Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe – Ayurvedic Blend with Tulsi & Mint

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe – Ayurvedic Blend with Tulsi & Mint

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cozy, comforting drink that also happens to be good for you. Well, look no further! This Ginger Turmeric Tea is my go-to when I’m feeling a little under the weather, or just need a warm hug in a mug. It’s an Ayurvedic blend packed with goodness, and I’ve been experimenting with different variations for years – adding Tulsi and Mint really takes it to another level. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any tea. It’s a powerhouse of flavor and health benefits. The warming spices are perfect for chilly evenings, and the Ayurvedic ingredients help boost immunity and promote overall wellbeing. Plus, it’s super easy to make – seriously, you’ll be sipping on this in under 10 minutes! I first made this when my grandmother was visiting, and she insisted on adding a little extra pepper for better absorption of the turmeric. It’s been a family favorite ever since.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings of this magical tea:

• 2 inch ginger, roughly chopped
• 1 inch cinnamon, a piece about an inch long
• 0.5 tsp cloves
• 5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups water
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder (about 2 grams)
• 1 tsp jaggery (about 5 grams)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 bay leaf (optional, for Ginger Tulsi Tea)
• Few Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves (optional, for Ginger Tulsi Tea)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for Ginger Tulsi Tea)
• Handful of fresh mint leaves (optional, for Fresh Mint Tea)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec, because they’re really the stars of the show!

• Ginger: Not just for flavor! Ginger is amazing for digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. I always use fresh ginger – the flavor is so much brighter.
• Turmeric: The golden spice! Turmeric is a potent antioxidant and is known for its incredible health benefits. A pinch of black pepper helps your body absorb the curcumin in turmeric, so don’t skip it!
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Considered sacred in Ayurveda, Tulsi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body cope with stress. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Jaggery: I prefer jaggery over refined sugar because it’s less processed and has a lovely, caramel-like flavor. It also contains trace minerals. If you can’t find jaggery, you can substitute with brown sugar or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea!

1. Spice it up: In a mortar and pestle (or a small blender), crush the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and pepper into a coarse paste. Don’t worry about making it super smooth – a little texture is nice!
2. Boil it down: Add the spice paste to a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Turmeric time: Stir in the turmeric powder and jaggery. Continue to simmer for another minute or two, until the jaggery is dissolved.
4. Strain & Sip: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into your favorite mugs.
5. Finishing Touch: Stir in the lemon juice. And if you’re making Ginger Tulsi Tea, add the bay leaf and tulsi leaves during the simmering process, and stir in honey after straining. For Fresh Mint Tea, crush the mint with the other spices and add lemon juice after straining.

Expert Tips

Want to make this tea even better? Here are a few of my secrets:

• Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, pepper, and cloves to your liking. If you prefer a milder tea, use less of these spices.
• Brewing Time: For a stronger, more flavorful tea, simmer for a longer time – up to 10 minutes. Just be careful not to overboil it, as it can become bitter.
• Fresh is Best: Seriously, use fresh ginger and spices whenever possible. The flavor difference is huge!
• Don’t Skip the Pepper: It really does help with turmeric absorption.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply replace the honey (in the Tulsi version) with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the pepper to ¼ tsp and use only 3 cardamom pods.
  • Medium: Stick to the original recipe.
  • Spicy: Add an extra ¼ tsp of pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Ayurvedic Adaptations:
  • Vata Balancing: Add a pinch of warming spices like nutmeg or allspice.
  • Pitta Balancing: Add a cooling ingredient like fennel seeds or rose petals.
  • Kapha Balancing: Add a generous amount of ginger and pepper to stimulate digestion.
• Festival Adaptations: This tea is perfect for winter festivals like Makar Sankranti or during cold and flu season. My aunt always makes a big batch for Diwali!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this tea on its own, or pair it with a light snack like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit. It’s also lovely with a side of khakhra (Gujarati snack).

Storage Instructions

This tea is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What are the health benefits of this tea? This tea is packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and immune-boosting properties. It can help with digestion, stress relief, and overall wellbeing.
• Can I use ginger powder instead of fresh ginger? You can, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. If using ginger powder, use about 1 tsp.
• What is Jaggery and can I substitute it? Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice. You can substitute with brown sugar or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• How does Tulsi benefit this tea? Tulsi is an adaptogen that helps your body cope with stress and has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Can this tea be made ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.