Golden Milk is a highly nutritious, Ayurvedic drink for vibrant health and glow.

Golden Milk or turmeric milk is a spiced, warm, and creamy Indian drink that has been gaining popularity in Western culture, largely due to the increasing popularity of yoga and Ayurveda (ah-yer-vey-duh) practice.

Traditionally, Haldi doodh (golden milk) is a simple half cup or less of hot cow’s milk with a tablespoon of ground turmeric mixed into it. Westernized variations include turmeric with other spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nut milk in place of cow’s milk, blending it into a hot tea of choice, honey, or even plain hot water.

A look at Turmeric

The goodness of golden milk comes primarily from turmeric. Turmeric use can be traced back nearly 4000 years ago in India, where it was used for culinary, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. Ailments including colds, coughs, inflammation, aches, pains, and restlessness were treated with traditional golden milk.

Turmeric is one of the most researched spices on the planet and has a crucial compound called curcumin, a very powerful antioxidant. Both have an impressive list of health benefits that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anticoagulant, antifertility, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-fibrotic, antivenin, antiulcer, hypotensive, and hypocholesterolemia activities.

Several research studies show multiple health benefits associated with turmeric and its compounds, including, but not limited to:

• Protection from Alzheimer’s Disease – multiple studies show prevention of the formation of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s
• Arthritis relief– studies documented curcumin’s effectiveness in reducing joint inflammation
• Improves brain health – the antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties help prevent and reduce the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Mood Enhancement – clinical trials show reduced major depression, and in some cases, anxiety.
• Protection from inflammation – one of the newest areas of research—the role of gut microbiota in promoting or suppressing disease—hints that curcumin can change our gut microbiome in ways that have positive effects on the entire body and the mind.

It has the potential to modulate the over-aggressive immune response some COVID-19 patients experience called “cytokine storm” as well. Researchers are looking at it as both a preventative and therapy for COVID-19.

How to get the most out of Golden Milk

Studies show that turmeric is difficult for our bloodstream to absorb completely. This is due to our body metabolizing the curcumin before we can absorb it. However, there are two primary ingredients that can increase the absorption and make it more bioavailable to our body.

Black pepper – contains a compound called Piperine that enhances levels by up to 2,000%.

Fat – turmeric and curcumin are fat-soluble, so by adding a healthy source of fat like coconut oil or ghee, allows curcumin to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Other ingredients that can be added are ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and honey. Studies show:

• Ginger – has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, and other healthful properties.
• Cinnamon – Ceylon or “true” cinnamon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetic aid, positive effects on neurodegenerative diseases, anticancer, and fight infections.
• Cardamom – anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, metabolic syndrome and diabetes type 2, antioxidant, and may aid liver with detoxification of the body.
• Honey – raw honey has shown to be an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, is loaded with natural vitamins and minerals, wound healing, cough relieving, and protects the brain. *Honey is not safe for children under the age of 1 year.

Add Cannabis

Infusing your golden milk with cannabis just adds more of the magic to this soul-soothing drink. There are several different ways to make this golden milk your own. You can choose your infusion options based on your personal needs.

The easiest way to incorporate THC, CBD, or both is by using an infused tincture oil. A few drops will go a long way in this powerful drink. You can incorporate your own infused coconut oil too. Cannabis is better absorbed by the body when prepared with fat, so this is ideal. Using high-quality, lab-tested cannabinoids is another great way to add some extra healing power. CBN (cannabinol), for example, is a minor cannabinoid that has been gaining attention as ‘the sleep cannabinoid’ – bonus it has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties too.

There are no limits to the added beneficial properties you can include in this healing drink.

Conclusion

This creamy, cozy cannabis-infused golden milk is a soothing warm beverage made with superfoods like turmeric, cannabis, coconut milk, and other spices that help to warm you from the inside out.

Whether you’re looking to kick that cough or you’re in the market for a really peaceful night’s sleep, golden milk can help get you there. After all, this millennia-old tradition has stuck around for a good reason!

Here’s to your health!

It is always best to consult your physician before consuming any herbs or supplements, as some medications or conditions may be contraindicated.