golden milk ayurveda

who knows GOLDEN MILK?

In India, every mother knows about it because they all give it 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 he 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, mainly due to turmeric, which is the main ingredient in this drink. Golden milk is a drink that 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 their 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 to reduce inflammation. It is often drunk to improve digestion and support gut health. If you have joint problems, traditional beliefs suggest that golden milk will reduce joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric milk supports healthy sleep and relaxation.

In every Indian home it is prepared slightly differently and it serves a similar function to our broth or milk with honey and garlic - it is widely believed to put you on your feet.

There must be 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

Preparation of the base – turmeric paste

To prepare the base for golden milk you will need:

• ¼ cup of turmeric powder (or fresh rhizome, which should be finely chopped – it is worth wearing protective 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 avoid boiling. As the water evaporates, the mixture will begin to thicken into a paste. Once it has the right consistency, transfer it to an airtight jar and store it in the fridge – ideally for no longer than 3 weeks.

Preparation of golden milk

Add a teaspoon of the previously prepared paste to a glass of warm milk (you can use cow's milk or plant milk, e.g. 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, add a little honey.

HOW I MET GOLDEN MILK

I have been drinking golden milk since my first trip to India, when, chilled after a long train journey in an air-conditioned carriage, I was confronted with hot and humid air. Anyone who has travelled in such a refrigerator knows how Indians treat air conditioners - as if they wanted to not only test the limits of their capabilities, but also push them.

I went out onto the hot platform, then got into an equally cold taxi and… the next day I woke up sick. My hosts raised their eyes to the sky (what kind of Europeans are such delicacies?!).

They poured me a cup of warm, sweet and spicy drink and with a smile assured me that I would feel better in a few moments. I did, and so well that I drank the delicious concoction every day!

And I drink it to this day, not only when I feel like something is breaking down. As a preventive measure and simply out of gluttony, because it's a great substitute for a sweet second breakfast.

And I recommend it to all of you, because it's an easy, tasty and quick way to boost your vitality when it's raining outside. In times of a raging virus, 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.

curcumin for health

It owes its fame to curcumin. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric root ( Curcuma longa ), is valued for its many health-promoting properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine and modern clinical research for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. It blocks enzymes and factors, such as NF-κB, which play a key role in inflammation. 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 on which the drink is prepared and the oil added to enhance its properties are also important. Milk is considered nourishing and builds body tissues in India.

GOLDEN MILK - MY RECIPE FROM INDIA

And how do you prepare this liquid gold? Of course, very easily and quickly, otherwise I wouldn't have time for it!

There are plenty of recipes and you can add almost any exotic spice you can think of to golden milk, but my recipe comes straight from India, from Indian friends.

I slimmed it down with ingredients unavailable in Poland, and enriched it with honey. Here it is!

First of all, you will need one teaspoon of powdered turmeric. You can use turmeric from the store, but it is better to buy dried rhizome and grind the required amount yourself.

Add the powder to half a glass of water and boil for a few minutes. Then pour less than a glass of cow's milk or, if you prefer, plant milk (necessarily at room temperature, because the finished drink should be warm, not hot! 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 curcumin, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, if you want a quick warming effect, and even nutmeg or... one clove, if you like more spicy, piquant flavors. Mix everything well so that the oil combines with the milk and water as best as possible. Drink the golden milk right away, also because of the oil - if the drink cools down, the oil will be more noticeable. You'll see, you'll feel better in a moment!

Golden milk symbolizes harmony between body and spirit, and its warm, golden color is often associated with health, energy, and balance. It is a drink that connects generations, being both a culinary tradition and a natural remedy for many ailments. While maintaining its roots, golden milk has evolved into modern recipes, but remains a symbol of simplicity, health, and a holistic approach to life.

If you liked this post, I invite you to get to know Orientana cosmetics , which I created based on Ayurveda and supported by other Eastern medicines.