Lifestyle

Golden Milk: Good to the Last Drop

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Tony Maples Photography

 

None of us want to get sick, but most of us will experience a cold or flu during the winter months. If you feel that familiar scratchy feeling in your throat or your stomach doesn’t settle right, then grab the turmeric and make yourself some Golden Milk. The sooner, the better to help reduce the symptoms or complications experienced with the onset of such miserable illnesses.

Curcumin is a derivative of turmeric and is the chemical compound that contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It fights free radicals, helping maintain your immune system so it can reduce infections from the flu or a cold. Turmeric is considered a natural antibiotic in Ayurvedic medicine and has a proven track record of over six hundred potential health benefits.  Many people have included turmeric or curcumin in their daily vitamin regimen.

GOLDEN MILK: GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

Flickr/Steven Jackson

An article on PubMed.gov states, “In several systems, curcumin has been described as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Evidence has also been presented to suggest that curcumin can suppress tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis. Pharmacologically, curcumin has been found to be safe. Human clinical trials indicated no dose-limiting toxicity when administered at doses up to 10 g/day. All of these studies suggest that curcumin has enormous potential in the prevention and therapy of cancer. The current review describes in detail the data supporting these studies.”

Another PubMed.gov article informs us,”Curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe in six human trials and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation.”

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Flickr/Howard Walfish

If you develop a cold or think that you are taking the flu, begin mixing your Golden Milk and drinking it on a steady schedule. There are several recipes online, but whichever one you use, be sure that you add some black pepper and oil. The hot property in black pepper is called piperine, and it increases your body’s absorption of the turmeric by a huge percentage.

Another ingredient that Turmeric must have to be absorbable is fat, and coconut oil works wonderfully. So, enjoy your golden milk. It is delicious, and the health benefits are well founded.

To make Golden Milk, you will need 2 cups of milk, any kind, your choice (doesn’t have to be cow’s milk). Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder, a  ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, a  ½  teaspoon of fresh or ground ginger, one teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup, a pinch of black pepper, and one teaspoon of coconut oil. Blend all of the ingredients in a blender then pour the mixture into a pan and heat for three to five minutes. DO NOT BOIL.

If you like your drink a little sweeter, add more honey or syrup. Be imaginative. You can add other spices if your taste calls for it. Turmeric powder can be purchased in a bulk form at most health food stores.

As always, be sure to consult your physician before using any natural remedies or before changing your healthcare regimen, especially if have allergies, are currently experiencing health problems, or are taking any medication.