Turmeric shots are everywhere in the wellness world, but are turmeric shots actually good for you?

There is real science behind turmeric, particularly its most researched active compound, curcumin. 

Research has linked curcumin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, and it has also been studied for joint health and other areas of wellness.

Here’s one thing that is very important: Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body on its own.

That’s one reason you’ll often see turmeric combined with black pepper in our wellness shot.

Here’s what the research says about the potential benefits of turmeric shots, why black pepper matters, and how turmeric can fit into your daily wellness routine.

What Is a Turmeric Shot?

A turmeric shot is a small, concentrated drink made with fresh turmeric root.  At Green Press, we crush the fresh raw turmeric, then use a hydraulic press to extract the juice from the turmeric.  

Turmeric’s bright golden colour comes from naturally occurring compounds called curcuminoids. The best-known of these is curcumin, which is responsible for much of turmeric’s scientific interest.

A turmeric shot isn’t a magic cure or medication. Think of it as a convenient way to incorporate turmeric and other fresh ingredients into your diet.

1. Turmeric Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

This is probably the most researched potential benefit of turmeric.

Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s immune response. The concern is chronic inflammation, which has been associated with many long-term health conditions.

Multiple clinical trials have investigated curcumin’s effect on inflammatory markers.

A 2024 analysis combining results from numerous meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials found that curcumin supplementation was associated with reducing inflammation.

Adding turmeric can be a great way to add some anti-inflammatory properties to your diet.

2. Turmeric Provides Antioxidant Compounds

Turmeric is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants help protect cells against oxidative stress caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

The takeaway is simpler: fresh turmeric is a source of biologically active plant compounds, and a turmeric shot is one convenient way to include it in your routine.

3. Turmeric Has Been Studied for Joint Health

Another major area of turmeric research is joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Research on adults with knee osteoarthritis found that turmeric and curcumin supplementation may help reduce pain and improve stiffness, mobility and physical function.

Why Do Turmeric Shots Have Black Pepper?

This might be one of the most important things to understand about turmeric.

Curcumin has naturally poor bioavailability, which means your body does not absorb very much of it when consumed on its own.

Black pepper contains a compound called piperine.

A study found that adding black pepper to cucumin increases the bioavailability by 2000%.

That’s why Green Press adds black pepper to our Wellness Shot.

It isn’t there just for flavour.

Our Wellness Shot combines:

Turmeric + fresh ginger + orange + lemon + honey + black pepper.

Turmeric Shot vs. Ginger Turmeric Shot: What’s the Difference?

A pure turmeric shot gives you concentrated fresh turmeric root.

A ginger turmeric shot combines two different roots with different bioactive compounds.

Turmeric provides curcuminoids, including curcumin.

Ginger contains compounds including gingerols and shogaols and has its own research around digestion, nausea and inflammatory pathways.

At Green Press, you can choose between our pure Turmeric Shot, made from turmeric root, or our Wellness Shot, which combines turmeric with ginger, citrus, honey and black pepper.

Green Press Wellness Shots

Depending on what you’re looking for, Green Press offers several different concentrated wellness shots:

Turmeric Shot
Pure turmeric root.

Wellness Shot
Turmeric, ginger, orange, lemon, honey and black pepper.

Ginger Shot
Made with fresh ginger root.

Flu Shot
Orange, ginger, lemon and oil of oregano.

We ship across Canada.

Are Turmeric Shots Good for You Every Day?

For many healthy adults, turmeric can be incorporated into a balanced diet regularly.

If you are pregnant, managing a health condition, taking medication or planning to consume concentrated turmeric regularly, speak with your healthcare provider.

A wellness shot should complement a healthy diet, not replace one.

The Bottom Line: Are Turmeric Shots Worth It?

If you enjoy turmeric, a turmeric shot can be a convenient way to incorporate fresh turmeric into your routine.

The strongest scientific research around curcumin currently points toward:

Anti-inflammatory activity
Antioxidant activity
Potential support for joint comfort and mobility

The key is maintaining realistic expectations.

A turmeric shot isn’t going to transform your health overnight. But turmeric is far more than a wellness trend. Its active compounds have been the subject of extensive scientific research, and combining turmeric with ingredients such as black pepper has a legitimate scientific rationale.

At Green Press, you can keep it simple with our pure Turmeric Shot or choose our Wellness Shot with turmeric, ginger, citrus, honey and black pepper.

Easy Turmeric Shot Recipe

If you want to make a simple turmeric shot recipe at home, blend:

  • 1 small piece of fresh turmeric root
  • 1 small piece of fresh ginger
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • A splash of orange juice or water
  • A pinch of black pepper

Blend until smooth and strain if desired.

The black pepper is important because it contains piperine, a compound that has been studied for its ability to improve the bioavailability of curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric.

For a slightly sweeter version, add a small amount of honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a turmeric shot do?

Turmeric provides curcumin and other plant compounds that have been studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Are turmeric shots good for inflammation?

Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in clinical research, including reductions in several inflammatory biomarkers. However, most research involves standardized turmeric or curcumin supplementation rather than individual cold-pressed turmeric shots.

Why put black pepper in a turmeric shot?

Black pepper contains piperine, which can substantially increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.

Is a ginger and turmeric shot good for you?

Both ginger and turmeric contain bioactive plant compounds that have been extensively studied. Combining them provides a convenient way to consume both roots in one small serving.

When is the best time to take a turmeric shot?

There is not strong evidence showing that turmeric shots must be consumed at a particular time of day. Consistency and how well you tolerate the shot are more important than whether you take it morning or night.