I have been drinking turmeric milk since childhood. We used to joke with my mom, “one solution to all our problems – mom’s turmeric milk”
This traditional Indian hot drink is now popular all over the world as a turmeric latte or golden milk for its anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and healing benefits.
This is an Ayurvedic concoction of some spices for common ailments such as
- Cold
- Flu
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Exhaustion
- Feeling agitated or Sleepless
- Joint pains
- Injuries
- Winter blues
- Period cramps
Not only in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, but even in Traditional Chinese medicine turmeric is used to relieve chest congestion and menstrual pain, and to treat depression.
I am not promising that all your problems will disappear in the thin air after drinking turmeric milk. That may not happen. However, if you drink it right before going to bed, you will sleep better. And everybody feels great after a good night’s sleep.
For the best results
- Drink at night right before going to bed
- Drink it while it’s still warm
- After drinking this stay in bed, you may feel warm or a little sweaty. That means it is working.
There are many versions of this recipe. the most popular recipe has just three ingredients – Whole milk, turmeric and raw sugar. This is usually recommended for injuries, body pains and better sleep.
If a you are catching a cold or flu, add heat-generating ingredients, such as black pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, to this drink to fight off viral infection.
Nowadays you can buy golden latte powder and syrup with some added Ayurvedic herbs and coconut oil or ghee. However, nothing is better than a good home-made turmeric milk made from scratch.
It is a feel-good drink that soothes mind and heals body.
It reminds me of my childhood, my parent’s house and the unconditional love of my mom – the nostalgia of what is inevitably called, ‘a simpler time’.
Enough of sentimental talk.
Let’s straight dive into the recipe.
Turmeric Milk
Course: Uncategorized2
servings10
minutesThis age old Ayurvedic drink has many health benefits, ranging from soothing effect on mind to healing injuries and fight off infection.
Ingredients
Whole Milk -2 cups
Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
Black pepper powder – 1/4th tsp
Cardamom – 2-3
Nutmeg powder – 1 pinch
Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
Ginger powder – 1/2 tsp
Clove – 2-3
Saffron Strands – 4-5
Directions
- Heat milk in a pan and add all the spices except honey.
- Stir well and let it come to a boil on low to medium heat.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Add honey, and stir well. Cover and leave it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Strain through a strainer and enjoy
Notes
- Use whole milk and black pepper to increase absorption of active component (Curcumin) in turmeric.
- Traditionally saffron is not added in turmeric milk. However saffron improves mood and reduces PMS symptoms that is why I like to add it to my turmeric milk.
- These ingredients are not set in stone. Use what you have. Basic ingredients are just three – milk, turmeric and black pepper.