Over the last few years Turmeric has taken over the spotlight as a spice or super-powered supplement. While many believe it’s the newest thing to hit the shelves, for thousands of years, this potent root has in fact had a huge following. A part of the ginger family, as of around 2,000 BC, cooks and healers in Asia and India have been familiar with the healing properties of turmeric and used in cooking.
Phytochemical curcumin is the principal beneficial ingredient of turmeric. This functions in conjunction with one of the other volatile oil called turmerone. Along with the antioxidant properties, additional health benefits of taking turmeric may include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Eased arthritis and joint pain
- Soothing relief for stomach issues
- Balancing blood sugar
- Improving lipid profiles
- Brain, cardio, and tissue health
The downside is that one’s own taste of turmeric will cause many people to stop taking it. It can lose some of its beneficial properties when used in cooking. To receive the most benefits from its use, it needs to be paired with a carrier as well as something like quercetine.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup ground turmeric (approximately 5 ½ Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp quercetin powder
- 3 Tbsp binding agent: raw honey OR Coconut oil OR Grass-fed ghee butter
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Directions
Wear protective clothing and cover anything that may become discolored – turmeric causes stains if you’re not careful.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place in the freezer to chill.
- If your binding agent is thick, you can put it in a small saucepan over the lowest heat setting until it is of a pourable consistency.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the turmeric, quercetin, pepper, and ginger. Pour in the binding agent and mix thoroughly until you have a mixture that you can use to form pills or small balls.
- If you’re using honey, it will be easy to pinch off pea-sized drops and roll into small balls. For coconut oil or ghee, you may need to use a small spoon or scoop to form the drops. Whichever you’re using, place the drops/pills onto baking sheet you previously chilled.
- Place the baking sheet with drops back into the freezer and allow to freeze until firm.
- Once frozen, remove drops from the sheet and put in a freezer storage bag or container and keep in the freezer.
These turmeric drops can be used as needed. Bear in mind that the mixture contains fat and/or sugar, so you do not want to overindulge. Like with any additive, diet, or supplement, it is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor before use.
