Golden Milk / Turmeric Milk Recipe

Worst air quality is the major problem Delhi residents are facing these days. The city is covered with a blanket of haze with air pollution  crossing dangerous levels. Schools here are shut for 3 days and people are appealed to stay indoors as far as possible as the smog causes irritation in the eyes, throat and lungs.  Burning eyes, cough and chest tightness are common with exposure to high levels of air pollution. With alarming levels of air pollution in the city and health risk associated with it, it is necessary that we keep ourselves hydrated , follow some home remedies to detoxify our bodies and boost our immunity. Having Detox Drink    and golden milk are the best natural home remedies to cleanse and detoxify our bodies.    

Turmeric is a common ingredient used in most of the Indian recipes. In fact this humble spice has holds an important place in every Indian Kitchen. It not only adds taste and colour to a dish, but also has many health properties. It possesses anti-bacterial , anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties,  hence it is also termed as wonder spice and is used in traditional Indian medicines systems since ages.

Golden milk or Turmeric milk is an ancient Ayurvedic drink made using Turmeric and milk and is used to treat many ailments.  Every year with the onset of winters, I make sure my family has a glass of warm turmeric milk before going to bed. This is an effective remedy to fight hazardous environmental toxins and boost ones immunity. For those who do not know about the wonders of this humble drink, have listed few of the health benefits of Turmeric Milk

·         Turmeric milk has antimicrobial properties hence it attacks bacterial and viral infections. It is very effective in treating respiratory illness and is best remedy for cold , cough and sore throat.

•  Golden milk gives the best relief from aches and pains. This can also strengthen the spine and the joints in the body.
• It is considered an excellent blood purifier and cleanser in Ayurvedic tradition. It can revitalize and boost the blood circulation in the body. 
• It is a powerful antiseptic that promotes intestinal health and treats stomach ulcers and colitis. This helps in better digestion and prevents ulcers, diarrhea and indigestion.
• Turmeric milk is a good source of calcium which is necessary to keep the bones healthy and strong. 
•   It helps in the breakdown of dietary fat and thus can be useful in controlling the weight.
• Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-turmeric-milk-for-beauty-and-health/

Usually golden milk is made using powdered turmeric and cow milk. But one can replace cow milk with coconut milk or almond milk. I have used fresh turmeric in this recipe as it is easily available in Indian markets during this time of the year. I have added honey as a sweetener as my son would not have turmeric milk unless it is sweetened. It is totally optional. I also add little dry ginger powder and a pinch of freshly crushed black pepper in this turmeric milk. Reason behind adding Pepper is thatTurmeric contains curcumin which is the main component to have the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and adding black pepper to turmeric milk enhances curcumin’s bioavailability, due to black pepper’s hot property called piperine. 

  Serves: 3 medium glasses

  Preparation Time:5 minutes

  Cooking Time: 20 minutes

  Ingredients: Measurements used , 1 cup = 200 ml

• 2 cups Milk
• 1 inch piece of fresh Turmeric (Can use 1 tsp of powdered Turmeric instead)
• 1/2 tsp dry Ginger powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp black Pepper powder
• Honey or sugar as per taste

Method:

1. Bring 2 cups milk to boil in a heavy bottom sauce pan.

   2. Clean , peel and grate 1 inch fresh turmeric or slice it thinly.

   3.  Add this grated turmeric to the milk and stir well. If using turmeric powder, add it to the milk.

  4. Simmer the milk and keep stirring occasionally. 

  5. Add black Pepper powder and dry ginger powder to the milk at this stage. Stir well.

   6.  Cook the milk for about 12-15 minutes while stirring in between. Put off the flame and add Honey as per taste. Give a quick stir.

   7. Strain and serve the golden milk warm. 

  For more detox drink recipes check out my posts on

• Detox Drink to beat the Haze
• Miracle Juice / ABC Juice