Firstly, what is 'Golden Milk'?
Also known as turmeric tea, golden milk is a traditional Indian drink that has its roots in
Ayurveda. It can be made simply with a blend of plant milk and ground turmeric or can be made more beneficial and delicious by adding ginger, black pepper and cinnamon.
Try this simple version:-
Firstly, make a mixture of spices which will last in an airtight jar for a couple of months, (but you will probably use it way before then), that way you always have your ingredients to hand.
4 tbsp turmeric, ground
2 tsp cinnamon, ground
2 tsp ginger, ground
1 tsp black pepper, ground
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
Take a mug and add a heaped tsp of the mixture, add sweetener if desired (maple syrup) 1-2 tsp and mix to a smooth paste with about 2 tsp of water. Add a cup of dairy-free milk (oat or coconut give a good flavour) and whisk to mix. Pour into small saucepan and warm (not boil) until desired temperature....drink, enjoy!
So what are the benefits?
In animal studies cinnamon appears to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve brain function and ginger may improve reaction time and memory. Moreover, ginger appears to protect against age-related brain function loss. (That said, further human research is needed to fully understand the effects of these ingredients on memory and brain function.)
Curcumin, the main active ingredient of turmeric, also has antioxidant properties. Some studies have shown that antioxidants can help a person's body repair cell damage and help reduce the risk of many illnesses.
When consumed regularly, there is evidence to suggest that curcumin can help improve your mood.
Turmeric is promoted as an alternative cancer treatment. There is some evidence that curcumin, can kill cancer cells in certain cancers. But more research is needed.
Some research has found that consuming ginger may help reduce fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
The ginger present in golden milk may help aid digestion. Ginger is a common home remedy for nausea and vomiting.
Golden Milk is a popular remedy for aches and pains as it is anti-inflammatory.
Having a warm Golden Milk before bed can aid sleep although it might be better to leave out the ginger as this can be a stimulant which is the opposite effect you want at bed time.
Turn off your phone, close the curtains, curl up with a book and a mug of Golden Milk and get ready for a good night's sleep zzzzzzzzzzz