Golden Milk

What is Golden Milk?

Golden milk, also known as haldi doodh in Hindi or turmeric milk in popular culture, is a drink steeped in tradition. For millennia, it has been part of Indian culture. The bright golden colour comes from the yellow turmeric combined with white milk. In recent years, it has become a common sight in specialty food stores across the country, where it is called a "turmeric latte" because of how it looks. 

Turmeric in the ancient world

Turmeric has been used for almost 4,000 years, going back to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious importance. It most likely reached China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, West Africa by 1200 AD, and Jamaica in the 18th century. Marco Polo described this spice in 1280, marvelling at a vegetable with saffron-like properties. Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in South Asia, according to Sanskrit medical treatises, as well as Ayurvedic and Unani systems. Susruta's Ayurvedic work, which dates back to 250 BCE, says that a turmeric ointment can help with the effects of eating spoiled food. 

Golden Milk and Your Health

This much discussed miracle herb, in the form of golden milk, has numerous benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation and joint discomfort, improve memory and brain function, protect against heart disease, lower blood sugar, aid digestion, promote bone health, and perhaps lower the risk of cancer. Recently, turmeric has become one of the most popular medicines because it can help improve both general mental health and mood, especially anxiety.

Anxiety, like any other type of stress, can put a strain on the agni (the digestive fire). If the agni is weak, we will experience a variety of imbalances. Turmeric, fortunately, nourishes the digestive fire. "Agni dpana" is the name for this action.

Having good digestive function is an important step in dealing with anxiety or any other health problem. The inherent properties of turmeric allow you to improve mood and cognitive function. Many people also use this golden milk as a relaxing nighttime drink to help them sleep better.

Drinking Golden Milk has many advantages

1. It is absolutely full of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from damage and oxidative stress, fight disease and infection, and improve overall health.
2. They can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are the main ingredients in golden milk. These three ingredients have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
3. It can help to reduce blood sugar levels as well as the risk of heart disease. Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon can help prevent diabetes and heart disease, and they can also help the heart work better.
4. It may boost memory and brain function. Some elements in golden milk may help preserve memory and slow the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
5. It can facilitate mood elevation and the fight against depression. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help relieve the symptoms of depression.
6. Supports digestion: The two constituents of golden milk, ginger and turmeric, can help relieve indigestion. Turmeric may also help people with ulcerative colitis feel better.
7. Depending on the milk used, golden milk can be rich in calcium and vitamin D. Both of these nutrients help build a strong skeleton, which reduces the risk of bone diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis.
8. It boosts immunity and protects against infections. The ingredients in golden milk have antibacterial and antiviral properties that can protect your body from infections. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also help boost your immune system.

How can you get the most out of Golden Milk?

According to studies, our bloodstream has a hard time absorbing turmeric and reaping all its benefits. This is because most of the curcumin in turmeric is digested before it can be absorbed into our systems. However, there are two main substances that can help improve the absorption and bioavailability of turmeric, and both are included in this recipe.

• Piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper, increases the bioavailability of turmeric. According to research, curcumin levels in the blood can be increased by combining a little black pepper with turmeric.
• Because turmeric, or curcumin, is fat-soluble (as opposed to water-soluble), adding a healthy source of fat (such as coconut oil or ghee) allows the curcumin to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Golden Milk

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, preferably organic and without added preservatives
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (turmeric powder)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (ginger powder)
• 1 whole cinnamon stick (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, or 2-3 whole cardamoms, crushed (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of ghee
• 1 pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (i.e. maple syrup, honey, or jaggery)

Vegan Golden Milk

• 1 1/2 cups light coconut milk, preferably organic and preservative-free OR 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk, preferably organic and preservative-free
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 whole cinnamon stick (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom, or 2-3 whole cardamoms, crushed (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (i.e. maple syrup, honey, or jaggery)

How to prepare:

In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom

These are all good additions (if used). Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. If you've never used turmeric before, start with a small amount and add more as you get used to the taste.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, but do not bring it to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5–10 minutes, or until smooth, hot, fragrant, and flavorful.

Turn off the heat in the saucepan. Pour the browned milk into your favourite mug through a fine mesh sieve. Remove the solids. When the milk has cooled slightly, stir in the ghee (or coconut oil) and the sweetener of choice (if using). If you want to use honey as a sweetener, don't heat it. According to Ayurveda, honey that has been heated is poisonous. 

While still warm, take a sip.

Golden Milk can be consumed in the morning or in the evening before going to bed. It is also a great drink to share with friends and guests, especially on cold winter nights.

Keep in mind that the information in https://www.arogya.earth/en is not intended to cure or prevent any disease or medical condition, and is not intended to be a substitute for other therapies or medical advice.