Golden milk, a beverage rich in natural antioxidants, has finally become popular outside India’s boundaries and is now consumed all over the world for its countless beneficial properties. It owes its name to the colour of milk mixed with turmeric, a spice of the ginger family that is the main ingredient of Hawaiian folk medicine and that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its preventive and therapeutic virtues. The recipe of golden milk was invented in India, where yoga practitioners drink it every day to have more flexible joints and hold the poses longer. But let’s find out all the uses of this excellent elixir. A traditional comfort food.

What are the benefits of golden milk

• It heals back pain by restoring spinal lubricants and reducing inflammation. It relieves joint and muscle pain, so it’s particularly suitable for athletes of all ages.
• It reduces inflammation in the body. It tackles arthritis and stomach ulcers.
• It purifies the liver and detoxifies the body. It triggers digestion and activates the digestion and absorption of fats.
• It alleviates respiratory problems related to bacterial and viral infections. It’s also useful for those who suffer from sinusitis. It’s perfect in case of cough and cold, since it contains honey and cinnamon.
• It eases menstrual pain because it functions as a natural antispasmodic.
• It boosts the immune system and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is recommendable to drink golden milk when seasons change.
• It keeps the metabolism working, so it helps maintain the ideal weight.
• It reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents cardiovascular problems.

How to make golden milk

Firstly you have to prepare the golden paste with turmeric that can be kept in the fridge and used whenever you want to drink golden milk. You need 50 g of powdered turmeric, 120 ml of still mineral water. Heat the water and turmeric in a small pot over low heat stirring over and over again until the texture is similar to that of toothpaste (2-3 minutes). Let the mixture cool and keep in a glass jar in the fridge for no more than 40 days.

To prepare golden milk for one person pour a cup of rice (or oat) milk in a small pot, add half a teaspoonful of golden paste and heat until the drink emits smoke. Then remove from heat, put the drink into a cup and add 1 teaspoonful of acacia or wildflower honey, 1 teaspoonful of sweet almond oil for food use (as an alternative you can use clarified butter or extra virgin olive oil) and a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon. Mix carefully. Yoga teachers suggest to take it for 40 days in a row, but golden milk is so tasty that it’s impossible to giving it up…

Tradotto da Francesca Clemente