My autumn cleanse brought me closer to understanding turmeric's powerful anti-inflammatory properties first hand. Firstly, I should say I am a coffee addict and while I only have 1 cappuccino, occasionally 2, per day, without it, I am no fun to be around. So for my cleanse this year I opted for a slow descent down the caffeine highway and once I let go of the dairy, I followed with espresso, then moved to black tea and finally, herbal tea. All the while, I made this turmeric elixir each day, sometimes adding fire cider (apple cider vinegar infused with cayenne pepper) if I wanted an extra shot of warmth. To my surprise, I experienced absolutely no headaches, no body aches and I noticed my digestion was much calmer. So here is my new addiction - Liquid Gold. I have always been an advocate for using turmeric in cooking because of it's amazing benefits, but there is nothing like experiencing the fruits of your labor, plus, it tasted really good!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups hot water

1 teaspoon grated turmeric

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon honey

1 scant pinch black pepper

1 teaspoon Fire cider or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

PREPARATION:

In a large mug, make a paste using all the ingredients sans fire cider. Pour hot water over the paste, stir and let steep for 3 minutes. Strain into another mug or cup and add fire cider.

SIDE NOTE: Black pepper increases the absorbtion of turmeric, so use it or loose all that anti-inflammatory power.

SHOPPING LIST:

turmeric, ginger, honey, Fire cider or cayenne (optional)