Updated 5/2019.
We’ve needed a lot of detox support as our family has restored our health after Lyme disease. It’s been a long haul but so worth it. Now that we’re mostly on the other side, the one thing we’ve retained in our daily routine is the use of lemon water first thing in the morning before food.
Since we drink lemon juice daily, we get handy bottles of pure organic lemon juice at Costco instead of squeezing our own lemons.
Combine lemons with turmeric and you have one of nature’s most powerful detox support combinations. Turmeric, in my opinion, is the best anti-inflammatory and science show it beats Prozac, Ibuprofen and more.
When detoxing, your body is trying to “flush” out nasty stuff, and you can help it out greatly – no pun intended. (See Bowel Cleanser under Health Benefits).
13 Detox Support Benefits of Lemons
Oxygen Enhancer – When there is insufficient oxygen and difficulty in breathing (such as when mountain climbing) lemons are very helpful. The first man to reach the top of Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary even admitted his victory over Mt. Everest was greatly due to lemon. This is also why lemon is valuable in cancer prevention. Cancer cells hate oxygen and can only grow in low oxygen environments.
Bowel Cleanser: The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels. This helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity.
Cancer-Fighter – Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including Limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called Flavonol Glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
Anti-Aging Enhancer – The high levels of Vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.
Colds and Flu Preventer: Lemons are rich in Vitamin C and Flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
Liver Detoxifier – Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier. Lemon helps the liver dump toxins by stimulating its natural enzymes.
Gall and Kidney Stones Dissolver – The Citric Acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones. My friend Toni over at Foothills Of the Great Smoky Mountains tells their true story of how this works.
Blood Vessel Strengthener – Vitamin P (bioflavinoids)and Hesperetin in lemon prevents internal hemorrhage and varicose veins. It is useful in treating high blood pressure.
Eye Disorders Improver – Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.
Body Chemistry Balancer – While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
Allergy Fighter – Lemons contain the phytonutrient Hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Natural Deodorizer – Simply run a chunk of the rind through the garbage disposal, or leave it in your car on a warm day. Put a cup of lemon juice in the bottom of your dishwasher before running it to disinfect and deodorize it.
Brain and Nervous System Fixer – Containing the potent phytonutrient Tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-Viral Boxer- In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, Terpene Limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.
Diabetes Adaptogen- In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain Hesperetin which lowers elevated blood sugar levels.
Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours. In 1747, a naval surgeon named James Lind cured scurvy with fresh lemons.
Additionally lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
Detox Support Recipe
This juice beverage is easy to make at home, provides an alkaline reaction in the body and helps reduce systemic inflammation and all ’round detox support. Serve it cool or warm.
Make several day’s supply ahead of time for that quick 6-8 ounce glass in the morning.
The BEST time is to take it in the morning since lemons increase peristalsis! I always drink a 1/8 -1/4 glass of plain water afterwards and then swish and swallow to prevent any potential damage to tooth enamel.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 5 cups Water
- 2 tsp. Turmeric powder (or more when desiring pain relief)
- 2 shakes of black pepper for bio-availability!
- 1/2 tsp. Cardamom (optional) (spices are also anti-inflammatory)
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. Coriander (optional)
- 2-3 TBSP Honey (preferably raw and local), stevia to taste, or real maple syrup
To Double:
- 1 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 10 cups Water
- 4 tsp. Turmeric powder
- 3-4 shakes of black pepper for bio-availability!
- 1 tsp. Cardamom (optional) (spices are also anti-inflammatory)
- 1 tsp. Cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp. Coriander (optional)
- 4-6 TBSP Honey as above
Add all of the ingredients together in a covered pitcher or glass water bottle. Shake well. Shake or stir each time prior to using.
This is also excellent detox support immediately after a workout.
“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” ~Alfred E. Newman
Amanda
If Turmeric needs to be taken with an oil is that needed in this case?
Jacqueline
Amanda, I omitted it in this post and got some questions. Yes, It is definitely best to eat with a good fat and also black pepper for best absorption!! You can always eat a breakfast soon after (eggs w/ blk pepper fried in coconut oil) that includes it. I did discuss it in this post on golden turmeric Paste: https://deeprootsathome.com/how-to-make-use-turmeric-golden-paste/
I hope that helps and am so glad you asked 😀
Nancy
Thank you so very much for sharing this recipe :O)
I will use it for my “joint pain and inflammation”
God Bless YOU!
