fashioned
pepper, so I drink mine first thing in the morning with fried eggs or something similar. Also, adding “black pepper to turmeric or turmeric-spiced food enhances curcumin’s bioavailability by
1,000 times, due to black pepper’s hot property called pipeline.

Anti-Inflammatory Ginger + Turmeric Shot

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut water
• 2 inch knob fresh turmeric (1 oz weighed) OR 1/2 - 1 teaspoon dried turmeric
• 1 inch fresh ginger root (about 1/2 oz weighed)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• pinch of black pepper (optional)

 
Instructions

1. Place coconut water, turmeric and ginger root in a blender and give it a whir.
2. When the turmeric/ginger is finely shredded, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve
   into a jar.
3. Add lemon juice, sea salt, and honey to taste. Serve, preferably with a food containing healthy fats and black pepper for enhanced absorption.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments - do you ever make healthy "shots" like this?

Check out our how-to video!

Cassandra Hope, RHN
Founder of The IBS Academy