Creamy Golden Turmeric Tea

It’s often the simple things that make the biggest impact. Right now I am all about simple comforts…AND SAVORY FLAVORS. I’ve traditionally been a sweet kinda gal but things are a’changing. I regularly enjoy putting turmeric powder into my veggie smoothies, but the colder weather had me inspired to create a warm turmeric drink.

Not familiar with turmeric? Turmeric is an ancient root that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. With a peppery, warm and bitter flavor, the mild fragrance of turmeric resembles orange and ginger, which makes it a favorite in curry dishes. Oh and you might be interested to know that it’s also commonly used in yellow mustard.

I have to confess, there was something really alluring to me when I first learned that Turmeric Tea is considered ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’. Developed thousands of years ago in India, Turmeric Tea is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to incorporate turmeric into one’s daily diet. And for those not up to par on Ayurvedic practices, simply put, it is one of the world’s oldest holistic (whole-body) healing systems. It is based upon the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate yet essential balance between the mind, body and spirit.

The key to turmeric’s healing power is the chemical compound curcumin. The list of healing properties for the entire body attributed to turmeric curcumin seems to go on for days. Of the 7,000 studies testing its effectiveness and safety, very few report any side effects whatsoever. And the curcumin also gives turmeric its beautiful golden color.

How can it help?

–Brain Health and Memory: improves oxygen intake of the brain; helps in all of the brain’s functions and processes

–Cancer: marked ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, boost antioxidant levels and the immune system, and kill cancer cells

–Chronic Inflammation and Pain: high anti-inflammatory properties

–Depression: as effective as Prozac in managing depression, sans dangerous side effects

–Diabetes: lowers blood glucose levels and reverse insulin resistance

–Rheumatoid Arthritis: high anti-inflammatory properties

–Skin and Aging: anti-inflammatory reduces redness; antibacterial, great for blemishes, acne and skin balance

It does one good to drink it- you get the point. When combined with milk, this ‘golden milk’ as it is frequently known, will be a savory treat to your palate. So if you are looking for an ancient Ayurvedic elixir, Turmeric Tea could be your next big homeopathic drink.

Creamy Golden Turmeric Tea

Ingredients

½ cup water

½ tsp turmeric

½ cup almond milk (or sub full-fat coconut milk)

1 TBS coconut oil

1 tsp coconut sugar or honey

sprinkle of black pepper

Directions

Bring water to a boil and simmer water and turmeric powder for 10 minutes. Add almond milk and, coconut oil and sugar and continue to simmer until warm. Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper for digestion.

Suggestions: I also like a sprinkle of ground oregano on my tea. For a hotter taste add a sprinkle of ground cayenne pepper. If you have a sweeter palate try a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg.