Inspirations

Do you know the golden milk of Ayurveda?

In India, every mother knows them because they all give them to their children when they are unwell… for any reason, really. In Europe, golden milk is also becoming increasingly popular, and in the colder months it is a real hit because it strengthens the immune system, warms up, cures minor infections - and is delicious. That's why it deserves a few words from me. After all, I've been drinking golden milk for years. I'm writing this post for you. My name is Anna Wasilewska, and 14 years ago I created the Orientana brand. Yes, thanks to Ayurveda. Golden milk, also known as haldi doodh in India, is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is valued for its health-promoting properties, primarily due to turmeric, which is its main ingredient. Golden milk has been known in Asia for thousands of years. In the past, yogis drank it because, according to Ayurveda, it also strengthens the joints, relieving stiffness and pain, and now practically everyone drinks it because it perfectly cleanses and tones the body. Golden milk has traditionally been used to treat colds and infections and soothe inflammation. It's often drunk to improve digestion and support gut health. If you have joint problems, traditional beliefs suggest that golden milk can reduce joint pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric milk promotes healthy sleep and relaxation. In every Indian home it is prepared slightly differently and there it serves a similar function to our chicken soup or milk with honey and garlic - it is widely believed to be a booster. There is something to it, because I also drink golden milk not only as a preventive measure throughout the fall and winter, but also in the middle of summer if I catch a cold. GOLDEN MILK - TRADITIONAL AND VEGETABLE RECIPE Preparing the base – turmeric paste To prepare the base for golden milk you will need: ¼ cup turmeric powder (or fresh rhizome, which should be finely chopped – it's a good idea to wear gloves to avoid skin discoloration). You can buy fresh rhizome in Poland. ½ cup of water – can be mineral or filtered from the tap. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent boiling. As the water evaporates, the mixture will begin to thicken, forming a paste. Once it reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator – ideally for no longer than 3 weeks. How to prepare golden milk? Add a teaspoon of the previously prepared paste to a glass of warm milk (you can use cow's milk or plant-based milk, such as coconut milk) and mix thoroughly. The drink is ready to drink! You can enhance the flavor of golden milk by adding spices like black pepper, ginger, cardamom, cloves, or coconut oil. For a sweeter version, try adding a bit of honey. How did I discover golden milk? I've been drinking golden milk since my first trip to India, when, chilled after a long train ride in an air-conditioned carriage, I was confronted with hot, humid air. Anyone who has traveled in such a refrigerator knows how Indians treat air conditioners—as if they wanted to not only test their limits but also push them to their limits. I stepped out onto the scorching platform, then into an equally cold taxi, and… the next day I woke up sick. My hosts rolled their eyes (what kind of Europeans are these delicacies?!). They poured me a cup of the warm, sweet and spicy drink and, with a smile, assured me that I would feel better in a few moments. I did, and I felt so good that I drank the delicious concoction every day! And I drink it to this day, not just when I feel like I'm coming down with something. As a preventative measure, and simply out of a craving, it's a great substitute for a sweet second breakfast. And I recommend it to all of you too, because it's an easy, tasty, and quick way to boost your vitality when it's sleet outside. In times of rampant viruses, we don't want to wonder if that sore throat and cough are just a cold or something worse, right? So let's take care of ourselves! The secret of golden milk is turmeric , which is known for its antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and even antifungal properties. What is curcumin? It owes its fame to curcumin. Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric root ( Curcuma longa ), is valued for its numerous health-promoting properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine and contemporary clinical research due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. It blocks enzymes and factors, such as NF-κB, that play a key role in inflammatory processes. It helps reduce inflammation in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and psoriasis. Curcumin neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, which is a risk factor in aging, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and cardiovascular diseases. It stimulates the body to produce its own antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. Curcumin supports the immune system by modulating the immune response and supporting the body's defense mechanisms. It may help prevent viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Curcumin relieves the symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion) and has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa, supports the functioning of the liver and has a choleretic effect, which facilitates the digestion of fats. Of course, the milk from which the drink is prepared and the oil added to enhance its properties are also important. In India, milk is considered nourishing and building body tissues. Golden Milk - My Recipe from India And how do you prepare this liquid gold? Of course, it's very easy and quick, otherwise I wouldn't have time for it! There are plenty of recipes, and you can add virtually any exotic spice you can think of to golden milk, but my recipe comes straight from India, from my Indian friends. I slimmed it down using ingredients unavailable in Poland and enriched it with honey. Here it is! First and foremost, you'll need one teaspoon of powdered turmeric. You can use store-bought turmeric, but it's better to buy dried turmeric and grind the required amount yourself. Add the powder to half a glass of water and boil for a few minutes. Then, pour half a glass of cow's milk or, if you prefer, plant-based milk into the water with the turmeric (it should be at room temperature, as the finished drink should be warm, not hot! The honey would lose its properties in hot water). Add a teaspoon of almond oil or clarified butter – you can even buy them ready-made. Finally, add a teaspoon or tablespoon of honey and spices: pepper, which improves the bioavailability of the curcumin; cardamom, cinnamon, or ginger if you're looking for a quick warming effect; or even nutmeg or a single clove if you prefer a more spicy, tangy flavor. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oil combines with the milk and water. Drink the golden milk immediately, also because of the oil—the oil will be more noticeable as it cools. You'll see, you'll feel better in no time! Golden milk symbolizes harmony between body and spirit, and its warm, golden color is often associated with health, energy, and balance. It's a drink that connects generations, serving as both a culinary tradition and a natural remedy for many ailments. While retaining its roots, golden milk has evolved into modern recipes, yet remains a symbol of simplicity, health, and a holistic approach to life. If you liked this post, I invite you to learn more about Orientana cosmetics with turmeric, which I created based on Ayurveda and supported by other Eastern medicines. You can read about the properties of turmeric here.