Turmeric has been used as a spice in Indian recipes and as Ayurvedic medicine for many thousands of years. Turmeric offers many health benefits since it has both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is used to relieve swelling and pain due to headaches and wounds and is called ‘natural aspirin’ in Ayurvedic medicine. It also possesses anti-bacterial properties and when applied to small cuts and wounds, it can stem blood flow by aiding with blood clotting, prevents infections and heals wounds. Combined with milk, turmeric is used as a drink, lotion or even a face mask.
This all natural cure for various ailments is safe to use. Milk we all know strengthens bones. Combined with turmeric it provides additional benefits to bone health. Now, this is very important for people with bone disorders such as arthritis. Turmeric is known to help people suffering from joint pains.
Golden Milk
The main ingredient in this recipe is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, the polyphenol identified as its primary active component and which exhibits over 150 potentially therapeutic activities, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Additional benefits:
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. Lowers Triglycerides
Adding black pepper to turmeric or turmeric-spiced food enhances curcumin's bioavailability by 1,000 times, due to black pepper's hot property called piperine. By mixing turmeric and black pepper together, you increase your body's absorption of the turmeric by 2000% !
Golden Milk Step 1:
Using powdered Turmeric
Turmeric Paste Ingredients:
1/4 cup of good quality (organic) turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/2 cup of filtered water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a small a small sauce pan and mix well.
Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste.
This does not take long so don't walk away from the pan.
Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.
Step 2: Golden Milk Ingredients:
1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut are also good options)
1 teaspoon coconut oil or Ghee
1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to taste.
Directions: Combine all the ingredients, except honey in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. While heating make sure to stir constantly and do not allow the mixture to boil. Cool down, then add sweetner to taste.
Store in the fridge in a glass jar.
Using Fresh Turmeric:
Slice ½ to 1 inch piece of turmeric and heat for up to 15 minutes along with 8 ounces of almond milk (hemp or coconut) until the milk is almost boiling. Strain out the turmeric and drink this milk after allowing it to cool for a few minutes. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil or Ghee and honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to taste.
Store in the fridge in a glass jar.
Precautions while using Turmeric
Pregnant women are advised not to use turmeric. Turmeric being an anti-inflammatory agent can contribute to stomach ulcers. Normally turmeric in food is safe. However, since it acts as a blood thinner, those who require surgery must stop taking any form of turmeric – food or supplements a couple of weeks before surgery. It can also react with diabetic medication and medication taken to reduce stomach acid.
