I like Hindi. It’s clear and without much fuss, it sums it all up. Haldi Dudh. What we call “Golden Milk” is simply called “turmeric milk” in India.
Haldi Dudh is a healthy and nourishing drink recommended by Ayurveda (and from by Indian home pharmacy) and actually very simple made out of milk, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and some jagery (unrefined sugar). Turmeric not only gives the milk the beautiful sun-yellow color, but is also the main ingredient that makes the milk so healthy.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, acts as a joint lubrication, cleanses the lungs and relieves the liver. Like the two other ingredients ginger and cinnamon, turmeric also has an antioxidant effect and protects against cell-damaging free radicals. In addition, turmeric is intended to prevent the building of cancer cells and is helpful to lower the blood sugar level and protects us from heart diseases.
In India, golden milk is drunk to prevent colds, because turmeric is also supposed to strengthen our immune system and has antibacterial and antiviral effects. In Corona times a plus point!
In addition, turmeric is not only intended to improve brain performance, but is also a mood brightener, not only because of the cheerfully lit color.
Find more information about turmeric with a delicious further recipe here on my blog.
By the way, turmeric and ginger both stimulate digestion.
We also do not want to leave out the pepper here: it stimulates metabolism and thus helps to “sweat out” diseases.
The calcium in the milk for our bones can also be mentioned here. Otherwise, of course, you may also use plant-based milk instead. But Indians idolize their cow, among others, for their dairy products and as long as I live in India, I stick to cow’s milk.
Having a mood enhancer during my three-week Corona curfew is not the primary reason why I drink the Golden Milk every morning.
Actually, All I need is a coffee replacement for my upcoming Ayurvedic Yogic Cleansing. Therefore I focus these days on a fresh, healthy, light vegetarian diet and an Ayurvedic lifestyle. This also includes no coffee and other stimulants. For me, my morning coffee is a comfort drink that is part of the daily routine. It has now been replaced by the turmeric milk for two days and is actually very appealing in colour!
By the way, the Golden Milk also tastes better than thought. Actually, I’m not a turmeric friend, but this spicy milk tastes really good to me.
Here is the recipe:
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 peppercorns
- A pinch of cinnamon
- A cup of milk
Bring to the boil together and simmer for about 5 minutes.
