Lemongrass, Fresh Turmeric and Apple Water

Why people make this water

The lemongrass at Southeast-Asian grocers is especially plump and fragrant, and the fresh turmeric especially good. This lemongrass is a wonderful cooking ingredient, and is traditionally said to ease body aches and support the body’s defenses. Simmered with fresh turmeric and apple, it makes a warming drink traditionally used to dispel wind-cold and resolve damp — a nice choice for indigestion and wind-damp aches, especially knee pain and discomfort from cold-damp.

Method

1. Rinse and thinly slice the lemongrass and turmeric; wash the apples (skin on), core and slice.
2. Cook the lemongrass, turmeric and apple with 1.5 L of water for 20 minutes, reducing to 900 ml.
3. Add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved.

Nourilo’s Tips

This drink is fragrant and tasty, suitable for young and old. Because lemongrass is warming and traditionally said to promote circulation, it can help support metabolism, ease cold limbs and relax tight muscles, while turmeric is associated with easing joint discomfort — so it’s traditionally favored by those with wind-damp aches. But it runs warm, so those with yin-deficiency heat should not drink it.