Lemongrass, Apple, Turmeric & Lemon Drink

Why people make this drink

Bro Niu created this recipe during a period when interest in natural, everyday immune-supporting foods was running high. What makes it appealing is that it draws on ingredients most people either have at home or can find at any supermarket — and the resulting drink is genuinely pleasant to sip. Lemongrass gives a clean, citrusy aroma; apple adds natural sweetness and soluble fibre; fresh turmeric brings the characteristic golden colour and its well-researched curcumin compounds; and lemon peel, which contains bioflavonoids, ties it all together. It is a simple, cheerful drink with a solid nutritional rationale.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and children over 2 years old as a daily wellness drink
• Children with G6PD deficiency (favism) should not have lemongrass
• Pregnant women are advised to limit lemongrass-based drinks; small amounts used as a cooking herb are generally fine
• Those who cannot find fresh turmeric can substitute organic turmeric powder

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Lemongrass (xiang mao): Contains citral and other volatile compounds associated with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; traditionally associated with clearing dampness and calming pain
• Apple (ping guo): A good source of pectin and vitamin C; gently supportive of digestive wellness and natural detoxification
• Fresh turmeric (huang jiang): Contains curcumin — one of the most extensively studied naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds
• Lemon with peel (ning meng): The peel is particularly rich in bioflavonoids and limonene, associated with supporting the body’s detoxification pathways
• Rock sugar (bing tang): Neutral and gentle; sweetens without adding excess heat

Ingredients (3 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lemongrass	4 stalks	Wash; slice thinly
Apple	1	Scrub with salt water to remove wax and pesticides; core removed; slice with skin
Fresh turmeric	1 small piece (~2 cm)	Wash; slice thinly with skin on
Fresh lemon	Half	Slice thinly; keep the peel
Rock sugar	A little	Dissolve at the end

Method

1. Wash the lemongrass stalks and slice them thinly.
2. Scrub the apple with a little salt and water to clean off any wax or surface residue. Remove the core and slice into pieces, keeping the skin on.
3. Wash the fresh turmeric well; slice it thinly with the skin on.
4. Slice the lemon thinly, keeping the peel.
5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls (~1 L) of water.
6. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes, reducing to approximately 3 bowls.
7. Stir in a little rock sugar until dissolved. Drink warm.

Bro Niu’s tips

This fragrant drink may also be helpful for muscle tension, cramps, and knee cartilage discomfort. Bro Niu suggests drinking about 2 servings per week as a regular wellness habit. If you cannot find fresh turmeric, use 1–2 teaspoons of organic turmeric powder instead.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Shum): Can I substitute organic turmeric powder for fresh turmeric? Bro Niu: Yes — use 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder.

• Q (花花): Can pregnant women drink this? Bro Niu: Pregnant women are best advised to limit beverages made with lemongrass. Using a small amount as a cooking ingredient is generally fine.

• Q (Jessica): Can a 2-year-old drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, a 2-year-old can have this drink. However, children with G6PD deficiency (favism) should not use lemongrass.

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Published July 9, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.