Ginger and turmeric honey bomb
(Immune support supreme!)
Week 9 of lockdown and I have to ask myself, is it all over (lockdown that is!)? The shops are back open, kids are going back to school full time next week and the roads are certainly busier. It is a delight to see people’s (generally) happy faces as they venture back out from ‘under the doona’ (thanks Scott Morrison!). So I thought, how can I help people now with recipes? What is the focus? For me, it is all about supporting the immune system to protect from any nasty invaders (viruses, bacteria, moulds, toxins), so here is a recipe or two to make us more robust for the outside world! Enjoy ;)
Benefits of this recipe:
Raw honey – this powerhouse is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and is a potent antioxidant. Being raw and straight from the hive, it has not been heat-treated and therefore retains all of its wonderful nutrients (generally just being sieved). Raw honey tends to have a denser texture which is great at soothing a sore throat. (Note – not recommended for children under 1 year).
Turmeric – the active compound in turmeric (curcumin) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. As it is fat soluble, turmeric is best taken with a good fat to increase absorption. In Ajurvedic medicine, it is used to aid sleep (calming). Turmeric is also well known to aid arthritis, digestion and liver function and reduce blood pressure.
Ginger – is well known to assist digestion and reduce morning sickness in pregnancy. However, it is also an amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which helps fight colds and flus (great at soothing a cough) and expels free radicals from the body. Ginger enhances the immune response by fighting germs, illness and inflammation. Ginger is also great at reducing muscle pain and arthritis, as well as regulating blood sugar levels.
Lemon – packed full of Vitamin C, lemons are amazing immune boosters and re- hydrators which help maintain the body’s PH balance. Lemons can treat colds and flus, kidney stones, tinnitus and digestive complaints, as well as increasing iron absorption.
Black pepper – another powerhouse with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This ‘King of Spices’ is known to boost the immune system and bring down a fever. Its active ingredient (piperine) can control blood sugar levels and improve digestion (especially of turmeric).
Ingredients:
(makes ½ cup)
½ cup raw organic honey
2 tsp turmeric (preferable freshly grated and organic, or dried)
2-4 tbsp ginger (freshly grated organic, or dried, to taste)
1 organic unwaxed lemon (freshly grated zest)
2 pinches ground black pepper
Method:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Taste. Balance the flavours. Aim for a strong flavour as you only use a few teaspoons in a cup of water.
3. Store in a glass container for up to a month.
4. To consume: Boil a cup of water. Let it cool slightly to ensure the nutritional benefits of the raw honey remain intact (heating reduces nutrient levels).
5. Stir in a few teaspoons of the mixture. Enjoy!
6. May also be added to your favourite brewed tea.
Additional recipe - ‘Turmeric Bomb’ This recipe is fantastic as an all-in-one anti-inflammatory formula for optimum turmeric absorption (great for arthritic pain – I can vouch for that!)
Ingredients:
1 tbsp coconut oil (extra virgin, organic)
1 tsp turmeric (organic freshly grated, if possible)
Sprinkle black pepper
Method:
1. Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! (away from other food if you can)
