– Aparna Chatterjee

My Mother and I love to try out healthy recipes we randomly find online. But before the internet, people followed the rules of Dadi’s kitchen. I had some hilarious and weird-tasting moments with my Grandma. The smell of the herbs and spices, all pounded in a stone grinder, all the different types of Kaadhaas, and the famous instruction- “naak band karke piilo” (Close your nose and gulp it down!). Among all these going on in my head, I realized that one of the most beautiful things my Mother did was write a diary full of recipes, health and beauty tips, embroidery designs, and whatnot! And this drink is one of the rituals she still follows.

Turmeric, also known as “The Golden Spice,” has chemical compounds called curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the most beneficial. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent (helpful for arthritis, among many other conditions). It also helps the body to absorb other antioxidants. It improves the ability of the lining of the blood vessels to function correctly. Therefore, it’s been thought to reverse cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), atherosclerosis (Building up plaque in blood vessels), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), etc. Curcumin has been shown to benefit cancer patients as it can inhibit the multiplication and survival of almost all tumor cells. It helps fight depression and many other health conditions. Living in India, we identify Haldi as an essential spice in our cuisine, but this potion will only make you even healthier.

Things you’ll need:

1. 1/2 of a lemon.
2. 1/4 – 1/2 Tsp of turmeric.
3. Warm water.
4. A dab of honey (optional).

Procedure:

1. Squeeze 1/2 of a lemon into a glass.
2. Add turmeric.
3. Add warm water.
4. Stir well.
5. Add honey, too.
6. Keep on stirring as you drink it.

We all know the benefits of drinking water on an empty stomach. It improves you internally, but your face looks radiant daily. You will need to drink it while it is warm. Both chilled and warm water have their advantages, mainly for reducing your waist size. But how about purifying your blood with some hype in this routine? Turmeric water will do this for you! Honey, Lemon juice, and warm water form some fabulous elixirs, good for your body in many ways.

With a daily intake of this drink, you are going to:

1. Reduce some inches from your waist.
2. Purify your blood, so eventually, you will do away with acne and blemishes.
3. Detoxify your body thoroughly, reducing body odor to a great level.
4. Improve your immunity.
5. Build up the required antibodies needed to fight viruses.
6. Heal any existing wounds at a faster rate.
7. Cure a sore throat by simply gargling with it (Minus the lemon and honey.)

Now, how does it taste? With honey and lemon, the taste is relatively moderate since it balances with the flavor of turmeric. As I did, you can also start with low doses of turmeric because it will take some time to get used to it.