Turmeric has been used as a medicinal ingredient in India for about 4,500 years and has spiritual significance. Turmeric can be used in various ways. With a sudden change in weather, like summer to monsoon or autumn to fall, a concoction called Haldi doodh or golden milk is mother's tried and tested home remedy! This milk is infused with turmeric with its origin in India and has been used to treat various diseases, including colds, coughs, aches, pains, and restlessness. Nowadays, turmeric milk is known by many different identities, including golden milk, golden turmeric latte, and turmeric milk tea. However, the traditional Indian word is haldi doodh. It is an Ayurvedic drink that is used to treat inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and heal wounds.
In the past decade, the West got a solid inclination toward the Indian spice turmeric. Chefs, in particular, developed a renewed interest in it and are combining turmeric juice with almond and cashew juice. According to The Guardian, "'Golden milk' or turmeric latte—a blend of almond milk and juiced turmeric root—was the drink of choice in 2016." Turmeric lattes are now available in cafes across Sydney, New York, and San Francisco, and the beverage is gaining popularity in the United Kingdom.
What the ancient scripture says?
This concoction is mentioned in ancient medical disciplines such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Turmeric-infused milk is said to help with inflammation, depression, and even insomnia. It is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for many diseases, including colds, coughs, fevers, and post-illness recuperation.
Golden milk, Image Source: Freepik
Milk's magic
Though turmeric tea is a popular way to have this spice, it is more easily absorbed by the body when served in a glass of warm milk. It's all due to the root's poor bio-availability, so its nutrients are effortlessly released when consumed alone. Cow's milk contains the correct amount of lipids and proteins to guarantee that the turmeric is absorbed along with it.
Turmeric latte or haldi doodh
Turmeric lattes are steamed milk drinks flavoured with golden turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, and, in some cases, ginger. The end product is a calming, immune-boosting, caffeine-free hot drink. The recipe for turmeric milk, a Subcontinental custom, is much easier than the elaborate lattes you'll get at your neighbourhood café. Making your own turmeric milk is as simple as adding a pinch of turmeric to a mug of hot milk and sweetening it with sugar or honey to taste. For extra heat, some recipes call for a sprinkle of pepper or a garnish of saffron strands.
Ayurveda's essence is in personalising preventive care to individual needs. It considers the influence of particular substances on a person's unique constitution (dosha), the features of their condition, and the season or climate in which the treatment is delivered. It adds authenticity to the eating of turmeric milk. Adding spices to turmeric milk is a common practice in many Indian households. Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, and coriander seeds or powder are examples. They each offer a distinct flavour to the recipe and their particular Ayurvedic characteristics. This affects the drinker's dosha and thus the health results. A saffron-heavy meal, for example, isn't ideal in the summer but may be good in the winter.
Every family has its own method, but the variations are minor and intentional. Turmeric and milk, preferably from a cow, are two key ingredients in the classic Turmeric Ksheerapak or Turmeric Milk recipe.
Haldi Ksheerapaka
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp organic turmeric powder
- 2 green cardamom pods
- Honey, to taste (optional)
Method
- In a small heavy-bottom saucepan, combine all of the ingredients except the honey and bring to a boil
- Turn down the heat and keep the milk simmering for two minutes
Strain with care into mugs and add a drizzle of honey according to taste.
Things to remember:
Ayurvedic golden milk can be consumed anytime, but it is especially effective as a sleep aid. Consume about an hour before bedtime to reap the maximum benefits from its soothing effects. Limit yourself to less than one teaspoon of ground turmeric daily to get the finest and safest outcomes. If you don't want to peel, just give the root a quick scrape to eliminate any dirt or bacteria.