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You got it — this orange-ish-yellow root that looks very similar to ginger before peeling, and tastes bitter and nothing like ginger, can be a saving grace for those who suffer from stiff joints, arthritis, pain and overall inflammation in the body. What’s amazing about turmeric is it can go in and heal even the parts we don’t know about or see, such as the liver.
Turmeric shooter
Recipe:
- 2 TBSP peeled and chopped turmeric root, or 1 TBSP dried turmeric powder
- 1 cup water
- 5 drops liquid stevia, or 2 TBSP honey
Turmeric root and powder
Blend until smooth. Strain through the Amazing Nut Milk Bag and discard the pulp. If you used powder then skip the straining part.
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, and drink a 2 oz. shot up to 5 times a day.
Here are some of the many benefits of turmeric:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has been shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the growth of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of the chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Wow! Who knew?
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it’s fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to sprinkle it over my salads, cook about 1 TBS of chopped root into my quinoa along with a tsp. of Himalayan salt crystals, and also use it in my homemade mustard which I love to eat on my raw, vegan buckwheat bagels or in my gluten free almond bread-avocado sandwiches or add about 1 TBS of root to my green juices.
A lot more grocers seem to be carrying this healing root nowadays. So if you can’t find it in your local store, ask them to order some for you. Enjoy the anti-inflammation effects!
Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so, as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.
Article by Elaina Love, Faculty Member here at the BodyMind InstituteElaina Love’s Raw Chef CertificationElaina’s Website: https://elainalove.com/Elaina’s Live Classes: http://purejoyplanet.com/
