12 March 2019 | Darcy K. Butcher, Journalist | Pacific Rim International
GOLDEN MILK * TURMERIC TEA
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic medical systems; it was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India and is still widely-used today in many parts of the world. This traditional Ayurvedic drink is nourishing. provides many health benefits and it’s quite simple to make. If you haven’t tried golden milk then now may be the perfect time brew up a batch.
The key ingredient in golden milk is turmeric, Hawaiians name it Olena, which gives it a beautiful yellow color and healing benefits. Curcumin, turmeric’s most significant compound, has medicinal properties and are said to reduce joint pain, arthritis, inflammation, and even treat depression.
There are myriad uses for turmeric found in updated literature including but not limited to treatment for: heartburn, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, skin inflammation from radiation treatment, and fatigue. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, fever, menstrual problems, itchy skin, recovery after surgery, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, water retention, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems.
Golden milk is a delicious and it is loaded with antioxidants which may provide an array of health benefits to many. Those seeking a relaxing cup of tea which also provides a healthier brain, heart, stronger bones, improved digestion and a lower risk of disease will enjoy the added wellness benefits.
TWO BASIC METHODS FOR PREPARATION
There are two methods to prepare golden tea:
- Blend all ingredients then simmer on the stove to cook the turmeric, OR
- Make turmeric paste and add it to milk and spices as needed.
INGREDIENTS
*Ground turmeric powder. In the case the ground turmeric powder is actually better than the fresh root as it’s more concentrated.
*Freshly ground black pepper
*Homemade nut milk or other dairy-free milk. Whole, raw, fresh cow’s milk was used traditionally, but with current practices of pasteurizing, homogenizing, and adding hormones & antibiotics to dairy milk these days I think it’s best to avoid most of it. If you have access to whole, raw, fresh dairy milk that you trust you can use that too.
*A small amount of fat—traditionally the fat in the cow’s milk was sufficient, but when using dairy-free milk a little extra healthy fat will help you absorb it better. Almond oil, coconut oil, or organic ghee all work well.
Spices & Aromatics For Flavor & Even More Health Benefits
Add any of the following to your golden milk for extra flavor and health benefits:
Ground Cardamom
Fresh or Ground Ginger
Ground Cinnamon
Vanilla (extract or pods)
Raw honey (optional)
GOLDEN TEA WITH COCONUT OR ALMOND MILK
Blend all ingredients then warm on the stove.
Simmer (do not boil) for 15 minutes if using ground turmeric powder (see notes above).
You can blend the ingredients manually by hand or in a high-steed blender for a frothier drink.
GOLDEN TEA RECIPE WITH COCONUT MILK
1 cup of organic coconut milk (buy organic full-fat coconut milk in a bpa-free can )
½ teaspoon of ground turmeric OR ¼ teaspoon of golden milk paste (see above)
big pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using ground turmeric, omit if using the paste
1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root (peeled and grated)
big pinch of ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional)
GOLDEN TEA RECIPE WITH ALMOND MILK
1 cup of homemade almond milk
1-2 teaspoons of almond oil
½ teaspoon of ground turmeric OR ¼ teaspoon of golden milk paste (see above)
big pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using ground turmeric, omit if using the paste
1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root (peeled and grated)
big pinch of ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOLDEN PASTE
Some people like to keep a jar of golden paste in the fridge. In this way it is easy to add to tea, and other recipes such as curry, soups, ice-cream.
It takes about 15 minutes to Make Golden Milk Paste:
Combine a ratio of 2:1 purified water to turmeric powder in a small sauce pan, then add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Simmer over low heat until a paste forms. This method is slightly flexible, just watch it on the stove until the water is evaporated and you have a thick paste.
Use 3-4 tablespoons of turmeric powder, a few turns of the pepper grinder (1/8 teaspoon), and ½ cup purified water.
Golden milk paste can be stored in the refrigerator up to two weeks.
To use, simply heat your milk on the stove. Remove from the heat and add the paste. The measurements don’t have to be exact, but generally ¼ teaspoon of golden milk turmeric paste to one cup of milk works perfect. Add a dash of your desired spices from the list above and you’ll be set to go.
HELPFUL TIPS
*The most important aspects are that the turmeric is cooked and combined with a small amount of black pepper, and an oil such as coconut to increase absorption of curcumin up to 2,000%.
*Use a stainless steel pot or other non-reactive cookware to keep your golden milk pure. Avoid the microwave or nonstick cookware that contains teflon or synthetic fluoropolymers like PTFE.
*Use clean distilled water (which lacks toxins and fluoride) and organic turmeric whenever possible since the point of this drink is to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and detox the body.
*Turmeric is contraindicated for those using medications to monitor, control, maintain blood pressure as it is known to naturally thin the blood.
*Turmeric is bright yellow to bright orange in color and easily stains anything it comes in contact with. For this reason take extra precautions.
YOU CAN GROW YOUR OWN TURMERIC INDOORS IN ANY CLIMATE
And while you can find the fresh stuff in health food stores and even mainstream grocery stores, it isn't cheap. Luckily turmeric is easy to grow if you have a sunny spot to put a large pot or planter.
Like ginger, turmeric thrives in warm, humid conditions and well-drained, neutral soil. In dryer climates misting the plant occasionally can help it thrive.
Turmeric plant takes 8 to 10 months to mature.
Harvesting is done once the leaves become yellow and stems start to dry.
HOW TO GROW TURMERIC INDOORS
Attain turmeric root.
Turmeric doesn't propagate seeds and is grown from rhizomes (root cuttings).
Break up the rhizome.
Break larger rhizome into smaller pieces.
Use a large pots to grow turmeric as it expands its root system.
A large pot will give you enough room to grow a nice root system.
PERENNIAL ROOT CROPS
Turmeric and Ginger are perennial root crops. They don't produce seeds. All you need to grow ginger and turmeric are some fresh rhizomes with living “eyes” on them. I sometimes plant the entire turmeric rhizome outdoors in an area that has plenty of room to expand with good soil, sunlight. Sometimes the turmeric offered at markets or grocery stores come in a bigger clump. They can be broken up and individual sections can also be planted in pots and grown indoors for those in colder climates.
SOURCES
Golden Milk Recipe
https://www.elizabethrider.com/how-to-make-golden-milk-recipe/10 Benefits of Golden Milk
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/golden-milk-turmeric#section12