Also known as curcuma or "golden wonder", turmeric is one of the most popular and well known Ayurvedic spices, categorized as bitter and pungent in flavor with a heating action.

It is used in Ayurveda to balance pitta and Kapha, but can aggravate Vata and Pitta if consumed in excess.

Benefits blood, plasma and circulatory system, reduces Kapha and ama(toxins) while kindles Agni(digestive fire). The qualities of turmeric supports our ligaments and in a subtle level, balances of our chakra system.

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant substance with properties anti inflammatory, that studies have shown are very effective in not only reducing inflammation but also preventing future inflammatory pathways.

Turmeric is commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Also used to treat skin ailments such as eczema and acne, thanks to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that invigorates and moves the blood preventing the skin to dry. Study has also shown that turmeric may reduce the chances of skin cancer, although more studies are needed.

How to use?

Turmeric can be bought as a fresh root and grated into food like fresh ginger, or more popular, used as dried powder. I love using turmeric in soups, stews, rice and lentils. Or drinking as warm cup of golden milk, that combines a little bit of black pepper to activate the turmeric.

So, are you excited to add this super yellow spice food into your diet and boost your health?

Follows a few recipe variations for golden milk.

Golden Milk

1 tsp Ghee

2 pinches Black Pepper (ground)

½ tsp Turmeric (powder)

1 cup Cow Milk (whole)

1 cinnamon stick

Honey (per your taste)

Saffron (optional)

Golden Milk

2 cups milk (Use your favorite milk, or use bone broth in place of the milk for a more hearty tea)

1 tsp turmeric

½ tsp cinnamon

1 pinch black pepper

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tsp raw honey (or maple syrup, optional)

Heat 2 cups organic milk with 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric powder, a pinch each of freshly grated ginger-root and cracked black pepper, and 1 cinnamon stick.

Cook until the milk comes to a full boil.

2 crushed cardamom pods instead of a cinnamon stick

Consuming turmeric supports digestion, immune function, and liver function.

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for joint pain. It’s also been shown to protect heart and cardiovascular system health.

2 crushed cardamom pods instead of a cinnamon stick

Method:

Heat a small pan over low heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ghee.

Add black pepper to the ghee. Once the pepper crackles and sizzles, add the turmeric powder and the cinnamon stick.

Immediately pour the milk over the mixture. Cook it at a simmer and let it come to a boil.

Once the milk starts boiling, pour it into a cup.

Add honey or maple syrup per your taste and mix it well.