Pain Relief Tea – For Fibromyalgia Pain & Inflammation
Pain Relief Tea
Serves 4
Vegan – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Detox – Paleo
Active ingredients in my pain relief tea:
Turmeric– Is a natural anti-inflammatory due to its content of curcumin (this gives turmeric its famous orange color). In numerous studies, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity.* Turmeric may also benefit your digestive system by stimulating your gall bladder to make bile, speeding breakdown of dietary fats.*
Ginger– Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger has also been shown to aid in gastrointestinal issues and very effective in aiding the symptoms of nausea, motion sickness, and sea sickness. *
Cayenne – Gets its heat from large concentrations of a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been widely studied for its pain-reducing effects, its cardiovascular benefits, and its ability to help prevent ulcers. Capsaicin also effectively opens and drains congested nasal passages.
Lemon– An excellent source of vitamin C which not only helps strength the immune system but it also neutralizes free radicals in the body. Free radicals can interact with the healthy cells of the body, damaging them and their membranes, and cause a lot of inflammation, or painful swelling, in the body.*
Black pepper– Due to its analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties black pepper has been shown to aid with poor muscle tone, arthritis, muscle and/or nerve pain. The oils in the black pepper has these properties which is why I strongly suggest you use freshly ground or buy black pepper essential oil.
Both ginger and turmeric are generally considered safe and without significant side effects, and both are available as capsules from health-food stores. However, each may interact with certain prescription medications, and neither should be taken if you are pregnant. Always check with your physician if you ever have any concerns about adding a new food or supplement.
Ingredients
- 40 oz filtered clean water (about 5 cups)
- 4 – 1” coins of ginger (or use 1 Tbl powdered ginger)
- 1 Tbl + 1 tsp Powdered Turmeric (organic high quality if you can)
- 10 turns Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Lemon
- 1-2 Tbl Maple Syrup or Raw Honey to taste (see note)
Instructions
- Pour the water into a large sauce pan.
- Squeeze the lemon into the water and place the squeezed lemons into the pan too.
- Add the remaining ingredients and warm over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
- Whisk to combine the spices.
- Remove from the heat. (This can be left overnight to infuse further with the ginger too)
- Strain into mugs and stir in raw honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Keep stirring while drinking this because the spices will settle to the bottom.
You can also stir the spices together and pour hot water over while whisking for a quicker version without the ginger. (see notes below)
Adding raw local honey will make this a great immunity boosting drink. Feel free to add your sweetener of choice according to your taste.
- Mix 1 heaping tsp of turmeric, pinch of cayene, three turns of black pepper, 1/2 tsp powdered ginger (optional but recommended) and pour hot water over while whisking to combine. Squeeze half of a lemon and drink immediately
Sources/References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- pinterest.com/pin/405324035186504259/
- transformyourfood.com/2014/02/19/pain-relief-tea-for-aches-pain-and-inflammation/
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginger
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78
- http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27