Jacqueline
YOU are welcome, Nancy LOL I pray it will significantly help you and others!
Blessings, new friend!
Julie
Can the essential oils of cardamom and coriander be used instead? And would lemon essential oil work as well as fresh lemon juice?
Jacqueline
Julie, I have thought about this and don’t know. It would be fun to do a test with 2 people and one use EOs and the other the juice and turmeric. Test urine (first urine in the morning) with pH strips before and after a week or two or three! 🙂
Great project for a researcher!
Julie
That’s a great idea. I’ll have to try it and let you know. I’ll let you know, I am slow to do things. So it may be awhile before I let you know the results.
Jacqueline
That is OK, Julie! I would love to find out your results! Blessings 😀
[email protected]
Turmeric is quickly becoming one of my favorite herbs! Great recipe!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Jill!! That is high praise coming from you! 😀
Nancy
Hi,
I made this today and had a glass with slices of apple with almond butter and sprinkled a few with pepper. Hope that does the trick.
I would like to ask what would be a good alternative to take for osteoperois. I am trying to do things more natural and was hoping to find something I can put together at home. Any ideas?
Blessings,
Nancy M
Erin
I went to buy turmeric from the bulk herb section of our local grocery store-the big jar was empty. My first thought was that everyone read this post today?. Seriously…I was nervous that the spice jars of turmeric would be gone as well. Thankfully there were a few on the shelves.
Will make it tomorrow for myself and my second oldest. Thanks (once again ?) for the great advice and how to!
Jacqueline
Haha!! Erin, that would be the day 😀 I’m praying you find relief! I would advise you to get organic turmeric, though. It is always higher quality and not irradiated or possibly containing contaminants as cheaper non-organic spices do.
Blessings from the Lord to you both!
Cate
Hi, I was wondering if you knew how long this would last in the refrigerator, as I am the only one in the house hold? Also do the cumin and coriander do anything within the recipe?
Cate
Hi Nancy I was wondering how long this would last in the refrigerator, as I am the only one in the household? And also what the cumin and the coriander do in the recipe? Thank you for your site and this recipe.
Jacqueline
Hi, Cate! I think it would be fine in the fridge all together for up to a week or 10 days. The spices will ‘keep’ it for a good while since they all have antimicrobial properties. All spices have a lot of benefits. I will give you two links b/c they are too many to mention here. Both cumin and coriander are anti-inflammatory, too. They certainly are of benefit to tone the body, but the basic anti-inflammatory drink will still be very helpful without them. I hope these help! God bless you, dear one.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-cumin.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Coriander-has-multiple-health-benefits/articleshow/30452697.cms
Cate
Sorry for the mix up on the last comment. I was reading your comment to Nancy on osteoporosis, and that you take niacinamide 2 in the morning and 2 at night. Did you do anything else for it? I can’t take the medicines that they usually prescribe as it starts to shut down my muscles. I have been in a wheel chair solid for 20 years, and a paraplegic for 42 years, so my bones don’t get the movement that they need. I would be interested in what ever you have to say on the subject. I did follow the link that you left for Nancy. Thank you for any information that you have.
Jacqueline
Hi, again, Cate!
Do you have anyone to help you with range of motion such as a rehab person that comes? I understand what the lack of movement can do as a nurse, and I’m thankful you are addressing this now. The drink will help but also simply taking turmeric capsules (4/ day) http://amzn.to/1nacHb8 will even more so dampen down the inflammation and be easier for you than the drink. This post explains pretty fully: https://deeprootsathome.com/evidence-no-side-effect-turmeric-beats-prozac-ibuprofen-more/
Yes, niacinamide is helpful for osteoporosis as you know now, but I will share with you what I also take for building my bones at 64: http://amzn.to/1UcuI3x Used to be that you couldn’t get Metagenics products unless you were a nurse (like me) or doctor. Now you can get it through amazon. I take both naicinamide and the Metagenics.. they work amazing well for me and lots of friends dealing with aging bones.
Cate
Thank you so much for replying to me, I really do appreciate it.
Jacqueline
Cate,
You are welcome, dear one! I’m still praying for you!
Judi
Curious how much niacinamide you take every day. I just found out have osteopenia and want to turn it around. I am 63.
