I’m sure many of you have heard of the amazing benefits of turmeric.  Found in the roots of the Curcuma long plant, Curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric) can improve heart health, digestion and memory, boost immunity, stabilize blood sugar,  has antioxidant properties, detoxifies the liver, is antibacterial as well as much more.  In Ayurveda medicine turmeric is used to balance the dosas, Pitta, Vita and Kapha.  But my favorite benefit of this superfood is… Anti Inflammation!!!!!! All you dancers out there know why.  Inflammation is the cause for most of our pain.  I don’t even want to tell you how much ibuprofen I have taken during my dancing life!  When we are dancing we want our joints to be streamline like our bodies, not with excess fluid or inflamed tissues, but taking medication to aid us is not a good idea.   I know many dancers who like to pop a pill, some just for performances, some more often, but long-term use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can cause a plethora of problems.  From gastric erosions which can lead to stomach ulcers, to asthma exacerbation and kidney damage, the side effects are hanous.  Not to mention increasing the risk for myocardial infarction (heart attack!!) and stroke.  I was totally guilty…. taking two Advil made all my pain go away.  If you are like I was- please think twice! Now I try to never take NSAIDs except in extreme conditions, especially since I found other amazing natural alternatives like turmeric.

Additional benefits- An article published by the National Institute of Health states that supplementing with Curcumin is likely to lessen Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and possibly aid in muscle recovery. Yes!! A natural cure.

So the next step- how to incorporate turmeric into your daily life?  Supplements are available but I’m a fan of the fresh root and powder.  I cook with it- it’s wonderful to add to curries.  I start by cooking onions and garlic in oil and add the spices when they start to soften.  I find adding the spices at this point gives the meal the most flavor.  I’ve also been making a turmeric and ginger tea every morning for a month and really feel a difference!! Making this tea is the perfect way to add such an incredible spice into your daily life.

Turmeric Tea (about 2 cups)

Preparation time app. 20 minutes

  • Water (about 500 ml)
  • Around an inch chopped fresh turmeric
  • Also an inch chopped fresh ginger
  • 6-7 whole black peppercorns
  • 3-4 cardamon pods
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  • Teaspoon honey (for each cup)
  • Teaspoon Ghee or coconut oil (also for each cup)
  • Splash of your favorite milk (I prefer soy or rice)

Put the water in a pot to boil.  Add all the spices.  I like to use fresh or whole, but I also add some extra powdered turmeric or ginger, and you can do the same for all the spices.  The pepper is really important because it aids in absorption of the turmeric.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain the tea into a cup and add the honey, ghee/coconut oil (also important for absorption) and milk.  20 minutes in the morning may seem like a long haul to get to your tea… but the ritual of making it is something to enjoy in itself.  Wishing you all health and happiness!!!