Ingredients Required
(Makes 1 large mug / ≈ 300 ml)
½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera) – rich in anti-inflammatory thymoquinone and skin-purifying essential oils
½ tsp coriander seeds (dhaniya) – packed with antioxidants that curb free-radical damage to skin lipids
½ tsp fennel seeds (saunf) – provides vitamins A, C & E that fade dark spots
3–4 thin slices fresh ginger – gingerols counter oxidative stress that ages skin prematurely
Juice of ¼ fresh lemon (or 2–3 thin rounds steeped) – natural vitamin C to spark collagen synthesis
Pinch of turmeric powder – curcumin quiets inflammation and promotes an even tone
2 cups filtered water
Optional boosters: 1–2 fresh mint leaves for extra cooling or a pinch of black pepper to enhance turmeric absorption.
Procedure
Roast & release aroma (30 sec)
Warm a small saucepan on medium heat; dry-toast cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds until fragrant. This quick roasting “opens” volatile oils that aid digestion.
Simmer (5 min)
Add 2 cups water plus ginger slices and turmeric. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. A longer simmer (up to 10 minutes) yields a darker, stronger brew.
Finish with lemon
Turn off heat, cover, and let the spices steep another 3 minutes. Strain into a mug and squeeze or float lemon rounds just before drinking to preserve heat-sensitive vitamin C.
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