Jacqueline
Hi, Judy! I still use Niacinamide every day and take it with my turmeric/blk pepper! I love my niacinamide!
This is the one I use: https://amzn.to/2TFoe5H
I take 500 mg twice a day AM and PM. That is when I take my turmeric, so I do it together. https://deeprootsathome.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-spices-bulk-mix-recipe-users-guide/
I hope that helps!
Blessings, ~J
M.S.
Hello Jacqueline,
I fell upon your site and Im learning so much. Not only do I value all the wonderful ‘natural/organic’ suggestions/advice you post, but I am so encouraged by your spiritual wisdom.. I am a mother, wife and child of God who has never had a Older Godly woman in my life to seek encouragment from. So to have really enjoyed and appreciated your sharing of your personal life..
With that being said- I wanted to ask if per this ‘detox drink’, can one drink this ongoing? As a daily cleanse? Or long term use as a regular ‘start to the day’ type use, would this cause the body to become ‘used to’ its effects?
Thank you for any insight- and again, sharing all your wonderful knowledge : )
M. S. – Wisc.
Jacqueline
Hi, new friend, M.S.,
Yes, I think it would be a very effective ongoing daily drink, especially in the morning. Very alkalinizing and bowel cleanse, etc.
I am so thankful you are being encouraged. God is so good! Thank you!
Courtney Beer
Hello,
What an interesting site you have!
I am interested in taking turmeric capsules for the inflammation in my knees. I want to fill my own capsules though. Would you please tell me how much organic turmeric powder I should take daily. Can I put ground pepper corn in the capsules and how much of that daily? Also, is it beneficial and possible to add or make a separate capsule with the cardamom, cumin and coriander spices? If so, how much daily? Questions, questions haha.
Thank you,
Courtney
Jacqueline
Hi, Courtney!
This is my pleasure and joy to help! I will refer you to 2 other posts I wrote on turmeric and its usage and dosage. It is all explained there and will all make so much more sense. First, https://deeprootsathome.com/how-to-make-use-turmeric-golden-paste/ (this explains the ways you can use it and the dosage. Also, this post tells just how powerful turmeric is: https://deeprootsathome.com/evidence-no-side-effect-turmeric-beats-prozac-ibuprofen-more/
I will be happy to try and help further if this doesn’t give you what you need. As to the 3 spices you mentioned, you can just add them to the turmeric mixture (including the ground black pepper) you put in capsules, only use 1/4 of the amount each (proportional to the turmeric). God bless you and I pray that you would be in good health, spiritually and physically!
Courtney Beer
Hi Jacqueline,
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! I read both posts and they were very informative.
Thank you so much for your time and help!
God bless,
Courtney
Jacqueline
I am so glad to help! I am praying for you, Courtney!
Janette E Gutscher
Thank you for all this onfo. I am confused on how much to take of this in the morning? Do I add it to water or drink it undiluted?
Jacqueline
Hi, Janette, It says this, “Make several day’s supply ahead of time for that quick 6-8 ounce glass in the morning.” I hope that helps <3
Blessings, ~J
Jk
I began taking this drink first thing in the morning. On the third day I had diarrhea so bad I could not function, not able to be up walking, fainted coming out of the bathroom that night, my husband found me and carried me to the bed (I have no memory of that) it’s been 3 more days of this no energy and diarrhea! I have not taken any of this drink since. Today I can actually sit up for more than one hour. Has this ever happened to anyone that you know of?
Jacqueline
Jk, I have not ever heard of such a thing. Lemon can cleanse the bowels and turmeric is powerful for inflammation, but unless yours is contaminated, I have not idea what you are dealing with there. Neither is toxin in any normal quantity. I am sorry that happened to you, but I’ve never experienced anything even close to that or know of anyone who has.
It may have flushed out something that really needed to get out. You may also naturally be low on electrolytes, so eat a banana or 2 and take some Himalayan salt to get your trace minerals up!
I’m praying for you! ~J
JK
Thank you for your reply, especially the prayer! All of our spices are organic, but not the lemon juice. We try to eat clean, raise grass fed cows and feed our chickens organic feed. I do take himalayan pink salt everyday, but a banana sounds good. I walked to the barn today and came back in like I ran for miles. Thanks so much for your time! God is good and I will recover!