Ayurveda’s Finest: “Golden Milk”
It’s to no surprise to that turmeric has fast become a popular remedy for just about everything that ails you. Traditionally, turmeric milk has been used for conditions such as colds, congestion, headaches, and sore throats due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. What is more interesting is that Ayurveda [and other ancient systems of medicine] have used turmeric for health and wellness since for as long as historical records have existed.
Makes 2 servings 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered turmeric 1/8 teaspoon each: nutmeg, coriander, cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, Chinese 5-spice, black pepper Pinch each: cloves, sea salt 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 cup water 2 cups milk (any kind!) In a sauce pan, over low heat, heat 1 cup water with all spices. Once mixture is steaming hot, cover and let sit for 5 minutes or longer (even overnight, if you want a very potent flavor). After the mixture sits, whisk in milk, vanilla, honey, and coconut oil and heat to steaming hot again. Pour into two glasses and enjoy!
Important!
Ayurveda advises not to heat honey as it is considered to be toxic; or have toxic effects.
Turmeric – Helps Purify The Blood & Acts As An Antioxidant!!
Turmeric is one of the oldest, most important spices known to humankind. Turmeric is bitter, astringent and pungent in taste, and has a heating quality. Due to its heating quality, turmeric helps to balance Kapha and Vata doshas (mind-body types), and due to its bitter taste, it helps to balance the Pitta dosha, thus making it tri-doshic.
Very Very Easy To Make!
1. Place milk in a saucepan and cook over medium heat
2. Add turmeric [and additional spices, see below] and stir
3. Allow the milk to simmer for just a few minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Turn off heat, cover, allow the mixture to sit for several minutes to allow for greater infusion
5. Strain the milk through a strainer if fresh ingredients were used
6. Serve warm and enjoy
Want To Spice It Up?
Turmeric is a bitter spice so if you want to spice it up and make your turmeric milk more flavorful then consider spicing it up with a pinch of this and a dash of that. Depending upon what you are attempting to target, here are several other considerations to help spice up your turmeric golden milk.
– 1 tsp of ghee which acts as a laxative to help promote bowel function
– 1 pinch of nutmeg helps promote sound sleep & is also a carminative
– 1 pinch of ginger to act as an anti-inflammatory
– 1 pinch of cinnamon and/or cardamom for delectable flavoring
Word Of Caution Regarding Honey & Ghee:
Finally, you may also want to consider adding a 1/2 tsp of honey for flavoring. However ~ a word of caution. According to Ayurveda, equal amounts of honey and ghee [based upon weight] is considered to be toxic and should generally be avoided.
Additional Benefits Of Turmeric:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic,analgesic,.
- Boosts immunity.
- Anti-carcinogenic.
- Helps maintain cholesterol levels.
- Promotes digestive health.
- Liver detoxifier.
- Regulates metabolism and weight management.
- High blood pressure.
- Memory and brain function.
- Various skin conditions.
- Neurological disorders
From The Lens Of Ayurveda:
Disclaimer: This is for educational purpose only and not to be considered medical advice. The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.