Turmeric Milk / Golden Milk

Turmeric or Curcuma longa is a medicinal plant and I had the opportunity to learn about its medicinal properties during my M. Sc. (Botany) days.  We had a subject by the name of ‘Medicinal Plants’ and were introduced to a wide variety of plants which were of great medicinal significance. Whatever I learned about medicinal plants through my M.Sc. program made so much sense especially because my parents and grandparents were already using many of those plants in their everyday cooking and for general health benefits. My grandparents often sprinkled a pinch of turmeric powder over hot milk and reaped its benefits by sipping it just before bed time.

I have been drinking turmeric milk aka golden milk since 2013 when I sprained my ankle. I tried different pain relievers as suggested by the doctors, balms and other medicines ( including steroids ). The pain didn’t go and the daily mundane activities were difficult to perform. My mother suggested that I should try turmeric milk. She reminded me of all those times when she would give me turmeric milk to treat coughs, colds and other minor injuries when I was a child. I decided to give it a try  as it was my only hope to feel better.  Since then turmeric milk has been an important part of my bedtime ritual especially in colder months. I prefer bed time because it acts as a good sleeping aid and 100 % natural .

This potent spice  has far more benefits than just being an important ingredient to make curries. The active compound curcumin is believed to have a wide range of biological effects like:

Anti Inflammatory

Anti oxidant

Anti bacterial

Anti cancerous

A recent report by CNN also confirms all of the above mentioned effects.

How to add this miracle spice in your health and wellness regimen ?

• One of the easiest ways is to use it in your soups, smoothies, salads and curries.
• Turmeric Tea ( recipe here )
• If you drink milk ( any kind ), then turmeric milk is also an easy and palatable option. To make turmeric milk you have two ways – using fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder. This is a very basic recipe as used by my grandmother. Read till end to see how you can make some variations and make it more flavorful.

To make one cup of Golden milk, you will need:

• 1 1/4  cup milk ( your choice)
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder  OR one inch turmeric root
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 4 green cardamom pods ( gently crushed)
• ½ teaspoon ghee ( clarified butter ) or Coconut oil – these are optional

Directions:

Take milk in a small pan and add all the ingredients. Let this mixture boil.  Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the milk and enjoy your golden milk.

Variations:

If you are a beginner, you may find it hard to drink turmeric milk. Consider adding these spices to enhance the flavor:

• a pinch of cinnamon powder
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 inch ginger slices

Did you know??

In India, turmeric is a popular home remedy for cough, colds and congestion. As a paste, it is used as an antiseptic on fresh wounds.