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Every morning, I boost my immune system and tackle inflammation with this zingy Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shot. Making these punchy drinks at home cuts costs dramatically compared to the $4-$5 you'd pay at juice bars, plus you get way fresher nutrients straight into your body.
I stumbled upon this mix during a nasty flu outbreak three years back and haven't stopped making them since. Whenever I add these to my morning habits, I can feel my energy climb noticeably.
What You'll Need
- Fresh ginger: fights inflammation and smooths out digestion issues
- Fresh turmeric: loaded with curcumin that might lower inflammation and strengthen your immune system
- Black peppercorns: boost how well your body soaks up turmeric by up to 2000 percent—grab whole ones if possible
- Fresh lemon juice: supplies vitamin C and adds a tangy kick—try to get unwaxed organic lemons
- Avocado oil: helps your body absorb more goodness since many healthy compounds need fat to work properly
How To Make It
- Get Everything Ready:
- Wash one pound each of fresh ginger and turmeric under cool water. Don't bother peeling them—the skin has good stuff in it too. Break any big chunks into smaller bits that'll blend easily. Get your black peppercorns measured and ready to go.
- Mix It All Up:
- Throw the ginger, turmeric, and peppercorns in your blender with about a cup of water—just enough to get things moving. Hit pulse a few times to break down the roots, then crank it to high for 60-90 seconds until you've got a wet, mushy orange mixture. It should look like thick, bright slush.
- Pour And Press:
- Put a fine strainer over a big bowl and dump in your blended mix. Push down hard with a spatula to squeeze out all the juice. You'll get a bright orange liquid that packs a punch. For super smooth shots, strain it 2-3 more times.
- Mix In The Last Bits:
- Squeeze enough lemons to get half a cup of juice, taking out any seeds. Pour this into your strained juice. Add a tablespoon of avocado oil and mix everything well. The oil breaks into tiny drops throughout the juice, making it easier for your body to use.
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What I love most about making this is watching the colors swirl as the bright yellow turmeric mixes with the ginger. It takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen where she'd mix up these same ingredients for family health remedies.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your wellness shots in sealed glass bottles in the fridge to maintain their strength and freshness. The good stuff starts breaking down after about a week, so try to drink them within 7 days. I like to pour them into small 2-ounce containers so I can grab one quickly each morning without any fuss.
Make It Your Own
You can tweak these shots to match what you like while still getting all the health perks. Want something sweeter? Add a teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup per shot. If it's too strong, just add some coconut water or plain filtered water. During cold season, try throwing in a tiny bit of cayenne or a drop of oregano oil for extra immune support.
When To Drink Them
Think about timing for the biggest impact. Drinking these first thing in the morning before you eat anything lets your body soak up all the good stuff better. But some research shows turmeric works even better when you take it with a meal that has healthy fats. Try both ways and see what feels right for your body and fits your daily schedule.
Why These Ingredients Work Together
Turmeric contains curcumin, which tons of studies show fights inflammation. The catch is your body can't absorb curcumin well unless you add black pepper, which has piperine that dramatically boosts absorption. Ginger brings its own fighters called gingerols and shogaols that can ease nausea and inflammation. Mix in vitamin C from lemons, and you've got ingredients that work together to support your overall health.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Do I need to peel the ginger and turmeric?
No need for peeling at all. Just give the ginger and turmeric a good wash with your hands or a veggie brush before you throw them in the blender.
- → Why is black pepper included in the ingredients?
Black pepper has piperine that helps your body absorb curcumin (the good stuff in turmeric) way better, making your wellness shots work harder for you.
- → How can I make these shots less spicy?
If they're too hot for you, try adding a bit of elderberry syrup or other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to tone down the kick.
- → How long do these wellness shots last?
You can keep these shots in your fridge for about a week. If you make too much, just freeze the extra in ice cube trays and pop them into smoothies or water later.
- → Can I use a juicer instead of a blender?
A juicer works great too and might even make things easier since you won't need to strain anything afterward.
- → What is the purpose of the avocado oil?
The avocado oil helps your body soak up all the fat-loving nutrients in turmeric and ginger, so you get more health benefits from their good compounds.