Golden milk is a healing tonic with roots in Ayurvedic medicine. This tonic is warming, nourishing and healing for the entire body.

This beautiful, warming tonic is golden nectar. With a sprinkle of cinnamon on the top, it opens the heart, eases the mind and relaxes the body with every sip.

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk or Haldi Doodh (Turmeric Milk), is an Ayurvedic elixir that's made with turmeric and other spices.

Golden milk is considered beneficial due to its key ingredient, turmeric, which contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound; this, combined with other spices like ginger and cinnamon, can potentially help boost immunity, improve digestion, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and even support brain health depending on the recipe and how regularly it's consumed.

“In Asia, golden milk is a cultural tradition—it embodies the Ayurvedic philosophy of promoting mental and physical balance through nutrition and, of course, its spicy, enveloping flavor.”

Tumeric is the key ingredient in this drink. Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its strong antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are compounds that fight cell damage, protecting your body from oxidative stress. They’re essential to the functioning of your cells, and studies regularly show that diets rich in antioxidants may help lower your risk of infections and disease. Studies even suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are comparable to those of some pharmaceutical drugs with none of the side effects.

Studies have also shown that curcumin may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a compound that helps your brain form new connections and promotes the growth of brain cells.

It appears that turmeric — more specifically its active compound curcumin — may boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression. In a 6-week study, 60 individuals with major depressive disorders took either curcumin, an antidepressant or a combination. Those given only curcumin experienced similar improvements as those given antidepressants, while the combination group noticed the most benefits.

If you are familiar with the philosophy of Ayurveday and the dosas, Turmeric contains balancing qualities for all three doshas: its heat balances Vata and Kapha, its dryness and its pungent and bitter tastes balance Kapha, and its bitter taste also balances Pitta, making it tri-doshic!

This beautiful tonic can be used as a remedy when the body is experiencing depletion from:

Chronic stress
Illness
During the stages of healing trauma
Postpartum
When healing the body

This recipe is part of the philosophy of Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga and a way of living and being. Ayurveda is not of my culture, so I am in deep gratitude to have access to this beautiful medicine. I have received a number of hours training in this philosophy and love to share this knowledge of healing with my clients. Bowing in deep honor to the original keepers and teachers of this ancient tradition. To learn more about this ancient tradition, please visit my journal entry The Philosophy of Ayurveda

Nurturing Golden Milk Recipe:

You can double the recipe and make a larger batch to drink throughout the day or store for later.

Note: If at all possible it is suggested using only organic ingredients when possible. You will still receive the benefits when using what you have on hand.

“The combination of milk, ghee, and turmeric boosts our Ojas, meaning it adds to our immunity reserves".

1.5 cup unsweetened plant milk or regular milk.
1/4 Tsp tumeric (powder, 1 inch of fresh)
1/2 tsp of ginger (powder or a knob of fresh)
1/2 Tsp cinnamon (powder or 1 stick)
1 Tbsp ghee (or coconut oil)
Pinch of pepper
Pinch1/8 tsp of cardamom
Pinch saffron (optional)

In a stainless steel or clay pot gently warm up all the ingredients (except ghee or oil), on low heat.
Gently whisk all ingredients while warming the mixture.
Allow simmering for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth, hot, fragrant, and flavorful. ( do not boil)
Once it has reached the desired heat, and all ingredients have been mixed, remove from heat.
If using fresh turmeric and ginger, option to strain chunks and bits over your favorite mug and discard solids.
Add ghee or coconut oil.
Add your sweetener of choice, I love using local honey.
You can drink as is or mix in a blender for frothiness.
Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and enjoy!