Ginger Turmeric Cherry Tea
Ginger and turmeric are the BFFs of the anti-inflammatory world. Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that may help alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis. In fact, some research suggests it could potentially work as well as ibuprofen.
Turmeric’s beneficial effects are likely a result of a compound called curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, which functions as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. And ginger offers similar benefits—one study found that consuming 2 grams of ginger daily (about 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root or ¼ teaspoon dried ginger powder) helped to relieve muscle soreness by 25 percent the day after a workout compared to those who were given a placebo. Add in tart cherry juice and we have ourselves a new bes-tea.
This steeped-to-perfection combination is warming, calming, and oh-so-soothing. Enjoy it as needed to suppress inflammation, or as a daily Rx for ongoing benefits… I recommend drinking 1 cup daily on my 3-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan!
Try this Orange-Chamomile Anxie-TEA!
Ginger Turmeric Cherry Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tea bag, black or green (regular or decaf)
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground black pepper
- 2 ounces tart cherry juice
Instructions
- Bring ¾ cup of water (about 6 ounces) to a boil. Place the tea bag, turmeric, ginger, and pepper in a mug, add boiling water, stir, and cover. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- While the tea is steeping, bring the cherry juice to a light boil, either on the stove top or in the microwave. Add the heated juice to the mug of tea and mix. Remove tea bag and discard.
- For a sweeter sip, you can add honey or a sugar substitute. Stir and enjoy!
I have been very relieved of a large amount of pain due to osteoarthritis. The tea is very soothing. Thank you.
Hi Dolly. We’re so happy to hear you’re feeling better and that the tea has helped!
—Team Joy
I am very anxious to try this tea. But can you tell me do you use the concentrated tart cherry juice or just any kind of tart cherry juice?
Hi Debora! Any brand of tart cherry juice will work (and will contain the active ingredient). Just compare labels and choose the one with less “added sugar.” Here are two good brands: Antioxidant Solutions and Cheribundi. Hope you enjoy the tea and it helps you feel better!
Wondering if you have a recipe for larger amounts to store in refrigerator. Do you make tea and add cherry juice later? Thank you!
Hi kathy! Great question and I love the way you’re thinking ahead! You can absolutely make a large batch by simply quadrupling the ingredients and storing it in a covered pitcher or container in the fridge. When you’re ready for a cup, just give it a good stir to mix everything back together (the ingredients can settle a bit), then pour what you’d like into a mug and reheat in the microwave. No need to add the cherry juice later — mix it right in when you make the batch. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, and makes it so easy to enjoy a soothing cup anytime!
would fresh ginger work? If so, how much?
Hi Leslie! Yes, you can swap ¼ teaspoon ground ginger with about 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. If you prefer a milder taste, start with ¾ teaspoon fresh, then adjust to taste!— Eliza (Team Joy)
Hi Joy!
I am going to try the Ginger Tumeric Cherry tea BUT I have a question is it just as effective if I were to drink it COLD like ice tea?
I’m not a fan of Hot drinks, but would drink it if were more potent that way.
Thanks for all your wonderful healthy recipes and tips!
xxLisa
Hi Lisa! Cold is fine! You will still get all the active properties! Enjoy. — Eliza (Team Joy)
Was going to make this X4 to enjoy the premade sipping, but the 1x recipe calls for 3/4 (6 oz) of water for the tea, I multiplied the recipe X4 on the sight but the amount of water for the tea is still the same amount. Should I use 24oz of water if going to make the larger batch. I like this recipe very much!!! Thank you!
Hi Jane!! Yes, great call. When you modify the recipe 2x, the ingredients change, but the instructions don’t. So yes, please use 24oz water for the 4x recipe. So glad you love this one! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Hi! I live in Malaysia where finding tart cherry juice is quite a challenge. Do you think replacing it with pomegranate juice would do the job? Thank you!
Absolutely, Gaelle! Pomegranate juice doesn’t have the same specific anti-inflammatory compounds as tart cherry juice, but it’s still filled with powerful antioxidants and offers its own unique benefits…so it’s a terrific swap. You’re already getting awesome anti-inflammatory perks from the ginger and turmeric, so even if you skip the juice entirely, it’s still a wonderful tea to help tame inflammation. But if you can find pomegranate juice, go for it, it’ll add a lovely flavor and extra antioxidant goodness!
How often should I drink this tea, it is very high in sugar because of the cherry juice. 7grs seems alot if I want to drink it several times a day.
Any suggestions
Thanks
Fran
Hi Frances! The cherry juice in this tea does contain natural sugars (not added sugars), but if you’re planning to sip it several times a day, you can absolutely omit the cherry juice entirely. You’ll still get all the powerful benefits from the ginger and turmeric — and adding a tiny pinch of black pepper helps boost the turmeric’s effectiveness, too. Most importantly, we hope you feel better soon — and happy sipping! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Can I use cran/cherry juice?
Yes, you can use the cran-cherry combo, Sue! Or you can choose to leave it out completely (if you prefer), since the ginger and turmeric combo already provide inflammation fighting power.
Wow… I can see how good this is going to be!
Hi Deb! Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Delicious and soothing! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed this tea, Joanne! Thanks for sharing! — Eliza (Team Joy)
We’ve been drinking this for a week. I think it is helping me get better sleep, and with arthritis pain.
Its has a taste your not sure about at first, but the more I drink the better it taste.
Hi Diana! So glad to hear that the tea is helping to alleviate your pain and promote better sleep! The taste is pungent, but we’re glad to hear it’s growing on you! — Eliza (Team Joy)
What time of day would be best to have this drink?
Hi Lex! This drink is great ANY time you want to drink it! The anti-inflammatory goodness will kick in whenever it’s most convenient for you to sip it. And if you want to enjoy it closer to bed, just make it with “decaf” green or black tea.— Eliza (Team Joy)
I’ve been making and drinking this tea when I saw you introduce it on the Today Show. I believe it’s helped alleviate my arthritis.
Hi Nancy! We’re so happy to hear that you love this tea and that it’s been helping you! Thank you for sharing your experience! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I Enjoy the hot tea!
So glad you love this recipe, Diana!! Enjoy! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Taste great!
Hi Susie! Thank you so much for trying out this tea recipe! So glad you love the taste! — Eliza (Team Joy)