Turmeric shots are a popular wellness drink made with fresh or powdered turmeric root. They often include other functional ingredients such as ginger, lemon, oranges, and black pepper. Turmeric shots contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and may also support your mood and memory.
Turmeric can significantly improve inflammation and pain. It also boosts antioxidant activity in your body to help reduce harmful compounds called free radicals. High levels of free radicals can contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Other ingredients in turmeric shots, such as ginger, carrot, lemon, and oranges, can also help your body fight inflammation.
Studies suggest that long-term use of curcumin (the main active compound found in turmeric) can improve your attention span and memory. It may also help improve your mood, providing a state of calmness and contentment.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons and oranges, can also help improve your attention and may enhance your mood.
Turmeric shots are also beneficial for athletes. Studies have shown that turmeric can help improve muscle soreness recovery after an intense workout.
Turmeric can help boost immune function and support your body’s ability to fight off infections. Other ingredients commonly used in turmeric shots, including lemons, carrots, and oranges, can also support immunity.
Adding ginger or lemon to turmeric shots can help improve digestion, relieve nausea, and enhance satiety (feelings of fullness). However, high doses of turmeric in turmeric shots can cause acid reflux, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Start with a low dose of turmeric and gradually increase the amount to reduce digestive side effects.
Turmeric may help lower blood sugar and reduce diabetes-related complications in people with type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
Turmeric shots are a small serving (usually about 60 milliliters) of concentrated turmeric juice. In addition to turmeric, which is the main ingredient, other natural ingredients can be added to increase absorption, improve flavor, or boost the effect of turmeric.
Some popular ingredients added to turmeric shots include:
- Ginger: To boost the effects of turmeric shots and add a sharp, spicy flavor.
- Lemons and oranges: For their vitamin C and to add a zesty flavor to the shot. It can also help balance the taste of turmeric.
- Carrots: To boost the effect of turmeric shots.
- Black pepper: To improve the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient responsible for turmeric benefits.
- Apples: Boost the effects of the shot and add natural sweetness.
- Coconut water: For its hydrating benefits and electrolytes.
- Honey: For natural sweetness.
Together, these ingredients in turmeric shots may reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and support a healthy heart.
You do not have to use all the ingredients listed. Ginger, black pepper, and turmeric are enough to prepare a well-packed turmeric shot.
Turmeric shots can be taken daily and are safe for most people. Studies suggest that curcumin can be safe at doses of up to 12 grams daily. Most turmeric shots contain about 17.5-35 grams of raw turmeric root, estimated to contain about 700-1,400 milligrams of curcumin.
A 3-gram serving of turmeric powder contains only about 30-90 milligrams of curcumin.
A single 50- to 60-milliliter glass of turmeric shot taken daily is safe for most people and provides the needed benefits, such as reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. However, overconsumption may lead to side effects.
While generally safe and tolerable, turmeric shots, when taken in excess, can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or constipation.
Liver damage has also been reported with turmeric products. If you notice symptoms of liver damage such as jaundice (yellow skin), fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, or dark urine, stop using turmeric and talk to your doctor immediately.
If you have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric shots. Turmeric can inhibit iron absorption by up to 90%.
Also, turmeric can stain your hands, teeth, and any surfaces it comes into contact with. A mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part distilled vinegar can make surface turmeric stains easier to remove. Always wash your mouth and floss regularly to reduce the appearance of turmeric stains on your teeth.
Drug Interactions
Turmeric shots contain ingredients like turmeric and ginger that may also interact with some medications, including:
- Blood thinners, like Coumadin (Warfarin) or Eliquis (apixaban)
- Blood sugar medications, like Metformin and insulin
- Blood pressure Medication, like Norvasc (high blood pressure)
- Acid reflux medications, like Zanrax 360 (famotidine)
- Some chemotherapy medications
If you’re interested in trying turmeric shots, start slowly to see how your body reacts—especially if you’re new to turmeric or have any underlying health conditions. You can make your own at home with turmeric root, ginger, black pepper, and lemon, or look for pre-made options. Consult your healthcare provider before adding turmeric shots to your wellness routine, especially if you are taking medications or have a medical condition.
