Turn on the Turmeric
Healthy Turmeric Smoothie, Turn on the Turmeric!
I recall many years of patients telling me about their first signs of joint pain, it always seemed to be in the finger joints and usually the pointer or middle finger, a soreness or a feeling of stiffness. Well, I suppose my time has come. I’ve been having some finger joint soreness lately so I’m turning on the turmeric!
I’ve been doing this morning ritual along with some extra fish oil before bed at night and it’s already helping!
Turmeric is such a strong herb (anti-inflammatory and great for your liver) and strong tasting, but luckily chocolate pretty much hides the taste completely but keeps a yummy underlying kick! YUM!
An interesting side note: In Chinese medicine, we call this herb “Yu Jin” and have a slightly bit of a different take on it. It’s great for pain (anti-inflammatory), menstrual cramps, for all aspects of the liver, for bleeding like nosebleeds, it can be emotionally calming and helps with jaundice and gall stones.
From the Chinese Medicine Classic Text:
- Moves Qi and Blood, Relieves Pain
Especially for pain do to Qi and Blood Stasis including hypochondriac pain, irregular menses, masses (especially in abdomen and hypochondriac region), traumatic injuries, and dysmenorrhea. Also for liver cirrhosis, enlarged liver and spleen - Clear Heat and Cool Blood
For bleeding due to Heat in the Blood including epistaxis, hematemesis, hematuria, and epistaxis during menses - Clear the Heart, Open Orifices
For Shen disturbances associated with Damp, Phlegm and Heat in the Heart with symptoms like disorientation, epilepsy, mania, anxiety, agitation, seizures, and derangement - Treats Jaundice, Benefits the Gallbladder
Treats Damp-Heat jaundice and gall stones
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric or 1/2 teaspoon of powdered, although fresh is better!
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon of raw cacao nibs (for antioxidants and a little crunch)
- ½ a zucchini (skin on or off)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 banana
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- 2–3 cups water, coconut or almond milk
Blend in a Vitamix or another equivalent and you are good to go!
If you don’t feel sold just yet, here is a list of some of it’s super duper powerful benefits!
https://www.healthbeckon.com/turmeric-benefits/
In Health,
Christina Martin, L.Ac.
Tao to Wellness
Berkeley, CA
Healthy Turmeric Smoothie, Turn on the Turmeric!