In the last few years, turmeric has become popular globally, making a name for itself owing to its beneficial medicinal properties. Since the inception of Ayurveda, turmeric powder and roots have been considered as one of the main spices to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The western world and modern medicine are only now gauging the importance of turmeric and its wonderful, healing properties. Haldi, the Indian name for turmeric, is a spice you would find in every single Indian home
Be it to enhance a dish or to simply cure a cold, turmeric is one of the go-to herbs for most health problems. It is used regularly to improve the immunity of the consumer, owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidizing properties.
It is usually consumed with hot milk, warm water, or tea, but can be consumed as supplements too, depending on how much turmeric you would need. Out of the 100 odd components present in Turmeric, the main component linked to increasing immunity and is curcumin.
It not only boosts immunity but also acts as a prebiotic which promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and enhances digestive functions. Turmeric is truly a powerful herb, containing over 300 nutrients including, but not limited to, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, and others.
In conjunction with black pepper, using turmeric can be highly beneficial, as pepper can increase the rate of absorption of curcumin from turmeric, enabling a powerful, immunity-boosting remedy.
How to Use turmeric to enhance immunity?
Depending on the reason turmeric is being consumed, it can be used in varying forms of turmeric powder, turmeric root, supplements, and so on. However, for boosting and improving immunity regularly, the remedies mentioned below which use turmeric have proven to be extremely useful.
Pair it with Some Honey:
For treating allergies and colds, or to simply get a refreshing kick of turmeric, this concoction is suggested.
Ingredients: A teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, honey, and a pinch of ginger.
Recipe: Combine all these ingredients with a tablespoon of honey, which can then be consumed as is or with your tea. Raw, local honey might have pollen mixed in them, and might desensitize you to local allergies. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory substance that helps reduce swelling in the sinuses. Black pepper catalyzes turmeric and helps it move around the bloodstream to perform effectively.
Ginger and Turmeric Hot Cider:
Warm cider is a comfort drink that can help rejuvenate your entire body in no time. Making a cider using ginger and turmeric can be not only delicious and warm but can also have a variety of health benefits, which improve immunity.
Ingredients: A cup of fresh apple cider, a teaspoon of fresh, grated ginger and turmeric, a lemon peel with its inner white fibers peeled off.
Recipe: Combine the ingredients and in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it boil until a ring of bubbles starts to appear, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Cover the pan and let it steep for a few minutes, and strain it before you pour it into a mug. When served immediately, the freshness and beneficial properties remain intact.
Warm Spiced Turmeric Milk:
This is an age-old Indian recipe that adds a great boost of immunity and warmth in cold seasons. It is especially helpful to cure congestion in the throat, chest, and sinuses.
Ingredients: 1 cup of low-fat milk or vegan milk, 1 teaspoon of honey (add more according to your taste), 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, cloves, allspice, cardamom, ginger, and a dash of vanilla extract and black pepper.
Recipe: Warm the milk over low-medium heat. Gently whisk in the ingredients till completely dissolved. Continue heating on low heat for a few more minutes, and then strain the mixture. Serve warm or hot!
Turmeric powder can be your everyday companion, your guardian angel who ensures your health and immunity are always in top-notch condition!