Herbal & Flower Teas
Turmeric and Honey Tea
traditionally associated with promoting qi and blood flow, relieving mild joint pain, supporting liver function, and reducing bloating
Why people make this tea
Turmeric has moved from Asian kitchens into global wellness culture, and for good reason: curcumin, its signature active compound, is one of the most studied plant substances in modern nutrition research for its anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties. In the Chinese food-therapy tradition, turmeric (jiang huang) has been used for centuries for its qi-moving, pain-relieving, and bile-promoting effects — associated with relieving joint aches, reducing abdominal bloating, and supporting liver and gallbladder function. Making a simple tea from fresh turmeric root with honey is one of the most direct and pleasant ways to incorporate it into daily life.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for people with mild joint pain, digestive bloating, or a sluggish digestive system
- Associated with supporting liver function and helping prevent fatty liver
- Women during menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding must NOT use this tea — turmeric strongly moves and descends qi and blood
- Those with yin-deficiency fire constitution: use sparingly
- Diabetics or those avoiding sugar: substitute maple syrup (not honey) — maple syrup has less impact on blood sugar
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Turmeric (jiang huang): Warm and acrid in flavour; associated with breaking up qi stagnation and blood stasis, reducing pain, and stimulating bile flow to support liver and gallbladder function. Also associated with antiviral activity against some hepatitis viruses. Curcumin is its most studied active constituent.
- Honey (feng mi): Moistening and tonifying; harmonises the strong flavour of turmeric, adds a pleasant sweetness, and is traditionally associated with supporting the lungs, spleen, and stomach.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh turmeric root | ~75 g (1 piece, ~2 liang) | Wash, keep skin on, slice thinly, lightly crush with knife |
| Honey | to taste | Add after pouring into cup, not while boiling |
| Water | 3 bowls (~600 mL) | — |
Method
- Wash the fresh turmeric root; do not peel.
- Cut into thin slices, then use the flat side of a knife to lightly crush each slice — this helps release the curcumin during cooking.
- Place in a pot with 3 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups.
- Pour into cups and allow to cool slightly before stirring in honey to taste.
- Drink morning and afternoon. Do not add honey to boiling liquid.
Bro Niu’s tips
Old (mature) turmeric has a deep brown exterior and a more potent therapeutic effect than young turmeric, which is lighter in colour. This tea has a mild, slightly earthy flavour with very little spice heat. Regular drinking is associated with building immune resilience and supporting the body against seasonal flu. If fresh turmeric is unavailable, 5 g of turmeric powder (jiang huang fen / huang jiang fen) can be used as a substitute — the powder sold in spice shops and used in curry is the same ingredient. If you have fatty liver, substitute maple syrup for honey. Best consumed in the morning or during afternoon tea time.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (清): If fresh turmeric is unavailable, can turmeric powder be used as a substitute? What is the quantity? Is it suitable for yin-deficiency fire constitution? Bro Niu: Yes, 5 g of turmeric powder can substitute for fresh turmeric. Those with yin-deficiency and excess fire constitution should use this tea sparingly.
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Q (Nat): I have seen advice online saying not to eat ginger in the afternoon, and that eating ginger at night is like eating arsenic. Should this turmeric tea also only be drunk in the morning? Bro Niu: A lot of online health information is not fully reliable. Eating a small amount of ginger in a cooked evening meal is completely fine — the concern is about eating a large amount of raw ginger at night, which can stimulate digestion and circulation in ways that might affect sleep or cause a feeling of heat. Turmeric tea is best enjoyed in the morning and afternoon.
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Q (小李): I already have a fatty liver. Should I adjust the recipe? Does honey cause weight gain? Bro Niu: If you have fatty liver, replace honey with maple syrup, which is available at most large supermarkets and has less impact on blood sugar than honey.
Published January 2, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
