Today Rajiv Khanna, IDEX’s Director of Learning and Evaluation, shares with us his special beverage recipe that he says is “resiliency in a cup.”
“The knowledge of the magic of turmeric comes from my grandmother,” says Rajiv, who grew up in India. “When we were ill as little kids, she would give us a drink with turmeric. Turmeric is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants on this planet. Cloves are great for boosting the immune system. And the wonder of ginger comes from my father who firmly believes in all its wondrous healing properties.”
Rajiv’s remedy reminds us of the resilient communities IDEX partner GRAVIS works with in the That Desert of Rajasthan, India. In the world’s most densely populated desert ecosystem, life is not easy. Communities contend unpredictable rainfall, environmental degradation, climatic extremes, resource scarcity, few health clinics, and oppressive social standards for women. GRAVIS reaches over one million people with their holistic approach that focuses on water security, food security, health, and education.
GRAVIS works to overcome the difficulties facing women in the Thar Desert by making them equal partners. They are guided by the idea of “sitting on one carpet,” meaning equal voice and equal rights for men and women. Much of this work is done through Self-Help Groups, which aid women in life skills and economic self-reliance. Projects include support for seed banks, micro-credit lending, and nutrition.
“In sum,” says Rajiv, “this home brew is an inter-generational, cross-geographical, ancestral, modern, natural mix that has healed our people and communities wherever they may be. It encapsulates the cultural potpourri of our times and reflects the many identities we simultaneously inhabit.”
Rajiv’s Rejuvenating Remedy
2-3 tsp turmeric
12 cloves
6 tsps chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp honey
1 lemon
Take a large pot of water (approximately 4 quarts); add more water if needed. Add generous amounts of turmeric, dozen cloves, chopped ginger.
Boil the above mixture uncovered over high heat. After it has boiled, continue boiling for 6-8 minutes over high heat. You may lose a lot of water, so ensure that you put generous amounts of water at the beginning. Once the home brew has brewed, stir it gently and use a ladle to pour it into a cup. Before drinking, squeeze lemon juice and 1 tsp honey into the cup.
Note on ingredients: Err on the side of more not less. More ginger, cloves and turmeric will only increase the potency. Also, the turmeric has a tendency to settle at the bottom of the pot and cup, so ensure that you stir constantly even while sipping (swirl the cup regularly like you would a glass of wine). Please be cautious as you use turmeric because it can stain your counters and any fabric it comes in contact with. Take your time in pouring the home brew into a cup. Stains are difficult to remove.
Have a recipe to share? Please use the comments section below!