I tried this recipe recently and was so happy to have found a tasty way to incorporate more turmeric into my diet. The golden milk warmed my stomach and was a real treat before bed.

Turmeric is a truly remarkable herb. It is a well-known spice from India that gives many Indian dishes their golden color. It has been recognized by ayurvedic healers for its healing properties since ancient times. Rightly so – as this herb has so many health benefits!

For starters, turmeric is our natural anti-inflammatory. When taken in high enough doses or as a concentrated extract it is used to reduce inflammation for the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It is a potent anti-oxidant and is great for the liver and digestive system. It even has anti-cancer properties!

Step 1: Make Turmeric Paste

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup turmeric powder

Simmer in a sauce pan for 5 min or so until you have a nice thick paste. This paste can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks before it goes bad. You can use it in cooking or for making Golden Milk. Be careful because turmeric stains. To optimize the health benefits of turmeric you can take ½ to 1 tsp turmeric paste twice per day.

Step 2: Golden Milk

• 1 cup milk: almond, cashew, hemp, coconut, goat or organic cow’s milk
• ½ tsp turmeric paste
• Sweetener: maple syrup or honey
• Optional: vanilla extract or pinch of cinnamon
• Oil: flax oil, coconut oil, almond oil, walnut oil, avocado oil or olive oil (the oil helps the turmeric to be absorbed)

Heat the milk and stir in the turmeric paste, sweetener and cinnamon. Before serving add a small drizzle of oil. If you have a handheld milk frother, you can mix the oil in.