All About Golden Milk; From The History, To How To Make It!

Introducing Golden Milk, a delightful, visually appealing, decaffeinated beverage infused with beneficial herbs. Whether you’re new to Golden Milk or a seasoned fan, we’re excited to share with you everything you need to know about this warming drink – from its advantages to its preparation.

In this guide, we’ll begin by defining what Golden Milk is and the components used in its creation. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it a part of your daily routine, the reasons why we endorse it, and where you can find a convenient Golden Milk blend.

Join us as we explore the world of Golden Milk in this comprehensive guide. Let’s get started.

Golden Milk, What Is It?

Golden Milk, rooted in the traditional Ayurvedic recipe, has been cherished for centuries for its various benefits to the mind and body.

This herbal drink, which can be prepared with your preferred milk, is completely caffeine-free. Although it’s commonly served warm in a mug to promote relaxation, it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing cold beverage.

The secret to Golden Milk’s distinctiveness lies in its ingredients.

Here we will discuss each spice used in this beneficial beverage. Let’s get to it! 

Golden Milk Ingredients

Tumeric

Golden Milk contains an array of traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices, with turmeric being the key ingredient that gives it its warm, yellow hue. We also incorporate other components such as black pepper, cardamom, vanilla, and Ashwagandha.

Turmeric is a versatile herb that promotes a healthy inflammatory response against normal wear and tear. It is also a whole-body tonic celebrated worldwide for its ability to support the body in various ways. Turmeric has traditionally been utilized to boost immunity, improve cognitive function, aid digestion, and the list goes on.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a prevalent ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine and is traditionally known as a hot, pungent herb. It’s believed to enhance the body’s natural release of digestive secretions by stimulating digestive fire, also known as Agni. For this reason, it’s often referred to as “the king of spices.”

This well-known spice contains piperine, which helps our bodies to properly absorb the curcumin found in turmeric, the compound responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vanilla

The delightful fragrance of vanilla has been employed to uplift one’s spirits naturally. Furthermore, it adds a delectable taste to warm milk.

In the past, vanilla was recognized as an aromatic that promotes a healthy libido and supports the nervous system.

Ashwagandha

Highly esteemed in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is regarded as an adaptogen that helps fortify the whole system. It is among the most popular herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine today.

This herb is regarded as a tonic, supporting overall well-being and an adaptogen, assisting the body’s natural resilience to stress.

Cardamom

With a rich tradition of aiding the digestive system, cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a fragrant spice often referred to as the “queen of spices” in Ayurveda, much like its relative Ginger. Its consumption is believed to support the maintenance of a healthy digestive function.

Dates

Dates are a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich fruit packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They have a unique flavor profile comparable to caramel, making them a preferred sugar substitute.

Fossil records indicate that the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) has been around for over 50 million years. A common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine is used to make various products, including sugar, vinegar, and syrup.

History of Golden Milk

Despite its current popularity, Golden Milk is not a recent invention. This warm and comforting beverage has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. In fact, within Ayurveda, an ancient form of traditional medicine in India, Golden Milk has been used as a nourishing tonic that also happens to taste delicious.

In Sanskrit, “ojas” refers to the essential energy of life, which supports physical, mental, and emotional vitality. Golden Milk, or “haldi ka doodh” as it’s traditionally known, is said to naturally help maintain this vigor by sustaining the body and promoting clarity of mind and emotions.

Turmeric, the vibrant yellow herb used in Golden Milk, has long been valued for its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response in healthy individuals, among other benefits. In Golden Milk, it is combined with other traditional Ayurvedic herbs to provide additional support.

The recipe for Golden Milk adheres to Ayurvedic dietary principles, emphasizing fresh, pure, and easily digestible “sattvic” foods that promote the generation of ojas. Ingredients like dates, honey, milk, ghee, and nuts used for milk in plant-based versions are all sattvic. “Rajasic” foods, which are naturally stimulating, are used in moderation to promote vital energy. The herbs and spices used in Golden Milk are considered rajasic.

