Curcumin is a compound in turmeric that gives its distinct color and flavor, and its various health advantages are well documented. In a detailed review of 700 pieces of research published by ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD., in the October 2007 issue of Alternative & Complementary Therapies, Duke found extensive evidence that turmeric can reduce inflammatory reaction and support brain as well as joint health. The medicinal properties of turmeric are well documented. I take it as a supplement daily in place of Ibuprofen or Advil for occasional aches and pains and to keep inflammation at bay.
While turmeric is one of my favorite spices for everything from skincare to cooking with my favorite recipes, my favorite way to consume turmeric is in “Golden Milk” -– hands down! This beautiful and DELICIOUS warm beverage is the perfect nightcap before bed or simply to relax anytime… Drinkers of Golden Milk can take advantage of ginger and is also a wonderful natural anti-inflammatory that can assist alleviate symptoms of arthritis, bursitis, and various other bone and joint conditions. This is a wonderful spice to have in your medicine cabinet for a multitude of health benefits! (I take this daily – it helps a LOT!) This drink will make you healthy from the inside out while you sleep—it’s a no-brainer.
Key Turmeric Tea (Golden Milk) Ingredients
· Ground Turmeric Powder:
In this case, the ground turmeric powder is actually better than the fresh root as it’s more concentrated.
· Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
This is key to the absorption of the nutrients in turmeric — just a pinch is needed.
· Homemade Nut Milk, Full-Fat Coconut Milk, or Another Dairy-free Milk:
A little fat is needed to help you absorb all of the nutrients in golden milk. Because this is a healing drink, I like to make my own almond milk or use full-fat coconut milk from a BPA-free can. If you have to buy your nut milk, just look for something unsweetened that is not overly processed (the fewer the ingredients, the better.) Avoid coconut milk in cartons; the coconut milk in BPA-free cans is less processed. Whole, raw, fresh cow’s milk was in the recipe traditionally. Still, with current practices of pasteurizing, homogenizing, and adding hormones & antibiotics to dairy milk these days, I think it’s best to avoid most of it. If you have access to whole, raw, fresh dairy milk that you trust, you can use that, too.
· A Small Amount of Fat:
As I mentioned above, traditionally, the fat in the cow’s milk was sufficient, but a little extra healthy fat will help you absorb it better when using dairy-free milk. Almond oil, coconut oil, or organic ghee all work well if you’re using nut milk; you don’t need to add extra fat if using the full-fat coconut milk.
Spices & Aromatics For Flavor & Even More Health Benefits:
Add any of the following to your golden milk for extra flavor and health benefits:
- Ground Cardamom
- Fresh or Ground Ginger
- Ground Cinnamon
- Raw honey (optional for a little sweetness)
- Pure vanilla extract (not traditional, but some people like it)
Cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon not only add a wonderful flavor, but they each have antioxidant and healing benefits of their own.
While I love vanilla in most recipes, I personally usually don’t use it here. The cardamon, ginger, and cinnamon already give this treat a wonderful flavor without being too overpowering. Enjoy!
My Passion is Your Solution
Perfect for an evening drink just before bed, here’s the recipe for Golden Milk:
- Heat 2 cups light, unsweetened coconut milk (or almond)
- Add 1/2 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger root
- Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Add 3-4 black peppercorns
Heat all ingredients in a saucepan,
- Stir well
- Bring to a simmer and simmer covered for 10 minutes
- Strain and sweeten to taste (if desired).