Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea)

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Cat
Turmeric root and powder

Turmeric root and powder

By Cat, Sept 2016 (Photo, right, from Wikimedia Commons)

I’ve been taking turmeric in supplemental form (capsule), but I like the idea of consuming it as a food rather than a supplement after reading about it on Wellness Mamma (1) and Mercola (4a). This warm tea is an ancient beverage with eons of history behind it.

“Golden milk” contains turmeric (as fresh root or powdered spice); ginger may also be added (as fresh root or powdered spice) (3). Its base is made from whole dairy milk (raw, local, whole milk is best) or coconut milk (not coconut water). You can make your own coconut milk from raw coconut meat or dried but not desiccated coconut; see my instructions on coconut milk.

You can also add coconut oil or ghee, plus a bit of black pepper (from freshly ground peppercorns) because these:

  • boost absorption of turmeric’s components which are otherwise not well absorbed; and
  • activate turmeric’s benefits. 

This is a delicious beverage that is nicely warming to drink just before bed. I provide a simple recipe for one serving, so you can test it to see if you like it, before trying one of the other versions that make more than one serving. If you want to give it a try but don’t want to make your own, check out Turmeric Tea from Lake Missoula Tea Company (9) (Missoula Montana); the link includes a 1-minute video on how to make it using their powder mix.

From Wellness Mama (1): “This may stain blenders and countertops. The color will eventually fade, but making a thick paste of baking soda and water and scrubbing the stain can help.” As I’ve found, it may also stain your clothing, so take care when drinking the tea.

Note the following warning for those who are pregnant and nursing (1):

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it is safe to cook with Turmeric while pregnant and nursing but that turmeric supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. Since this tea contains Turmeric, consult with a doctor or midwife before consuming this if you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition.”

Turmeric

This is one of the most commonly used spices in India, a basic ingredient in most curries. Its major biochemical component is curcumin, which has many health benefits. And a recent study (5) holds hope that it may boost production of the essential Omega-3 fatty acid DHA in the brain to boost brain health. “DHA deficiency is quite common and can have a wide range of adverse consequences to the optimal functioning of the brain. Its deficiency is linked to several neurocognitive disorders such as anxiety-like behavior, Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia with psychosis and impaired attention.“(6)

NOTE (from Wellness Mamma (1)): “This may stain blenders and countertops. The color will eventually fade, but making a thick paste of baking soda and water and scrubbing the stain can help.” As I’ve found, it may also stain your clothing, so take care when drinking.

See also Individual Herbs & Spices, A – F and Herbs and Spices, Individual, G – Z for more about cayenne, cinnamon, turmeric and ginger, the most common spices in this delicious beverage.

This posting includes several different versions of making Golden Milk:

  1. Single-serving test recipe using dry spice mix (to see if you like the beverage);
  2. Dry spice mix for multiple servings (using same method as the Single serving test recipe);
  3. Dry or paste spice mix (using fresh ginger/turmeric root or dry spices) for 2 – 4 servings;
  4. Golden Milk Using Spice-Paste (with coconut oil), version 1
  5. Golden Milk Using Spice-Paste (with coconut oil), version 2
  6. Golden Milk using Fresh Turmeric and Ginger root, version 1, 1 – 2 servings
  7. Golden Milk using Fresh Turmeric and Ginger root, version 2, 2- 4 servings

Golden Milk/Tea: Several Recipes 

I drink raw dairy milk, which adds even more nutritional benefit to the warm tea (just don’t heat it above 145°F); fresh coconut milk is another tasty option. This recipe can also be made with other nut milks (almond, pecan, cashew, etc.), but I don’t recommend soy milk unless it is Organic (to avoid GMO), and then only occasionally.

It is best when using freshly minced turmeric root, but powdered spice can also be used. Or you can use the fresh root to make a paste which stores well, then use a small portion of the paste to make the golden beverage.  In addition to turmeric, this beverage includes other ingredients that are warming and assist in turmeric’s action; be sure to use Organic options:

  • Many recipes include cinnamon, of which there are two types: Ceylon or ‘true’ cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon.  I use true cinnamon in my morning smoothies (for insulin resistance), so that is what I have on-hand, but cassia has more flavor. I recommend using only Organic spices.
  • Black pepper and optional cayenne assist in the warming quality and benefits of the tea. “Black pepper contains Piperine, a compound known to increase the benefits of turmeric.” (1)
  • Other spices you might consider adding: cardamom and/or ginger.
  • Coconut milk 
  • Sweetener is optional but mellows the turmeric flavor if you are not used to it in such concentrated form; the most healthful option is raw local honey. I use a single drop or two of liquid stevia extract; crushed, dried stevia leaves could also be used, but the sweetness varies.

