Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea: Dosage and Risks

Turmeric tea is a warm liquid mixture of ground, freshly sliced, or grated turmeric.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow-orange spice belonging to the ginger family. It is widely used in sauces and curries.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been known for its medicinal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The antioxidant properties in turmeric can provide a variety of health benefits. Turmeric’s most potent ingredient is curcumin.

However, it has a low bioavailability, and the body does not absorb it well. Piperine is an alkaloid present in black pepper.

This nitrogenous organic compound in black pepper can increase its absorption by 2000%.

Therefore, it is important to add a pinch of black pepper to your cup of turmeric tea in order to increase its absorption.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea

1. May Prevent Cancer. The curcumin in turmeric tea is an efficient anticarcinogen or a substance that helps prevent cancer causing inflammations in the body (1).
2. Boosts the Immune System. The medicinal properties in turmeric tea can boost the immune system in individuals with immune disorders (2).
3. Eases Arthritis Symptoms. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric tea can help relieve arthritis related inflammation in individuals who are suffering (3).
4. Lowers Cholesterol. Turmeric can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and can lower your likelihood of developing critical conditions, including heart disease and stroke (4).
5. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric tea can prevent the inflammation that is causing neurodegenerative diseases (5).
6. Prevents Irritable Bowel Syndrome. curcumin in turmeric can help decrease IBS-related pain and enhance the quality of life in people with this condition (6).
7. Protects the Liver. Curumin’s potential liver and gallbladder benefits include increasing digestive fluid, bile output, and also protect the liver cells from bile-associated chemical damage (7).
8. Prevents Diabetes. The curcumin in turmeric tea may have the potential to treat diabetes (8).
9. Prevents Heart Disease. Several studies have shown that curcumin antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have positive cardiac health benefits (9).
10. Treats Lung Disease. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in turmeric tea may help decrease the symptoms of chronic pulmonary conditions (10).

Dosage

There is no specific recommended dosage of turmeric. Most of the studies conducted on turmeric have used 1 gram of curcumin daily.

Keep in mind that each 3 grams of turmeric powder contains 1 gram of curcumin, and up to 3 grams of turmeric are safe to take daily.

Risks

Drinking turmeric tea is safe in moderate quantities. However, taking too much turmeric can cause side effects.

These include blood-thinning effects, which can increase the risk of bleeding and stomach acidity.

People who are on diabetes and heart disease medication should not drink turmeric tea.

Because it may interact with other medications, which can lower your blood sugar and blood pressure.

While there is no proof to back up this claim, some people believe turmeric might cause labor contractions during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should avoid turmeric tea or see their doctor before consuming it.

Turmeric may also increase bile output if consumed in large quantities, which can be problematic for people who have bile duct blockages, gallstones, or liver disease.

Again, if you have or have had any of these diseases, ask your doctor about drinking turmeric tea.

How to Make Turmeric Tea?

1. Boil 3 cups of water.
2. Add and stir 2 teaspoons of turmeric. 
3. Add a pinch of black pepper.
4. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a different container.
6. Add honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, or orange juice, totally optional.

You can also make golden milk by mixing turmeric and other spices such as cinnamon and ginger with cow or plant-based milk.

Conclusion

Turmeric tea has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are thought to ease pain and inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is the key factor for chronic diseases. That is said, the less inflammation, the lower the risk of diseases. The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin.

For thousands of years, they have used curcumin as a natural medicine to treat many conditions.

However, people who have diabetes or are taking blood thinners should speak with their doctor before trying any turmeric or curcumin supplements.