Golden Milk – Turmeric Chai Tea

Golden Milk is an Ayurvedic healing tea that has long been enjoyed by practitioners of Kundalini yoga. The main ingredient is turmeric, a yellow spice commonly used in foods such as curries. It has many healing properties with its active ingredient “curcumin.”  which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, known for  its benefits to digestion, immune function, liver health, inflammation, purifying the blood, ‘lubricating’ the joints, and supporting the female reproductive system. Studies at the University of Texas suggest it is useful in preventing cancers, and as a treatment against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and arthritis.

Golden Milk Recipe (makes 2 cups)

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (“ fresh grated turmeric can also be used)
• 1 cup almond or other nut milk (I love coconut milk)
• 1-2 tablespoons of almond/cocnut oil (optional)
• Pinch of cardamom and cinnamon
• 1 Tsp black pepper, (see below)
• 1 “ piece of fresh ginger sliced (optional)

Boil water and turmeric (and ginger in tea strainer) in small saucepan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes (the turmeric must be fully cooked). Meanwhile, bring the milk to boiling point in a separate pan and remove from heat. Add oil and spices. Combine the two mixtures.

If you want to make Turmeric paste in advance, then use ¼ cup of organic turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper and ½ cup of purified water.  Mix together in a saucepan on low heat until a paste is formed.  Keep this paste in the refrigerator.  Then when you want to make golden milk, simply heat 1 cup of nut milk in a pan and add a teaspoon of the turmeric paste; keep blending with a spoon. Serve with cinnamon on top.

The oil provides lubrication and energy, while Cardamom is effective for improving digestion, relieving stomach cramps and gas. It helps with cleansing the body as it has detoxifying properties.  Cardamom enhances appetite and provides relief from acidity in the stomach. It is used in the cure of halitosis. It is beneficial for those suffering from various kinds of respiratory allergies. It also improves mental strength and relieves tension. Piperine in black pepper has been found to increase curcumin’s bioavailability by 2,000 percent (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9619120)

• anti-inflammatory
• anti-oxidant
• anti-cancer & anti-tumour

Enjoy your healing drink!