in depth
07-Feb-2010
The Golden Healer
Terrific Turmeric
Turmeric has been recognized by yogis and Ayurvedic healers since ancient times for its many healing properties. Grown mainly in India, the turmeric root is a close cousin to ginger root. It is dried and ground into a fine powder, brilliant gold in color and used in many Indian recipes (it’s what makes curry yellow). Commercially, turmeric is used for its color and as a thickener. But little do those food manufacturers know of this amazing root’s qualities!
Taken internally, turmeric is a friendly healer to the liver and stomach, promoting healthy mucus membranes and skin. Yogis know that it also helps with stiff or creaky joints and arthritis. It is also used as a digestive aid. There is also some evidence that it is even helpful in lowering cholesterol. Turmeric also has a drawing quality, to draw out toxins, dry up secretions, and to heal. Now, how to get that rather bitter tasting powder into your body?
First of all, cook it. You can either boil it in water for 8-10 minutes to make Turmeric Paste. Sizzle with ghee or olive oil for 20-30 seconds. This takes out the bitter taste and also releases the essences of the turmeric into the oil or water. You can also get turmeric in capsules at any natural foods store.
Golden Milk
Recipe by Yogi Bhajan
1/8 tsp. turmeric
1/2 cup water
1 cup milk
1-2 Tbsp. almond oil (optional)
honey to taste
Boil water and turmeric in small saucepan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes (the turmeric must be fully cooked). Meanwhile, bring the milk and almond oil to boiling point in a separate pan and remove from heat. Combine the two mixtures and add honey to taste.
You can easily make more than one serving at a time and keep it in the fridge. Also, I really prefer it with a lot more turmeric. It certainly can’t hurt to use more. I suggest using ½ tsp. per cup. And, if you have Turmeric Paste made, you can just heat up the milk and almond oil with a teaspoon of turmeric paste. Try adding a little freshly grated nutmeg, too. Mmmm!
Siri Ved Kaur Khalsa
Blog: Breath by Breath
Author, From Vegetables With Love
More on Turmeric: Turmeric and the Healing Curcuminoids
I love learning healing ways to stay healthy thank you.
I am so surprised to hear of such a reaction from 1 turmeric capsule, or even 10 turmeric capsules. I think it may have coincided with some other food reaction or bacterial infection. But, I guess there is no way to know for sure. I'm glad you are feeling better!
Another turmeric milk alternative.
My husband and I often make a type of turmeric milk in the evening. A half teaspoon turmeric, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 2 sticks cinnamon simmered in 2 cups of skim milk. Pour into two mugs and sweeten with honey. Deliciously sweet dreams!
Cans dogs tolerate turmeric?
Kelly, turmeric is generally okay for dogs. For small ones 1/2 tsp/day and for large dogs 1 tsp/day would probably be fine. For more info you might want to consult this book: "Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life."
Comment
sign up
Sign up for your free Yogamint email, a wealth of healthy tips and treats.
Categories
I took a turmeric pill with food and experienced a very bad painful stomach reaction. It also had a slight nervous energy effect on me as well. It took a few days to recover but everything in my digestive system was cleaned out by then....it seemed to have a purging effect.