Try one of the 1 – 4 serving recipes first; then if you like it, make up the dry spice mix or paste for bulk storage of which you add a small amount to the milk before warming.

*NOTE: This may stain blenders and counter tops, and also clothing. The color isn’t harmful and will eventually fade. Recipe can be halved or doubled if needed.

Cat’s Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea) – Single-serving test recipe:

I made this recipe to see if I liked it, before mixing up the dry tea mix or paste. It is based on the dry mix recipe, below, and makes one, 1-cup serving. Of course, I love it, especially in the cold winter months.

Fat (as in whole milk, coconut oil and/or ghee), and black pepper are essential to help with absorption). The fat helps the mix to make liposomal turmeric/ginger, which is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body.

I use a few drops of liquid stevia to sweeten (because I’m avoiding sugar), but it is delicious with raw, local honey. Start with ½ tsp honey and add more as needed to the warmed mixture.

Single-serving Recipe:

  1. Spice Mix: Using ground spices, mix together in small heavy-bottom saucepan:
    1. ½ tsp turmeric powder
    2. ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
    3. ⅛ tsp ginger powder
    4. a pinch of black pepper
    5. additional spices of your own choosing (see above for suggestions)
  2. Golden Milk:
    1. Measure 1 cup whole milk into saucepan;  4 drops liquid stevia extract or ½ tsp honey.
    2. Add 1 tsp coconut oil or ghee.
    3. Warm over low heat (simmer), stirring, to about 140°F (using a milk thermometer). Give it a taste to determine if it is sweet enough; if not, add more stevia or honey.
    4. Remove from heat.
    5. Add spice mix (above) and stir until well mixed.
    6. Pour into a cup, and enjoy!
    7. This really is delicious, so I now make up a full recipe of the dry tea mix for 2 – 4 servings (second recipe, below).

This really is delicious, so I now make up a full recipe of the dry tea mix (second recipe, below). Or make the turmeric paste version (third or fourth recipe below). Or try the fifth recipe using fresh turmeric and/or ginger root.

Ive not yet tried the fresh root version, because I like the paste version#1 because of the extra spices added. And I usually use fresh raw milk (rich in cream), tho occasionally I use coconut milk.

Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea) Dry Mix for multiple servings

This recipe is adapted from Wellness Mamma (1). The spice mix is made-up ahead of time, and lasts for many servings (at least 80).  It stores well in a mason jar with lid, when kept in a cool, dark place. During the holiday season, I add cardamom (freshly-ground seeds). Simply mix up the spices and store in a jar, then use 2 tsp of the powdered mix with 2 cups of milk, and warm as above.

Note: You will get the best health benefit if you use fresh, raw local milk, or coconut milk (made from raw coconut meat or dried but not desiccated coconut; see my instructions on coconut milk link).

Dry Mix (for storage) 

  • ½ cup turmeric powder
  • ¼  cup cinnamon powder
  • 1-2 Tbsp ginger powder
  • 1 Tbsp cardamom powder (optional; I use during holiday season)
  • 2 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp of cayenne (optional)

To prepare 1 – 2 servings:

  • Use 1 tsp of the dry powder mix for each cup of milk; set aside.
  •  Measure milk and pour into saucepan. Add sweetener to taste (about 4 drops liquid stevia extract or ½ tsp honey per cup of milk); add coconut oil or ghee (1 tsp per cup of milk).
  • Warm over low heat (simmer), stirring, to about 140°F (using a milk thermometer).
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add reserved spice mix and stir until well mixed.
  • Give it a taste to determine if it is sweet enough; if not, add more stevia or honey.
  • Pour into cup(s), and enjoy!

Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea) Dry or Paste Mix for 2-4 servings

This recipe is also from Wellness Mamma (1), who recommends drinking this before bed because it aids relaxation and helps boost the immune system while sleeping.

The honey/maple syrup is optional but “helps to mellow out the strong flavor of the turmeric.” (1). Use raw, local honey for maximum benefit.

She notes that the recipe will stain your blender/counter/cup, but the stain will fade very slowly with time. To avoid staining your blender:

  • mix up the powdered spices ahead of time and add to milk in saucepan for heating (see spice mix recipe below the main recipe);
  • make up a paste of the spices with coconut oil, and add to milk in saucepan for heating (see spice mix recipe below the main recipe) (see paste recipe below the main recipe).

This main recipe makes 2 – 4 servings.  I also provide other options/recipes, farther down the page.

