GOLDEN MILK has been traditionally used as a healing tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. Also known as Haldi Ka Doodh (“turmeric milk”), this tonic is not only comforting but also extremely healing. The star player of this drink is turmeric. Described as “the spice of life,” turmeric contains more than 150 healing properties. There are many variations on this vitality-enhancing recipe.
We’ve added cinnamon and ginger for extra flavor and healing benefits.
The Health Benefits of Golden Milk
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin provides potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective benefits. This extensively researched property aids with weight loss; controlling blood sugar levels; reducing stress; and promoting heart, digestive, and brain health.
Curcumin contains numerous anti-cancer properties and is recommended for cancer prevention along with serving in various treatment regimens. One review reports curcumin has “promising effects” in patients with an array of pro-inflammatory conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and several others.
Black Pepper
Because the bioavailability of curcumin can be limited, black pepper is used to enhance the body’s ability to benefit therapeutically. One research study showed
adding black pepper to curcumin increased its absorption and bioavailability by 2,000 percent.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps with the absorption of the curcumin as well as providing numerous health benefits of its own. Coconut oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It supports immune function, boosts metabolism, aids in weight loss, and combats inflammation.
Cinnamon
Besides kicking up the yumminess factor in Golden Milk, cinnamon provides additional anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial benefits.
Ginger
Ginger contains oodles of healing properties, making it a wise addition to this concoction. Studies reveal ginger may counteract inflammatory conditions such
as osteoarthritis. It reduces post-exercise muscle pain/soreness as well as menstrual pain. In addition to its anti-inflammatory capacities, ginger also possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Medical Advisory: Turmeric and ginger contain properties that prevent blood clots and reduce blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you take blood-thinning or diabetes medications.
Turmeric Paste Option
Note: For smaller batches, use a 2:1 ratio of water to turmeric powder.
Ingredients for Turmeric Paste
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup turmeric powder
Instructions for Turmeric Paste
- Mix 1⁄2 cup water and 1⁄4 cup turmeric powder in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir occasionally.
- Add a little water if it gets too thick. After 7–10 minutes, transfer turmeric paste to a glass container.
- Store in fridge up to 2 weeks. This recipe is enough for several servings of Golden Milk. If you don’t want to make this much at a time, use a 2:1 ratio of water to turmeric powder and make however little or much you want at a time.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop of Collagen Powder
- 2 cups coconut milk (Can substitute Almond or cashew milk)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or ghee
- 1 inch turmeric root, peeled and chopped (or 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon Turmeric paste)
- 1⁄2 thumbnail raw ginger, peeled and chopped
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1⁄8 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch organic green leaf stevia (or a small drizzle of raw honey, to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk together coconut milk; cinnamon; coconut oil or ghee; chopped turmeric or turmeric paste; chopped ginger; peppercorns; and vanilla in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a low simmer and cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool.
- Add stevia (or honey) and a scoop of collagen.
- Blend concoction in a high-speed blender.
- Pour golden milk into a mug, sprinkle with cinnamon, and enjoy!
1 comment
What id the benefit of using nut milk (was reading smoothie recipes, hot chocolate, etc. What is wrong with regular 1% milk (dairy) – or what is advantage of nut milk? Thought milk was healthy – but you mention inflammatory?? Please educate me🤔
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NativePath replied:
Hi Leslie! That’s a great question! The quality of conventional, store-bought milk that the majority of the population drinks is quite low due to the following: high-heat pasteurization, homogenization, giving cows antibiotics and hormones, and the quality and living environment of the cows it comes from. Conventional milk contains gut-irritating properties and is inflammatory in nature. We don’t recommend anyone drink this milk ever. Now… Raw milk and homemade fermented dairy (yogurt and kefir) are completely different in terms of quality and nutrient value when compared to conventional milk. Some people do well with consuming these items and some people don’t. So….we recommend people hold off on all dairy (except butter). If you want to play with introducing raw or fermented dairy it is up to you. Also… You definitely want to AVOID milk if you are trying to lose weight as it’s HIGHLY anabolic and insulinogenic (causes a large insulin release). Now you might be thinking… “What about calcium? Don’t I need it for strong bones?” Don’t fret about not getting enough calcium. You can get plenty in dark leafy greens and other foods. Actually, North Americans take in some of the highest levels of calcium in the world, yet have the highest levels of osteoporosis. I hope this helps! Have a great day :)