Ginger Turmeric Shot

These quick, and easy ginger turmeric shots are the ultimate anti-inflammatory. These health boosting shots are bite-y, tangy and addictively tasty!

Turmeric and ginger are both commonly used spices in cooking and traditional medicine and it’s with good reason. Get ready! 

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this ginger turmeric shot recipe 
• Benefits of turmeric and ginger
• Ingredients
• Do I need a juicer?
• Ways to drink turmeric ginger shots
• What’s the best way to store fresh ginger and turmeric root?
• Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ's]
• What is the best time to take a turmeric ginger shot?
• How well are ginger and turmeric absorbed?
• Recipe

Why you’ll love this ginger turmeric shot recipe 

Ginger and turmeric have a synergistic relationship and reduce markers of inflammation and increase endogenous antioxidants in the body. 

To further increase the antioxidant capacity I added raspberries. Plus frozen raspberries help to chill the ingredients, which I find improve the taste, and eliminate the need for a juicer. 

Benefits of turmeric and ginger

The primary benefit is by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is the main contributing factor in the initiation of most disease states. 

Ginger contains the polyphenols, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, and turmeric contains a group of polyphenolic compounds known as curcuminoids. Together these work synergistically to reduce proinflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF. 

On its own, ginger accumulates in the digestive tract to improve digestion, or intestinal motility. It’s also an effective antiemetic, reducing nausea with 1 gram doses.

Turmeric’s curcumin may reduce exercise induced muscle soreness, improve metabolic syndrome by countering inflammation and attenuating lipogenic gene expression in the liver and the inflammatory response in the adipose tissue. But more research is needed.

Ingredients

• Ginger root: throw the whole root in, peeling is optional
• Turmeric root: throw the whole root in, peeling is optional
• Frozen raspberries: I recommend choosing organic berries.  
• The juice of a lemon: if using lemon juice I really like Lakewood lemon juice 
• Black pepper: piperine is the active ingredient that improves the absorption of curcumin (the bioactive found in turmeric) 
• Water: I recommend choosing a high quality water purifier like reverse osmosis or a filter like Pure Effects, or Berkey. As your 7th grade science class taught you, your body is mostly water, quality matters.

Do I need a juicer?

No, I made these in my high speed, deluxe cooking blender. With whole ginger and turmeric root, there’s a little pulp, but I combined them with frozen raspberries, which blend smooth. 

I don’t recommend juicing ingredients because of the loss of fiber. Plus, it creates so much waste! 

Ways to drink turmeric ginger shots

These shots are definitely warm and spicy, as you’d expect with ginger and turmeric. But, with the chill of the raspberries they go down with ease. They make me feel so good! 

You’re also welcome to divy up this recipe into two or three servings and add more water. 

Plus, you can multiply the recipe and freeze portions in an ice cube tray for a quick shot tomorrow, or in a few weeks.

What’s the best way to store fresh ginger and turmeric root?

Once you’ve cut either root it is best to dry the cut end as best you can and store in an airtight container in your crisper drawer. Roots should last a couple weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ's]

What is the best time to take a turmeric ginger shot?

In the morning, or with meals may improve digestion and reduce hunger. However, you may personally find it helpful to finish your meal with a shot to indicate to yourself that your meal is finished. 

Otherwise, it is likely okay to take turmeric ginger shots any time of day provided you’re not exceeding the limit of 8 grams of curcumin, or 2 grams of ginger daily. As with all medical advice, this should be discussed with your health care team as individual circumstances vary. 

How well are ginger and turmeric absorbed?

Ginger is effective at improving intestinal motility at a 1 gram dose, which is equivalent to 1 raw, grated teaspoon, or ½ teaspoon dried ginger. Ginger’s absorption is better than that of turmeric (curcumin).

Curcumin is the primary bioactive found in turmeric. Curcumin is the yellow pigment that stained my hand in the photo below. This bioactive is a bit finicky. It’s best absorbed when pH is maintained below 7. Absorption is improved 2000% in conjunction with black pepper.

Turmeric the spice contains about 3% curcumin; needless to say it would require a couple tablespoons to reach a therapeutic dose. 

Please speak to your health care professional before taking any supplements. It’s important to note that turmeric combined with piperine (or black pepper) may cause adverse drug reactions.  

Recipe

For more health promoting drinks, check out my Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice!