This one’s strong, and it’s meant to be. It’s a shot, not a glass. Turmeric and ginger are two of the most studied anti-inflammatory foods there are, and the lemon makes it punchy. The black pepper isn’t optional, either, it’s what lets your body actually absorb the good stuff in the turmeric.
Start with a small shot and see how you go. It’ll clear your sinuses, I can promise you that.
Why these ingredients work
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with well-studied anti-inflammatory properties. The catch is that your body absorbs very little of it on its own, which is why the black pepper is non-negotiable, it contains piperine, which massively increases curcumin absorption. Ginger is a close cousin with its own anti-inflammatory and nausea-easing benefits, and lemon adds vitamin C.
FAQ
Why the black pepper?
Black pepper contains piperine, which can increase your body’s absorption of curcumin by a huge margin. Without it, most of the turmeric passes straight through you.
How much should I take?
A single shot, about 30ml, once a day is plenty. More isn’t better with this stuff.
Will it stain my juicer?
Turmeric stains everything, including plastic. Rinse your juicer parts straight away and give them a scrub. A little lemon juice helps lift the colour.
More immunity recipes: see the full Immunity collection.
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shot
Equipment
- 1 Juicer or a fine grater and a sieve
- 1 Budget cold press juicer a great value alternative
- 1 Budget blender a great value alternative
Ingredients
- 2 inch fresh turmeric, peeled
- 1 inch ginger, peeled
- 1 lemon peeled
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
Juicer method
- Peel the turmeric and ginger and juice them with the lemon.
- Stir in the black pepper and knock it back in one go.
Blender method
- Blend the turmeric, ginger and lemon with a splash of water.
- Strain through a fine sieve, add the pepper and drink immediately.