It’s one of my go-to anti-inflammatory helpers in my vast arsenal of anti-inflammatory spices, supplements, vitamins, and foods. My kitchen cabinets and counter tops sometimes look like a giant science lab with all the potions I mix into my shake each morning. (Some of my other mainstays: L-glutamine, maca powder, bee pollen, collagen powder, manuka honey, coconut oil, every nut and seed imaginable, flax meal, almond butter… the list goes on.) I don’t think there’s one magic herb or spice, but I do believe that each helps my body in a different way and that over time, I’m making myself stronger and healthier by loading up on all this goodness. They all have different qualities and benefits, so it’s fun to play and see what works.

But back to tumeric! It’s an old Indian spice that contains the medicinal compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. Dr. Lipman actually gives me straight circumin supplements to take, and they work wonders… but I still like to add turmeric to everything I can. It has a very distinct taste, but that doesn’t stop me from sprinkling it atop all my roasted vegetables, fish and meat. It’s everywhere now in restaurants too: in tonics, dressings, and even cocktails.

And now, mushing it into manuka honey and whipping it into a tea! And by whipping I mean swirling the honey/turmeric mixture into hot water. It’s so easy I can barely call it a recipe. I use manuka honey because it, too, has medicinal effects, but feel free to use any honey you can get your hands on. Raw honey is fantastic, too.

I swear it has helped my body remain strong as I — major post-foot surgery milestone alert — started going back to spin class last week. And while I’m sure it’s the endorphins, too, I’m going to keep drinking it. It makes me feel good and it tastes good, too.

Matcha, for those who don’t know, is fine powder green tea with all kinds of health benefits. Basically it’s an antioxidant powerhouse that gives you a serious dose of caffeine without the coffee-jitters. (At least that’s how it feels for me; I very rarely drink coffee because I hate the way it makes me feel.)

I add manuka honey (expensive, but worth it for its healing, anti-inflammatory powers), coconut oil (for good, healthy fat), and collagen powder (for joint health, also great for healthy hair, skin and nails).

Jackie, one of the holistic nutrition coaches at Dr Lipman’s office, turned me onto these. Or rather, as with many things these days, she posted a photo and recipe for matcha tea lattes on Instagram and I emailed her asking for the details. So here it is! Enjoy.