Used as a component of ayurvedic medicine for centuries, today turmeric has gained renewed popularity due to its many beneficial properties. When added to tea, turmeric adds a bright yellow-orange color and earthy, spicy notes. Turmeric is often included along with ginger in anti-inflammatory herbal teas. Other turmeric tea benefits include boosting your immune system, soothing aches and pains, and improving mental focus.
Benefits of turmeric tea
Some of the benefits of turmeric tea include reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and soothing pain. We’ll cover the top benefits of drinking turmeric tea below.
1. High in certain vitamins and minerals
Turmeric tea is high in certain vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. These include curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant, as well as manganese, iron, and copper
2. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
One of the benefits for which turmeric is best known is its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that the curcumin present in turmeric can soothe inflammation and help to treat and prevent chronic inflammatory diseases.
3. Soothes sore throats
Thanks again to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric tea can help to soothe the symptoms of a sore throat. Curcumin also has a variety of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
4. Boosts your immune system
The anti-microbial properties in turmeric can help to boost your immune system and ward off colds. While turmeric alone probably won’t be able to fight off more serious illnesses, it can still give you a little bit of extra protection by helping to bolster your body’s natural defenses.
5. Improves mental focus
Did you know that a cup of turmeric tea can actually help you focus? Whether you need to power through your workday or get some serious studying done, turmeric has been shown to help improve memory and cognitive function.
6. Soothes headaches
If you’re suffering from a headache, turmeric tea could help to ease the pain. Curcumin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, and can help to mitigate migrane and headache pain.
7. Boosts mood
Studies suggest that turmeric might be able to have a protective effect against symptoms of anxiety and depression. While you should always check in with your doctor if you’re worried about your mental health, a cup of turmeric tea can help to give your mood a boost.
8. Good for your skin
If you’re suffering from skin issues like acne, turmeric tea could help. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, a cup of turmeric tea can assist in clearing up your skin and improving your skin health.
Ginger and turmeric tea benefits
Turmeric is often combined with ginger in many tea blends. Ginger and turmeric are actually close relatives, and contain many of the same beneficial properties. Some of the benefits of ginger tea include:
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Boosts your immune system
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Improves cognitive function
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Reduces inflammation
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Soothes colds and sore throats
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Relieves period pain
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Aids digestion
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Soothes nausea
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Reduces muscle pain
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High in antioxidants
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Good for oral health
What is turmeric tea?
Turmeric tea can take a variety of forms. In most cases, turmeric is finely chopped and added to loose leaf herbal or caffeinated teas. Turmeric may also be ground and added to powdered tea mixes. You can even make your own turmeric tea at home by simmering turmeric and other spices, and adding tea leaves, milk, and honey to taste.
Does turmeric tea have caffeine?
Turmeric itself doesn’t have any caffeine. However, turmeric is sometimes added to caffeinated blends. If you’re not sure whether your turmeric tea contains caffeine, you should look carefully at the ingredient list. If it contains “true” tea, such as black tea or green tea, it probably contains caffeine.