The multipurpose the curative properties of turmeric have lent it to be used as a spice in Indian recipes and medicine in Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Ways To Consume Turmeric
There are many ways you can take turmeric: fresh, dried and grated as a spice, capsule, or pills.
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties offer many benefits. It is used to relieve swelling and pain due to headaches and wounds and is called ‘natural aspirin’ in Ayurveda medicine. It also possesses anti-bacterial properties and when applied to small cuts and wounds, it can stem blood flow by aiding with blood clotting, prevents infections and heals wounds.
Milk is a great delivery system for turmeric whether you are using it internally or externally. Adding turmeric to milk increases milks own antioxidant qualities. Milk fights free radicals that damage skin, making it lose its elasticity and glow. Milk also strengthens bones, which helps with osteoporosis and arthritis (joint inflammation and pain). Consuming the drink twice a day before meals will ease morning stiffness, reduce pain and swelling in the joint. But it’s the anti-inflammatory qualities that make turmeric milk a favorite for soothing sore throats and calming coughs.
Raw organic honey is often added not only for taste but for its own powerful anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
Some Recipes For You To Try
Basic Turmeric Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ of fresh ginger grated
- ½ tsp. dried turmeric powder or 1 inch piece fresh turmeric
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 tsp. raw honey, or to taste
Method
Place all ingredients except honey into a pan and simmer for 20 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes to seep. Rewarm if needed and then add the honey. Once the honey has been stirred in, strain and sip.
Sore Throat Soothing Turmeric Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tsp. dried turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- ¼ cup water
Method
Top off the cup with milk and heat the mixture for a few minutes until the milk almost boils. If you want to add peppercorns, which is thought to improve the absorption of the turmeric you can also add that to the mixture before heating. Other flavors can be achieved by adding a few pods of cardamom (cracked) and a pinch of saffron to the milk/water concoction before boiling.
Cough Turmeric Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- Sugar to taste
- ½ tsp. ajwain (carom seeds)
- ¼ tsp. turmeric powder
Method
Add milk and sugar to pan and heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside. Take ajwain and roast in a non-stick pan for a few minutes until brown. Add to the ajwain mixture the turmeric and stir. Add to the warmed milk, mix well, strain, and sip while warm.
The Ultimate Turmeric Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh whole milk
- ½-1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 2-3 whole peppercorns
- 2-3 cardamom pods cracked
- ½ inch ginger, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp ghee (not if you are experiencing mucus)
- Pinch of saffron, optional
- Honey for taste
Method
Heat the milk along with the spices for 2-3 minutes or until the milk is almost boiling. Add sweetener to taste, let cool until warm and strain and serve.
Sleepy-time Turmeric
Use the basic turmeric milk recipe and add nutmeg. Nutmeg helps you sleep.
Turmeric Honey
Ingredients
- 9 Tsp dried turmeric powder
- ½ Tsp freshly ground black pepper (grind it finely)
- ½ Tsp dried ginger powder
- Raw organic honey
Method
Mix turmeric, pepper and ginger thoroughly. Start adding a liquid honey into the powder. It helps to warm the honey (not cook, just warm) which allows it to absorb better. Whipped versions of honey or old honey that has begun to crystallize will not work, the honey needs to be runny. Stir, slowly adding the honey until all the powder is dissolved and you have a thick paste. The amount will vary depending on the moisture content of the honey. Store turmeric honey in an airtight jar.
Turmeric Milk (Non Dairy)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces almond or coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2-inch wide round slice of ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon honey (or molasses )
- Optional additions: a tsp ghee, cinnamon, cardamom
Method
Gently warm the almond or coconut milk on the stove. In a mug, combine the remaining ingredients. Drizzle a teaspoon of the warmed milk into the mug and mix until the liquid is smooth with no lumps. Add the rest of the milk and mix well. You can leave the pieces of ginger in the tea, or strain it out before drinking.
Source: www.curejoy.com