12 Reasons You Should Eat More Turmeric – Including Golden Milk Recipe to Treat Many Ailments
Turmeric is anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory super spice. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Known as “The Queen of Spices”, it can be found in many Indian dishes for its wonderful earthy flavor and golden color. It has been around for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of health problems, going from pain control to fighting cancer.
Curcumin, the magical substance, which gives turmeric its golden color and its many health benefits, has been well-studied over the past decades. It works as a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
But that’s not all… turmeric is jam packed with healthy nutrients such as fibers, calcium, vitamins and minerals. It is non-toxic, even in high doses, and doesn’t usually cause any side-effects. However some people may experience an upset stomach, nausea or dizziness. If this is the case, turmeric must be used in moderation to reap its benefits.
How to Increase Turmeric Absorption
You also need to remember that while turmeric is a powerful and effective compound for treating a wide range of diseases, studies have revealed that turmeric has low absorption and rapid metabolism that lead to relatively low bioavailability in the body. To increase its bioavailability in your body read this article for more information.
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric In A Nutshell
• Cancer prevention: turmeric fights free radicals and helps to maintain healthy cells. It is believed that curcumin blocks the enzymes that promote the growth of cancer cells. Turmeric is one of the top 14 foods that protects against cancer development.
• Alzheimer’s prevention: turmeric improves the overall brain health and may prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain. These are types of proteins that play a role in various neuro-degenerative disorders. And indeed turmeric is one of the top 5 foods and supplements to delay Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Diabetes control: turmeric improves blood sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance to prevent diabetes type II. However, when combined with strong medicines it may cause a low blood sugar level. See here another 6 best foods to control diabetes.
• Natural painkiller and prevents arthritis: due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it helps with stiff or creaky joints and arthritis. It is one of the natural remedies that are covered in the article about natural remedies for arthritis, and is also one of the foods that help to reduce inflammation in your body.
• Wounds healer: a paste made from turmeric can quickly heal minor cuts, burns or bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It helps to repair your skin and may even be used to treat psoriasis or other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Improves digestion: stimulates the gallbladder, reduces bloating and gas and may be helpful to treat bowel inflammation. However when suffering from a gallbladder disease, turmeric should not be taken as a dietary supplement, as it may worsen the condition.
• Liver detox: turmeric works as a natural liver cleanser and improves blood circulation.
• Weight control: turmeric increases the bile flow, which is important to break down fat.
• Promotes healthy skin: prevents skin pigmentation, tone the skin and when frequently used in your skin care products it can give your face the perfect glow. Turmeric is one of the top 10 foods to get the best skin ever.
• Heart health: turmeric reduces the bad cholesterol, prevents blood clots and plaque build-up in arteries.
• Boost Immune system: Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help to strengthen your immune system. Turmeric is wonderful to soothe a sore throat or fight a cold or flu.
• Mood improver: turmeric has been used in alternative medicine to treat depressions and provides a better night’s rest.
Adding more turmeric to your daily diet is one of the best things you could do to improve your overall health. So if you love turmeric and are interested in herbal remedies, you can find more useful information about turmeric and other herbs in the e-book Herbal Remedies Guide. This guide will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.
I’ve been adding turmeric to many of my dishes to give it that nice saffron-like color and wonderful flavor. It works well in curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies, salads or dressings. The optimal dose for daily consumption is between ¼ and ½ teaspoon.
Although I’m not a huge fan of taking supplements, turmeric can be found in pill form at most health food stores if you don’t like the taste. However, like mentioned before, people with gallstones or bile obstruction should not take those supplements as they are very concentrated and too powerful. The same can be said for pregnant women.
Only recently I’ve discovered an ancient yogic remedy, called “Golden Milk”, traditionally used to cure diarrhea, fever, bronchitis, colds and non-specific viral infections, headaches, parasitic worms, leprosy, bladder and kidney infections, and to reverse joint and muscle pain due to inflammation or arthritis.
