How To Prepare Turmeric Milk

A spice well known in India for its bright yellow color, turmeric also has found its way into alternative medicine. Although you do not have to adhere to Ayurvedic therapies or embrace complementary medicine to enjoy turmeric milk, keep in mind that for 4,000 years people have added turmeric to milk and teas for relieving inflammation, easing pain and aiding digestion. Scientific studies, mainly conducted in test tubes or on animals, remain inconclusive as to the benefits turmeric has for people, but when taken in typical amounts seen in food, or this milk, the spice will not harm you. Combine the western notion of a warm cup of milk before bed with the soothing properties of turmeric to create this comforting bedtime beverage.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 2 tsp. honey
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mug
• Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick for serving

Instructions

1. Combine the milk, turmeric powder and honey in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Warm the milk until it just begins to boil, whisking to stir the ingredients. Look for the surface of the milk to begin to rumble and small bubbles to rise and break at the surface.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the contents to a large mug.

4. Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon over the surface or place a cinnamon stick into the mug for serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for turmeric powder on the cooking and spices aisle at your local grocery store.

• Place 1 crushed cardamon pod into the milk when you add the turmeric with a dash of pepper and a sliver of fresh ginger as an alternative to adding the cinnamon at the end.

• Avoid taking turmeric milk in excessive amounts for a long period of time to prevent stomach upset. Stick with 1 cup of milk daily.

References

• HimilayanInstitute.org
• University of Maryland Medical Center