I was in India few weeks ago and bought some of their amazing herbs and spices. A big bag of turmeric was among them. This herb is becoming one of the most popular remedy for all health problems today, but has a long history of healing use in Ayurvedic medicine, which is over 5000 year old Indian medicine.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine they use turmeric as healing agent for skin abrasions, pain in the body, GI tract problems, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and liver disorders, to name few. The golden orange color in turmeric is produced by substance called curcumin, which is a very popular supplement today and one of the most studied ingredient in turmeric. In Ayurvedic medicine the whole herb is always used.
One of the very old traditional Indian recipes is the Golden Milk. I decided to try it and totally fell in love. Absolutely my favorite warm drink of the day.
It is easy to make, but a paste needs to be prepared in advanced. You can make a paste that will last you for the next two weeks and it takes approximately 20 minutes to make. I also make my own almond milk to blend it in, but in traditional Ayurvedic medicine they use cow’s milk. If you want to make your almond milk, you need to prepare that in advance too 8or you could buy it).
Here is how you make this incredible warming delicious drink:
First you make the turmeric paste (2 week supply, make less if you want to try it out first):
- ½ cup turmeric powder
- Few shakes of newly grounded black pepper
- 1 cup water
Combine everything in a saucepan and simmer until the mixture becomes thick and pasty. Cool it down and store in a glass container in the fridge.
The Golden Milk:
- Pour 1 glass almond milk in a saucepan (or milk of your choice)
- Add ¼ – ½ teaspoon turmeric paste (it can be a bit strong, so start with less and increase)
- Add a bit of maple syrup to the blend (how sweet do you want it?)
After you have cooked the 3 ingredients together in a saucepan for a minute or so, pour the blend in a cup and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or other oils you like – flax seed oil, avocado oil…). You can add a little vanilla or cinnamon to indulge your taste buds even more.
I might add a little cold almond milk to my mixture if it is very warm, so I can drink it right away.
If you are hooked on coffee and you love the feeling of something hot and creamy in a cup, but would like to quit the coffee or at least drink less, this health recipe will do the trick. It is very creamy, warming and such a delicious treat for your taste buds, body and mind.
Enjoy!
