Golden Milk Recipe

 

Turmeric (Curcumin) Is referred to as "The Spice of life" or "The Golden spice" in India. Once you become acquainted with the seemingly unending benefits you begin to imagine how this herbaceous rhizome got its name.

When properly prepared Turmeric's anti-inflammatories effects rival that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and Naproxen. In addition to greatly helping with pain, Turmeric is gentle on the organs like your kidney and liver. You kinda want to keep those safe I think.

The health benefits of Turmeric (Curcumin) are strongly attributed to the curcuminoids. Curcuminoids are just one a never ending list of polyphenols found in medicinal plants. In Turmeric it is the reason for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.  

This gold staining herbaceous rhizome is also a anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. The Spice of life is cardio and neuro-protective. It helps with digestion, glucose control and even in balancing mood. 

All this to say give this recipe a try! Your body will thank me. Yup I said "me".  

Making Golden Milk or Turmeric Teas:

There are two ways to prepare "Golden Milk". One is by making a turmeric paste and the other by making a powder mix. I like the paste version, but just in case fresh ingredients are not be available to you I included a powdered version.

Turmeric Paste

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup (appx. 96 grams) of fresh grated turmeric. 

1 tablespoon ground black pepper.
 

1 cup water 


1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup coconut oil (or ghee, or butter)

Directions:


Bring the water, ground pepper and grated turmeric to a boil and allow to simmer, stirring, until it becomes a thick paste (optional: add up to 2 tablespoons of grated ginger and/or ground clove to mix before boiling). Remove from heat.
 Whisk in enough coconut oil (or ghee, or butter) to form a creamy paste and refrigerate. This past can be kept for several weeks.

Turmeric Powder Mix:

Basically it's the same process, but instead of using fresh turmeric you use the same quantities of the powdered herb as above. Combine & store in a jar.

Golden Milk

Ingredients:

1/2 to 1 teaspoon turmeric paste 

1 cup milk or milk alternative

Optional: 

A pinch of cayenne 

A pinch of cinnamon, 

A pinch of cardamom, 

A pinch of nutmeg

1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 

A slice of orange

The kitchen sink to taste of course.

Directions:

In a small pot place the paste, milk and desired optional ingredients. Bring it to a low simmer, stirring for a few minutes, and remove from heat. Cool slightly before adding honey to taste. 
Strain with a very fine mesh strainer, coffee filter, or reusable coffee filter before serving.

Enjoy!

Dr. Jorge Lopez