Golden milk, or turmeric tea, has been gaining some steam in Western culture in recent years. The Indian drink with roots in Ayurvedic medicine may help boost immunity and offer other benefits that could keep you healthy this season.
The bright yellow drink is traditionally made with warm cow’s milk, turmeric, and other spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Touted for a host of benefits that are primarily a result of antioxidant activity, golden milk may be particularly useful during the cold and flu season.
Curcumin, the active ingredient that gives turmeric most of its benefits, has been shown to possess immune-boosting qualities. Coupled with the fact that ginger and cinnamon are often added to the drink, it could be a useful tool to keep you healthy this winter.
Test tube studies have shown curcumin can fight bacteria, virus, and fungus; however, human studies are lacking. That said, GreenMedinfo has documented extensive research into turmeric’s health benefits, and the NCBI lists more than 13,00 studies on curcumin’s various effects.
Meanwhile, there are centuries of anecdotal evidence to support its use, and golden milk has been used to prevent or treat illness in India for centuries.
Additionally, there is evidence that both ginger and cinnamon feature compounds that battle infection and inhibit bacterial growth.
- 2 cups unsweetened milk of your choice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 small piece fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Golden milk may be a useful addition to your seasonal health routine to boost your immune system, stave off a cold, and improve general health this winter. Its yellow color is sure to fit nicely into the season, so give it a try!