Golden Milk – The Recipe
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
• 1 cup milk of your choice (I use homemade almond milk) – see here healthy and easy homemade milk substitute recipes
• ½ tsp. ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. raw honey (or to taste)
• ½ tsp. pure extra virgin coconut oil (leave this out when you use coconut milk)
• Optional: 1 crushed green cardamom pod (or ⅛ tsp. ground cardamom)
• Optional: 1 small cinnamon stick (or ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon)
The pepper and oil will help your body to absorb the curcumin. Studies show that in combination with pepper, turmeric may be absorbed 1000 times better. Honey on the other hand has a great anti-viral and antibacterial properties, and I’ve added cardamom and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Directions
Heat the milk. Add the cardamom and cinnamon if you’re adding these. Add the turmeric, pepper, honey and coconut oil while stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until steaming but not boiling. Strain the cinnamon and cardamom and serve. Note that not all ingredients are soluble, so stir occasionally while drinking to avoid a strong turmeric flavor at the last sip.
Enjoy!
This is a guest post written by Amy Goodrich, yogi, health coach, and dedicated blogger who loves living a natural, eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. Visit her website http://www.body-in-balance.org and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bodyinbalance.org
I love the article. As an Indian turmeric has been a part through my entire life. Just add 1/4 tsp of turmeric to a teaspoon of honey and eat it. It smoothes your throat and gives relief from dry cough. Take it twice a day and it helps you to sleep through night. I trust this when my daughter suffers from bad cough. Enjoy your turmeric 🙂
Thank you for this article. I also appreciate reading Ranjani’s article. I need Turmeric for all the reasons she list’s. I have a persistent cough that gets blocked in my throat and chest area. I also have a chronic condition with weak lungs. I am interested to see in the Turmeric will help me.
You could also try Camphor and mustard oil. Warm some mustard oil, add camphor to it, ( you can crush the camphor into the hot oil) and rub this oil on your chest, back , feet and Palm. Do this just before you go to sleep, you will get a lot of relief.
Also one other thing you could do is. Boil a cup of milk , add half a teaspoon of turmeric and drink it in the night, will help relieve the cough.
Can I use it for asthma
I just wanted to know that what herb can I use for my acne n the marks it left behind. Thanks
Have a look here: The Best Herbs for Acne, Including Other Natural Acne Cures – http://healthyandnaturalworld.com/natural-acne-cures/
Shaakirah…..you can make a paste with Tumeric and Greek yoghurt. Massage into skin for about 5 – 10 minutes then leave on to dry. Wash thoroughly in shower. Next morning, your skin will be glowing. Do this at least once/twice a week.
If turmeric is such a great cure for leprosy, then why does India, the country with the greatest intake of turmeric per capita in the world, also have the most cases of leprosy?
Unfortunately curry also contain cloves…and they cancel out the benefits of turmeric.
actually not everybody knows this secret.
Very good observation, Ohhhdear. Most claims of Indians are anecdotal and exaggerated.
Fantastic
Thank you for all the info. and recipe!
Great recipe, thank you. But wondering if the benefits of the honey are not destroyed when its added to the HOT milk?
Hi Marin, I have read that most enzymes found in honey are heat stable, therefore heating honey to 160 degrees for short periods of time does not affect the enzymes naturally found in honey. When honey is not heated past this point, it remains unpasteurized and has the healthful enzymes intact.
Great! Thanks for this useful info x
I have been adding a shake or two to everything I have cooked lately. It makes evetything yellow but it really doesn’t change the taste. I started this because of the health benefits I have read about tumeric. I hope we are getting enough in our diet to help/work.
is turmeric safe for people who have had their gallbladder removed
From what I’ve seen in webMD website, turmeric can interfere with medications that slow blood clotting. I’ve also seen in the website of University of Maryland Medical Center that people who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric, as well as diabetics and pregnant women. Turmeric in food is considered safe, but if you take medication or consider taking turmeric as a supplement, always consult with your doctor first to be on the safe side.
yes. Thats correct. Turmeric is an powerful antibiotic. Too much intake may inhibit the good bacterias in our gut.
Thank you
How can I use it to eliminate hyperpigmentation or help the skin? by eating it, or applying it topically?
Have a look at Livestrong website to see how to make a turmeric paste for topical application – http://www.livestrong.com/article/355046-how-to-use-turmeric-to-lighten-skin/
I am on the following medication. Hypertention tablets, eltroxin, Vit D, Warfarin (to prevent blood clotting) calcium, magnesium zinc and Vit B complex and have no gall bladder and suffer from arthritis and will seek any supplement to help me get rid of pain. I am so done with all this chemicals the dr’s pump into ones body. Hope to hear from you soon. Kind regards Christine
Hi Christine, You’ve mentioned that you take warfarin to prevent blood clotting. Turmeric may interfere with blood clotting medications. I suggest that you talk to your doctor about it to check the right amount of turmeric that is safe for you to consume.
