A cold winter evening is a great time to relax and sip on one of your favorite teas. What if you tried something different that is not only as soothing, but also has added powerful healing powers? I am talking about a home-made elixir called Golden Milk. It’s not actually “milk”, but a combination of turmeric and coconut milk and coconut oil that has medicinal powers that can be beneficial in all sorts of issues, including liver disease, skin problems, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, sprained muscles, joint pains and as a natural painkiller.
Let’s start with the main ingredient, Turmeric. It’s one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in nature, has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes and is also a great immune system booster.
Here are just some of the conditions Turmeric has been shown to be an effective aid:
- Acne
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Asthma
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cataracts
- Cholesterol levels (Lowers Triglycerides)
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Indigestion
- Inflammatory diseases
- Inhibition of HIV replication
- Insomnia
- Kidney and thyroid issues
- Liver detoxifier
- Lung diseases
- Memory improvement
- Metabolic diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Neurological disorders
- Metabolism and weight management
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Skin conditions
- Wound healing
The second ingredient also packs a powerful punch. Most Golden Milk recipes call for coconut milk and coconut oil. Coconut milk is 50 percent lauric acid, which is a type of fatty acid (MCFAs) that is easily digested and quickly accessible to cell membranes. These fats are converted by your liver into energy rather than being stored, so it’s not the kind of fat you should be worried about. Coconut milk is also full of antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
The combination of turmeric and coconut can be as effective as some pharmaceuticals, especially benefitting to those wishing to avoid aspirin and other NASAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioids. Adding the black pepper to the recipe creates 1000 times more absorption of the curcumin found in the turmeric.
I should also mention that you can add natural sweeteners at very small portions to give it a kick. Golden Milk tastes good as well as being good for you (kind of a unique thing).
The Turmeric Paste (made beforehand)
- The ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
- 1/2 cup of filtered water
- Place these ingredients in a saucepan and set the heat to medium high. Stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. Let it cool and then keep it in the refrigerator for future use.
Making the Golden Milk
- Take 1 cup of coconut milk (or almond milk), add 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 1/4 teaspoon of the turmeric paste.
- Combine all the ingredients and heat on medium, stirring constantly. Don’t allow it to boil.
- Add a touch of honey or ginger to sweeten if you prefer.
Golden Milk has a lot going for it, and you should go for it whenever you can.
