It’s been a while since I was thinking to post this recipe. It is a valuable recipe for me and I have shared it with many of my friends. And when I say valuable, I mean it’s so refreshing, so therapeutic that I wouldn’t change anything. It is a natural remedy, a beverage with milk, turmeric, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, honey and cardamom. It is well known and effective pain killer and natural remedy for cold relief, congestion, sore throat and inflammation.
Golden milk is based on the philosophy of Ayurveda, which is famous for combining plants and herbs in a way that all the beneficial substances should be absorbed by the body to the maximum extent. In many countries of the East, as in India for example, fresh, hot golden milk is the first thing that will be served to someone who thinks that he’s having a cold.
The key ingredient in the recipe is turmeric. Turmeric, like ginger are tropical plants’ rhizomes that have long been praised for their healing properties. When you remove the peel of fresh turmeric the flesh is revealed, having a deep orange color.
In recent years the interest about turmeric has grown wild and an increasing number of scientific studies for its medicinal properties have been published. In Chinese and Indian medicine it is recognized as an excellent anti-inflammatory, and as a therapeutic agent for flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, bleeding and colic. It may also be applied topically in a poultice, to relieve pain or inflammation. It is a powerful antioxidant, preventing bacterial infections in wounds, lowers cholesterol levels in the body, preventing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, thereby preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, laboratory studies have shown that turmeric help address some forms of cancer, such as that of the prostate, breast, skin and colon. It is rich in manganese, iron, potassium, fiber and vitamin B6.
Turmeric can be more easily absorbed by the body when combined with oil or other substances, such as black pepper and ginger. 1-2 teaspoons a day are enough to get the benefits without adverse side effects.
While fresh ginger can be found everywhere, fresh turmeric is difficult to find in Greece. Some health food or organic stores usually carry it. I found some recently and I thought it’s time, at last, to publish this recipe. Those who cannot find fresh turmeric, should use dried (powder). I ‘m giving you the proportions in the ingredient list.
As far as milk is concerned, I would suggest you use almond or coconut milk, but cow’s or goat’s milk will do just fine.
- • 2 cups almond or coconut milk (but cow’s or goat’s milk will be fine)
- • 1 ½ - 2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
- • ½ - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- • ¼ - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- • 1 teaspoon honey
- • a pinch of cinnamon
- • 4 cardamom pods, crushed (optional)
- Heat the milk with the remaining ingredients in a saucepan, over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and serve immediately.
- Since not all ingredients are soluble, it is advisable to stir the beverage occasionally while enjoying it.
- And be sure to wear gloves. Turmeric stains!
Note: The ideas and information presented in this blog are for informational purposes only and in no case can replace the advice of a specialist in nutrition and health. Before starting any diet or exercise or before adding a special food in your daily intake, you should contact a specialist doctor or dietitian; especially if you suffer from a serious illness.
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Turmeric & Cardamom Bread - The Healthy Cook
February 13, 2021 at 8:03 pm[…] the many benefits of turmeric you can read here. Do not omit the pepper that I mention in the recipe. It is needed for the body to absorb curcumin. […]