Recipe:

  • 2 cups of milk of choice (almond, coconut, pecan, and raw dairy all work in this recipe; I use coconut milk)
  • Spice mix:
    • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
    • ¼ – ½ tsp Cinnamon powder
    • 1 Tbsp cardamom powder (optional; I use during holiday season)
    • Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
    • Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tsp coconut oil or ghee (to make optional paste)

Sweetener (optional): 1 tsp raw local honey, maple syrup or molasses to taste (stevia can be used but depending on its form, you may need much less; I recommend using a few drops of liquid stevia extract)

  • Equipment:
  • blender or whisk
  • small heavy-bottomed stainless steel sauce pan 
  1. First, combine the spices:
    1. If using fresh ginger or turmeric root, blend all ingredients in a high speed blender* until smooth.  Combine with remaining spices.
    2. If using all powders, skip the blender step and simply mix them in a tiny bowl.
    3. Optional: to make a paste, mix coconut oil or ghee with the spice mix.
  2. Pour milk into sauce pan, add spice mix or paste, and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling. I recommend using a milk thermometer and heat to no more than 140°F.
  3. Add sweetener to taste, mixing well.
  4. Drink immediately.

 *Note: This may stain blenders and counter tops. The color isn’t harmful and will eventually fade. Recipe can be halved or doubled if needed.

Golden Paste & Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea)

The paste is a good way to store the mixture; makes at least 50 servings, a few at a time. I provide two versions here; both include a version of each of the following:

  • Golden Paste is a thick mixture including turmeric and coconut oil or ghee that you make as the starter for golden milk (it stores well); one batch will make several servings of golden milk.
  • Golden Milk is a mixture using a portion of the paste with dairy or coconut milk and other flavors.

Golden Milk Using Spice-Paste, Version I

This is also from Wellness Mamma (1), but she notes it is from one of her readers, Rose. She uses almond or coconut milk, but I would use raw dairy milk (just don’t let it boil, and best to keep it under 145°F, as that is the temperature at which the milk begins to denature).

It doesn’t include the cinnamon and ginger in the paste, but cinnamon is added when serving. I will test adding 2 Tbsp ginger powder to the paste.

The paste is a good way to store the mixture; makes at least 50 servings, a few at a time. The option of using ghee instead of coconut oil in the paste is from The Nourished Kitchen (3).

  • Golden Paste (for multiple servings):
  • ½ cup organic turmeric powder
  • ½ cup clean, filtered water (no fluoride)
  • 1-2 Tbsp ginger powder (my addition)
  • 1 Tbsp cardamom powder (my addition, optional; I use during holiday season)
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper
  • 5 Tbsp virgin coconut oil or ghee
  • Golden Milk (for 2 – 4 servings):
  • 1 tsp Golden Paste
  • 2 cups milk (almond, coconut Milk, or raw dairy milk)
  • ⅛ tsp Vanilla (Optional)
  • Molasses to taste (or a few drops of liquid stevia extract, to taste)
  • Pinch cinnamon (Optional)
  1. Golden Paste: In a stainless steel pot cook together: Water, turmeric and black pepper until it forms a thick paste, stir and cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add virgin coconut oil, using a whisk to fully mix in the coconut oil. Finally, transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
  2. Golden Milk: In a stainless steel pot with a heavy bottom, gently heat milk with 1 teaspoon of the paste, but do not boil (140°F is recommended). Use whisk to combine.
    Add sweetener, vanilla and cinnamon to taste.

Golden Milk Using Spice-Paste, Version 2

This version, below, originally from Health Impact News (8) and Mercola (4a), only uses turmeric and pepper for the spices. However, Mercola’s 8/1/22 article (4b) lists his fav ingredients in Golden Milk (see his Story at-a-Glance section, copied below). See also my Golden Milk recipe page: Golden Milk (Turmeric Tea): Several Recipes and a related recipe from Mercola (4a): Ginger & Turmeric Latte

Story At-A-Glance (Mercola article 4b); I put some of his text in bold for emphasis:

  • Golden milk is a hot or cold drink made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, honey and your choice of milk. Some recipes call for nutmeg, black pepper and other spices.
  • Multiple health benefits associated with golden milk may stem from the anti-inflammatory properties of the combination, which include cancer prevention and treatment, pain control and weight management
  • Golden milk has neuroprotective properties as it has shown a positive effect on learning, spatial memory and working memory. Data also suggest it plays a role in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis
  • Golden milk has also demonstrated weight management, antiaging, antiviral and antibacterial properties. You can make golden milk with dairy or nondairy milk; if you don’t choose raw, whole, organic, grass-fed cow’s milk, I recommend coconut milk for the flavor and the health benefits”

See also David Wolf’s great article and recipe for Golden Paste (10).