Hi
11 weeks ago I had a lumbar discectomy, decompression and nerve stretch in my back. I am still in huge amounts of pain as following a 2nd MRI scan they found scar tissue is now pressing on a nerve. I am currently on oral morphine, anti inflammatories, paracetamol and none of it is really having an effect. It has been suggested that I try turmeric, please could you advise dose etc. many thanks
Hi Carol, you can have a look at my article “How to Make Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief Turmeric Ginger Tea” – http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/how-to-make-anti-inflammatory-turmeric-ginger-tea/ for more information. I don’t know if it helps you after all the medications you’ve tried, but I think it worth giving it a try.
I love your articles very helpful and best to have herbal remedies than modern medicines that have millions of side effects!!!!!!
Pls how do I dry turmeric & ginger in order to make it as powder because when is dry it doest bring out d actual colour?
Hi Mary, I have never dried these spices myself, but I’ve seen several references in the web how to make them, for example:
Turmeric – http://www.ehow.com/how_4762753_prepare-turmeric-powder.html
Ginger – http://www.livestrong.com/article/232697-how-to-dry-ginger-root/
I mix milled flax and chai seeds with it. Just extra benefits to add to an already potent remedy. Oh and I use agave as a sweetener so there is no blood sugar spike. Never slept so good before.
Pls I ve painful folliculite on my scalp for years now, can tumeric help me?if yes, then how can I use it?
Hi Jenny, you may have Folliculitis which is is an infection in the hair follicles. You can get more information about it including treatment ideas – http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/folliculitis-topic-overview
Hi, If you have folliculitis then try turmeric extract but with black pepper try ateast one month
It has been the practice of the Malays to eat young tumeric with rice together with sambal ( chili paste). Old tumeric is pounded with a little bit of rock salt and combined with half a glass of water, the juice is consumed for 3 days consecutively from day 38th to 40th after giving birth.
Also, when frying , fish is marinated either powdered or pounded tumeric and salt. We do tjis with chicken too.
I thought that the powder turmeric that they sell in the spice aisle was not the best form and that only raw turmeric has the healthy properties? I bought some turmeric essential oil and was wondering if that would work. I put it in gelatin capsules.
I have a small gall stone, it has been there for over a year now … I would like to use more tumeric as it has so many benefits, but could this be harmful?
Hi Jenny, I had a look at webMD website under side effects of turmeric, and it is said there: Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction see here – http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662&activeingredientname=turmeric). Also see Livestrong website – http://www.livestrong.com/article/490325-gallstones-avoiding-turmeric/. I think it’s best to consult with your doctor before consuming turmeric to make sure if you can consume it and the right amount for you.
Would the golden milk be taken before breakfast?
No, you don’t have to take it before breakfast. I’ve actually seen several references that recommend to take it before sleep as it will make you very relaxed, but it’s up to you.
Can you use it if your gallbladder was removed
Hi Diane, you can eat turmeric as part of your diet in normal quantities, but the recommendation is for supplement which is in it’s concentrated form. Even if your gallbladder has been removed, still for taking any supplement (turmeric or other) it is a good practice to consult with a doctor first as it may interfere with other medications.
Does tumeric interfere with blood pressure medicine or gout medicine?
Hi Debra, I’ve seen in webMD website that turmeric interferes with medications that slow blood clotting. See more precautions and possible interactions in Maryland medical center website – http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric. If you consider taking turmeric in a concentrated form, such as as a supplement (rather than when used in food), you will need to talk to your doctor first.
I use fresh turmeric which i boil every day, mix it with 1 tsp of ACV & 1-2tsp of honey to sweeten. I’ve been doing it for 1 1/2 months now. I’m also taking medicines like eltroxin, metformin & another anti-diabetic medicine, atorvastatin & omega3 fish oil + vit C & E. Do you think my concoction of fresh turmeric will help w/ my arthritis, osteoporosis, Diabetes & lipid problems? I just want to be relieved of my pains & a control of my diabetes w/o taking all those medicines. thank you.
