Ayurvedic Golden Milk

Golden milk is an Ayurvedic drink based on turmeric, which gives the golden yellow color to this delicious drink full of spices. This drink is relaxing me and I love to drink it just before bedtime, but you could also drink golden milk during the day, for example instead of a cup of coffee.

Golden milk based on turmeric

Turmeric is widely used in the Ayurvedic kitchen because of its antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties, liver cleansing characteristics and its beneficial effect on skin diseases, anemia, insulin levels and chronic conditions such as arthritis and inflammation. Furthermore, turmeric stimulates the digestive fire (agni), which makes it also a good drink for before or after dinner.

Turmeric alone is poorly absorbed by your body. But by combining it with a little black pepper and some fats, the absorption is improved tremendously. Some kinds of (plant) milk contains more fats than others, but you could always add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your golden milk, to improve the absorption of the turmeric.

Turmeric is also the spice that is used in many curries to give its yellow color. However, turmeric that comes in contact with the skin could stain the hands temporarily. To prevent this yellow color on your hands, you could for example wear latex gloves while processing the fresh turmeric in this delicious drink. Personally, I like to use a garlic press for the turmeric. Furthermore, turmeric is very good for your gums. But above all, this is a delicious drink full of spices. Especially on cold winter days, this is a lovely drink to warm up nice and cozy.

Organic ingredients for 2 cups of golden milk

• 500 ml of your favorite plant milk

for example oat-*, coconut or almond milk*

* when you use low fat plant milk like almond or oat milk, I recommend to add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to improve the absorption of the turmeric

• 2 cm fresh turmeric (or 2 teaspoons turmeric powder)
• 1 cm fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger powder)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla powder
• pinch of black pepper
• pinch of cardamom
• pinch of nutmeg

Optional:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons raw (manuka) honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions

• Juice (or grate finely) the fresh turmeric and ginger
• Mix all ingredients, excepts the honey, with the milk
• Pour into a small sauce pan and heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling, keep stirring
• Pour the warm & spicy warm drink over a filter in your favorite cup and add a little raw (manuka) honey or maple syrup to taste
• Make yourself cozy and enjoy!

Enjoy your Habits^© today!

Aimée Kuntz