Golden Milk is comforting and soothing, making it a popular bedtime drink in India. Mothers often make it to soothe their children as well.

In addition to its popularity in India, turmeric tea has also found its way to Okinawa, a Blue Zone located in southern Japan, where the residents are known for their exceptional longevity. Researchers attribute this to the inhabitants’ healthy, plant-based diet and robust social and familial relationships.

While similar to Golden Milk, Okinawan turmeric tea is served cold and unsweetened, reflecting the Japanese preference.

Having gained insight into this delectable beverage, we will now reveal how you can prepare it.

Making Golden Milk

Serves 1, Prep Time: 1 min, Cook Time: 5 min

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Tsp Tumeric, ground
• 5 whole Peppercorns
• 1-inch unpeeled fresh or dried Ginger root, roughly chopped
• 1 Cinnamon Stick, broken into several pieces
• 1 cup milk (your choice of 1% dairy, coconut, oat, or almond milk)
• 1 Tsp Organic Honey (locally sourced preferred)
• Optional: 2-4 Cardamom pods

Instructions:

1. Add one teaspoon of coconut oil and the spices into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes until spices are aromatic.
2. Add 1 cup of milk to the saucepan and heat over medium-low until very hot and steaming without boiling.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh colander to remove any solids. Pour into a cup or small bowl, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey, and enjoy!
4. Optional: You may add 3-4 whole cardamom pods to the spices.

If you prefer a more authentic and hands-on experience, you can follow the traditional recipe above for making the beverage. Regardless of which recipe you choose, it’s advisable to use milk that contains fat.

The fats in the milk serve two purposes. Firstly, they help your body absorb the fat-soluble components present in the herbs, including the beneficial curcuminoids found in turmeric that give the drink its distinct golden color.

Secondly, the fats serve to carry and coat the herbs and spices, resulting in a smooth and well-balanced taste. By heating the herbs in the fat before adding the milk, their aroma, and flavor are fully released. This is why most recipes recommend adding dried herbs and spices at the beginning of the cooking process with a little oil to enhance their taste.

Customizing Your Golden Milk in Four Ways

When it comes to consuming Golden Milk, there are no strict rules, so you can get creative and personalize the recipe according to your preferences. If you enjoy incorporating herbal supplements into your diet, you can customize your Golden Milk by incorporating other herbs.

One option is to add liquid herbal extracts of the following:

1. American Ginseng: Known to promote healthy stamina and helps to maintain endurance.
2. Cinnamon Bark: Supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps balance glucose levels.
3. Holy Basil Leaf: Supports a healthy reaction to stressors
4. Ginger: Provides relief from occasional stomach upset and promotes healthy digestion.

Benefits of Golden Milk

Savoring a cup of Golden Milk can bring about a sense of mindfulness and positivity to your day. Beyond this, the ingredients in Golden Milk, such as Turmeric and Ashwagandha, can offer a range of health benefits.

Turmeric, for instance, promotes a healthy inflammatory response and provides antioxidant support to the body. On the other hand, Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that aids the body in handling physical and emotional stress, contributing to overall well-being.

Embrace the Benefits of Golden Milk and Mindfulness Moments

Now that you’re well-informed about the many benefits of this traditional Indian beverage, why not try incorporating Golden Milk into your daily routine? By doing so, you’ll experience the positive effects of Turmeric and Ashwagandha, along with four other incredible herbs.

Not only does Golden Milk enhance your overall health and well-being through its powerful ingredients, but it also provides a mindfulness moment that allows you to pause and appreciate its deliciousness. So go ahead and raise a glass to this delightful golden beverage and all the moments you’ll create while sipping it!

Where To Find Golden Milk Spices and Herbs

The spices used in our traditional recipe are available here at Spice Station Silverlake. Where we gather all the unique, amazing spices and ingredients you can’t find anywhere else!