Hi Tess, many people refer to turmeric as a “cure-all” medicine. But every medicine, natural or not natural, works differently on different people, so results can vary. The best way to see if it works is to give it some time and see if you notice any improvement – for example, reduction in arthritis pain and better results in periodical tests.
I take two blood pressure medications, do you think taking the golden milk will interfere with them?
Hi Bonnie, I had a look at the side effects of turmeric in the University of Maryland Medical Center (have a look here – http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric), and it wasn’t mentioned there that it can interfere with blood pressure medications. Also turmeric considered to be safe when taken in food quantities (and not concentrated like supplements). But since I’m not a doctor, I always think it’s best to talk to your doctor first just to be on the safe side of things.
Is there another oil a person can use if they don’t have coconut oil?
Any other cold pressed oil is good.
where would I find good quality turmeric? Does it come just in spice ( powdered form)? How do I know it is fresh and of good quality?
Hi Mary, fresh turmeric root can be found in markets in some countries, and there are some places that sell them fresh online (such as in Amazon). Otherwise use it in the powdered form. When choosing fresh turmeric, pick rhizomes that are firm, smooth-skinned and mold-free, and use them as soon as possible. Fresh, unpeeled turmeric will keep in the refrigerator for two to three weeks. To store, wipe dry, wrap in a clean paper towel and place in a locking plastic bag. When you’re ready to use the turmeric, cut off just what you need. Then, re-wrap the remainder and refrigerate.
What is the best tumeric powder to use?
Where is it purchased?
Hi Patti, try to select organically grown turmeric powder. You may have to look beyond regular shops to get it. I’ve seen several online shops that sell organic turmeric powder such as Amazon or Vitacost. You may also be able to find it in some herbal or health food stores.
I was recently told by a certified nutritionist that Soy milk is NOT good for anyone. Only fermented soy products such as tofu are good for people to consume. I am mentioning this b/c you talked about making golden milk with it in your video.
Hi Anne-Maree, you probably refer to the other article about golden milk with the video by Dr. Arjan Khalsa. She talks about several options of milk and has chosen to combine almond milk and soy milk. However in my article in the recipe itself I didn’t mention soy milk but almond milk (or organic cow’s milk or other milk substitutes such as hemp milk, coconut milk, rice milk or oat milk). This is because soy is very controversial and is mostly GMO. I have a guest article about why soy is not good for you (only fermented soy as you’ve mentioned), so I myself would not use soy milk.
I like to add turmeric powder to warm milk organic milk before bedtime. Do I really need to add all the other spices to it for the benefit?
Hi Janice, the added ingredients of black pepper and coconut oil are added to increase the bio-availability and the absorption of turmeric in the body. While turmeric is a powerful and effective compound, it has low absorption and rapid metabolism that lead to relatively low bio-availability in the body – find more details in my article about how to optimize turmeric absorption). The last optional spices in the recipe (cardamon and cinnamon) don’t increase turmeric absorption, but add flavor only, so can be omitted.
please help me, natural remedies for throat cancer..
Unfortunately I am not familiar with natural remedies for this condition (I’m not a doctor or a certified health practitioner).
my gallblader is remove can i use it for food ingridient only.
Yes, you can.
here in Rwanda we call it tangawizi, I like it very much in green tea. its flavor, and odor. I didn’t know it is a medicine I would have planted a whole garden of it. thank u for the info.
hi jenny can i add turmeric my ginger tea ????
Yes, of course – see here.
Is turmeric capsules as good as the powder?
Hi Lisa, you need to distinguish between 2 different products: the turmeric powder that you usually buy in the supermarket contains a very small amount of the active ingredient curcumin (approximately 2-3%). On the other hand, when you buy the capsules, they contain the active ingredient curcumin in very high concentration. When I bought turmeric root extract capsules, it said on the label standardized to min. 95% curcuminoids so the capsules contain a very concentrated amount of the active ingredient. Make sure that when you buy the capsules, it contains a very high concentration of curcumin (in some cases the companies just repackage the turmeric powder in capsules, which is just a waste of money).
Nope, nope, nope, all the nopes. I was open to reading about the benefits of consuming more turmeric until I got to the the phrase ‘fighting cancer’. There’s absolutely no scientific evidence to support this claim. None.
