Begin by thoroughly washing your ginger root. There is no need to peel it if it is organic; simply grate it finely. In a large stainless steel pot, combine the pitted cherries, grated ginger, and filtered water. If you are using turmeric, add it at this stage.

Place the pot over medium heat. It is vital not to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, as excessive heat can degrade the delicate antioxidants in the cherries. Instead, bring it to a very gentle simmer. Let the ingredients meld for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Once the cherries have softened and the ginger has infused the liquid, remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher to gently crush the cherries directly in the pot to release the remaining juices. Allow the mixture to cool until it is room temperature.

Use a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth to strain the mixture. Squeeze the pulp firmly to extract every drop of the concentrated liquid. Once strained, stir in the fresh lemon juice and your choice of sweetener until fully dissolved.

Pour the tonic into sterilized glass bottles, leaving a little bit of headspace at the top. Seal them tightly. This elixir will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

For daily maintenance, a shot glass portion (about 30ml to 60ml) is standard. Drink it straight as a 'wellness shot', add a shot to sparkling mineral water, or mix with warm water for a soothing tea.