Lemongrass, Fresh Turmeric & Green Apple Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo first introduced a version of this tea combining lemongrass and green apple for those with knee cartilage wear. Later, while teaching a postnatal care cooking class, one of the students — who happened to grow both lemongrass and fresh turmeric in her village garden — suggested bringing some in for the group to try. Nourilo provided the green apples and rock sugar, and on the second class they brewed a pot together. Organically grown makes a real difference in aroma, and the result was beautifully fragrant and clean-tasting.

Turmeric has attracted a lot of scientific attention in recent years for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its traditional use in food therapy aligns well with that research. This tea is both a pleasant everyday drink and a focused 4–5 day course for those dealing with knee stiffness or joint aches.

Method

1. Wash and thinly slice the lemongrass. Wash the fresh turmeric and slice with the skin on.
2. Briefly dip the green apples in boiling water (a few seconds) to remove wax and surface residue. Remove the core and slice thinly — no need to peel.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.2–1.5 L of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in rock sugar until dissolved. Pour and drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

For therapeutic use (active knee or joint pain), this recipe is calculated for one person and should be taken daily for 4–5 consecutive days before results become apparent. Turmeric’s inflammation-supporting action builds over time.

For family wellness maintenance, simply double all ingredients — this makes a wonderfully aromatic everyday tea that benefits everyone at the table.

If fresh turmeric is unavailable, turmeric powder can be used — about 1 teaspoon per pot. Buy a quality product to ensure purity.

Lemongrass stalks can be composted or, if you have a garden or balcony, pressed horizontally into a pot of soil — they root quickly and produce abundant new shoots.