While there may be positive anecdotes relating to *some* of the other benefits mooted, I can’t ‘like’ an article that’s factually and scientifically incorrect, and misleading.
Yep, yep, yep and yep again. There is quite a lot of research going on about the anti-cancer properties of turmeric. Here are some references for you to have a look at:
Cancer Research UK
Maryland Medical Cancer
Dr. Mercola
Mayo Clinic
And many more.
I am 100% agree with the article. My personal experience , last year I had a tumer bellow my belly it was very painful.. Dr suggested to remove it by surgery. I was very upset, my sister in law gave me a glass of milk with turmeric and the next morning the tumer was disappeared along with all its pain. I was surprised because it was a magic..
Hi is your statement really true!!!I have to ask sorry was your tumor cancerous,?? did it really disappear after drinking just one glass of milk with turmeric in it.
I heard that turmeric can be used for losing weight. How do we do it? Advice is needed please & thank you.
Hi Lidwina, have a look at this article – “Does Turmeric Really Help You Lose Fat?“- including the supporting research about this issue and intake recommendations.
What about turmeric and asthma
Hi Marion, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic treatments to relieve asthmatic inflammation. You can find more information in the article of Dr. David Williams “How To Use Turmeric To Stop Asthma“. See animal studies about this issue here.
My son is having pacial seizure and he his is taking drugs. Can he takes turmeric. How dose he take it
I’m not sure (I’m not a doctor). People with special conditions need to consult with a doctor to be on the safe side of things.
Hi! I take a tbsp of fish oil (omega-3) every morning. Can I add that to my gold milk instead of the coconut oil? Maybe when the milk cools down? Thank you
Hi Laura, I believe there is no reason why not to add the fish oil once the milk cools down instead of the coconut oil (I read that fish oil can be heat sensitive).
I find it not only good to talk to your doctor, but definitely talk to your pharmacist. They always check for interactions on all your meds.
Does turmeric help in the treatment of ulcers
Hi Amelia, I’ve found conflicting information about this subject. The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that turmeric does not seem to help treat stomach ulcers. In fact, it claims that there is some evidence that it may increase stomach acid, making existing ulcers worse. However a small clinical trial showed some positive results – see here. I would talk to your doctor before taking any turmeric supplement.
I can’t drink milk due lactose intolerance. So can’t take the golden milk. So how can I consume for inflammation due to my back pain.
Hi Wendy, you can add turmeric to smoothies or drinks without milk, for example, have a look at these turmeric smoothies, or this turmeric drink.
I am diognised achalsia cardiac
Also have silent goldbladder stone
I take turmeric with milk in morning & at bed time
Will it help?
Mukesh
Very interesting natural remedies for several situations. I will give it a try. I do not have the above listed pain and other conditions. Just to make sure I am on the right track, I will try once or twice a week this turmeric tea recipes. Will this practice bring harm to me?
I have got a friend suffering from severe gout. Any remedy you wish to recommend?
The golden milk will not harm you unless you have an alergy or food sensitivity to one of the ingredients, for example lactose intolerance or lactose sensitivity, and then you can replace regular milk with a milk substitute such as almond milk. As for gout – read my article about The Best Natural Gout Treatments.
Try Essiac tea … Google it ! It is a great food source (swansons vitamins has it for a good price) it can be very beneficial to alot of illnesses/diseases and seems no one either knows about it or is talking about it ! Enjoyed reading this awesome article !
I am realy going to try tumeric. Although I am concerned that it claims for you to lose fat / weight. I am trying to gain weight since I am underweight, would it cause me to lose more weight?
Turmeric is part of a healthy nutrition and can aid weight loss and is one of the 10 spices and herbs that will help you lose weight, but it’s not a magic solution and will not do the job alone. It is an add-on to a healthy diet and exercising to help you reach your goal faster. If you try to gain more weight in a healthy way, then turmeric on it’s own will not sabotage your efforts to gain more weight.
Is it necessary to heat the turmeric? Can I just add the powder to my protein shake? I like the taste.
You don’t have to heat the turmeric in the golden milk recipe. Traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine it is heated, but you can adapt it according to your own preference. The most important thing is that turmeric has low bio-availability in the body so it’s important to increase it’s absorption as I’ve written in my article on How to Optimize Turmeric Absorption for Super Boosted Benefits.