  • Golden Paste: (makes several servings of golden milk)
  • ½ cup ground organic turmeric powder
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper
  • 5 Tbsp virgin coconut oil
  • Golden Milk: (makes one serving)
  • 1 tsp Golden Paste (see above)
  • 2 cups coconut milk (not light Coconut Milk) or almond milk
  • ⅛ tsp real vanilla extract (optional)
  • raw local honey or a few drops of liquid stevia extract, optional, to taste
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • Equipment
  • Stainless steel saucepan with heavy bottom
  • Whisk
  1. Golden Paste: Combine all but the coconut oil in the saucepan and cook, stirring until it forms a thick paste, about 5 – 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in the coconut oil until fully mixed.
  3. Transfer mixture to a glass mason jar with a lid, and store in the refrigerator, up to 2 weeks.
  4. Golden Milk: Combine coconut milk with 1 tsp of golden paste in saucepan; heat gently, but do not boil (140°F is recommended);
  5. A whisk is helpful to fully mix the paste into the milk.
  6. Add optional vanilla, honey [or stevia], and/or cinnamon, stirring/whisking to mix.
  7. Serve in a glass or cup.

Golden Milk using fresh turmeric and ginger root

I include two versions for using fresh roots.

Version 1 (makes 1 – 2 servings):

This version is adapted from Epicurious (2). “Cooks’ Note: Using fresh turmeric adds a clean, bright flavor to this drink, but dried turmeric can be substituted when fresh is not available. Keep in mind that dried turmeric will settle to the bottom of the mug, so stir well before drinking.” You could also add other spices (see above for options); I add crushed cardamom seeds during holiday season.

  • 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk, preferably coconut milk beverage or other nut milk
  • 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
  • 1 (1-inch) piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced, or 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric
  • 1 (½-inch) piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp raw local honey
  • 1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp whole black peppercorns
  • Ground cinnamon (for serving)
  • Equipment:
  • whisk
  • small heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • mesh strainer

Whisk coconut milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, coconut oil, peppercorns, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have melded, about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs and top with a dash of cinnamon.

Do Ahead: Golden milk can be made 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill. Warm before serving.

Version 2 (makes 2 – 4 servings)

This version is from The Nourished Kitchen (3). the author notes, “Golden Milk is traditionally made with cow’s milk. If you wish to omit the coconut milk and coconut water, simply substitute 2 cups whole milk.” The original also calls for Manuka honey from New Zealand, but I believe in the health benefits of using raw local honey.

  • 1-inch knob fresh turmeric (or 2 tsp powdered turmeric)
  • 1½-inch knob fresh ginger
  • 2 tsp ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil
  • 2 cups raw dairy milk (OR 1 cup full-fat coconut milk PLUS 1 cup coconut water)
  • 1 Tbsp manuka or raw local honey
  • Equipment:
  • mortar and pestle
  • whisk
  • small heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • mesh strainer
  1. Peel both the turmeric and ginger, then grate them finely into the mortar. Spoon the ghee into the mortar, and grind the ghee or coconut oil into the turmeric and ginger with your pestle until they form a fine paste.
  2. Pour the coconut milk and coconut water into a saucepan, and spoon in the paste made with turmeric, ginger and ghee (or coconut oil). Turn the heat up to medium-high and warm the ingredients together until little bubbles just begin to creep up the sides of the pot. Turn off the heat and cover the saucepan, allowing the turmeric and ginger to steep about 3 minutes. Strain the golden milk through a fine-mesh strainer or tea strainer into a tea pot. Stir in the honey and continue stirring until it dissolves. Serve warm.

References

  1. Wellness Mamma, wellnessmama.com/223/turmeric-tea-recipe/
  2. Epicurious, epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/golden-milk-turmeric-tea
  3. Nourished Kitchen, nourishedkitchen.com/golden-tea-turmeric-ginger-tea-coconut-milk
  4. Mercola on benefits of Golden Milk: 
    1. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/09/21/golden-milk.aspx;
    2. articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2022/08/01/golden-milk-benefits.aspx; saved: HEALTH-NUTRITION / PODCASTS-ARTICLES / MERCOLA ARTICLES > GoldenMilk_5-HealthBenefits_080122 (contact me if you’d like a copy, since Mercola now closes down his articles after 48 hours).
  5. NIH study: “Curcumin boosts DHA in the brain: Implications for the prevention of anxiety disorders,” (sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443914003779)
  6. Food Revolution (foodrevolution.org/blog/turmeric-may-boost-vegetarian-brains-omega-3-dha-levels-nih-research-reveals)
  7. Not used
  8. Health Impact News September 14, 2015, golden milk recipe (healthimpactnews.com/2015/golden-milk-recipe-with-turmeric-and-virgin-coconut-oil)
  9. Lake Missoula Tea Company: lakemissoulateacompany.com/product/golden-milk
  10. David Wolf: davidwolfe.com/turmeric-golden-milk-before-bed/

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