Golden Milk, or Turmeric Tea, is an ancient natural remedy for a number of health conditions and is delicious as well! The recipe calls for a blend of turmeric and other spices with milk. Golden Milk is a common remedy for joint problems but has been found to be beneficial for many other issues as well, including skin problems, infections, candida and all sorts of inflammation.
Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy. The Indian name for golden milk is Haldi Ka Doodh. You will find a large variety of recipes for this special drink. How do you know which one to use? The key ingredients in golden milk are turmeric (haldi) and milk (doodh.) From there, creativity, taste, tradition and individual need come in to play.
Basic Golden Milk Recipe
- 1 cup warm almond or pea protein milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon of coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, depending on sweetness of milk)
Mix these three ingredients together and enjoy!
If you are new to golden milk, the basic recipe requires the least number of ingredients. (You can even leave out the honey!) If you decide that golden milk suits your taste and health situation, you may wish to expand your repertoire of recipes.
Black pepper and some type of fat would be the next ingredients to consider adding to the Basic Golden Milk recipe.
Some herbalists believe that the piperine in black pepper increases the effectiveness of turmeric. Many purists do not believe that the black pepper is necessary. Perhaps you will try either way and see which you prefer.
Some form of fat in the golden milk will improve the absorbability of the turmeric, which is why we added 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. You can use almond or avocado oil instead of coconut oil to your recipe.
Fresh Turmeric Root Tea Recipe
Most grocery stores now sell fresh turmeric root and you can the fresh root to make your tea. When converting dried spices to fresh in a recipe, the rule of thumb is to use 1 to 3, so 1 teaspoon of dried turmeric is equal to 3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon -- of grated fresh turmeric. This is roughly a one inch piece of turmeric root.
- 1 cup warm milk of your choice
- 3 teaspoons fresh grated turmeric root
- ½ teaspoon raw local honey
- Mix these three ingredients together and enjoy!
Advanced Turmeric Tea Recipe
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon clove powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Mix ingredients together and enjoy!
What Kind of Milk Should I Use for Golden Milk?
You can use whatever kind of milk in your golden milk that you normally have in your house. Cow milk, goat milk, almond milk, rice milk and soy milk are all appropriate options.
How Can Golden Milk Improve My Health?
Turmeric is the ingredient in the golden milk that has the most power to improve your health. Turmeric is a spice that is filled with healing. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. Turmeric is a blood purifier. The milk, oil and spices will each contribute their own healing powers as well.
While turmeric capsules are a common and effective remedy for many diseases, using turmeric in golden milk allows you to use turmeric in its most pure form. Capsules typically have added ingredients and sometimes questionable sources and content. When you make golden milk you can start with a reputable brand of turmeric and know you are working with a quality ingredient. The addition of fat from the milk or added oil to your golden milk increases the effect of turmeric as well. Whatever other spices you add to your recipe also contribute their individual aspects of healing.
Golden milk allows you to “let food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.”
Consuming a warm cup of Golden Milk is much more pleasant than swallowing capsules, and easier for children and the elderly to use in many cases.
Health Conditions that Benefit from Golden Milk
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- MRSA
- Coughs
- Cold
- Boils
- Acne
- Diarrhea
- Insect Bites
- Inflammation
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Cancer
- Psoriasis
- Wounds
Side Effects of Golden Milk
Some find that turmeric can be constipating. If you make turmeric with cow’s milk, this may increase the likelihood of this side effect. If you are prone to constipation, you may wish to start with ½ the amount of turmeric in your milk and use a non-dairy source of milk.
Many find that golden milk is relaxing. Others find that golden milk is energizing. You should consider these two things before you drink your first cup. Likely the effect of golden milk, as is the way of Ayurvedic medicine, is that of balance, which is why two opposite effects can be experienced. Nevertheless, you do not want to be energized before bed or too relaxed before a long commute to work.
Where Can I Buy Turmeric?
Turmeric powder can be found in the spice section of every grocery store. However, if you wish to buy turmeric in bulk, check out international grocery stores in your city or online.
Have you tried Golden Milk for your health? Please send us some feedback!
