Golden turmeric milk is a calming drink with warm comforting spices. It is purported to relieve the inflammation, help you sleep and boost your immune system. The best part is that it is drug-free, delicious and healthy.
Whether it actually has all the exciting health benefits that people profess, it is definitely a comforting and soothing drink.
The fragrant spices and earthy flavors of this golden turmeric milk make a delicious and soothing drink. A spoonful of the turmeric paste can be stirred into a cup of hot milk, or water for a tea and enjoyed once or twice a day. I like mixing it with hot unsweetened almond milk just before bedtime.
The compound, curcumin, found in turmeric is what gives the turmeric spice it’s bright yellow color. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric and used as a natural medicine. Turmeric is the most studied herb of all the herbs and curcumin is one of natures most promising disease-fighting substances.
Oxidative damage leads to a toxicity of free radicals and is associated with chronic inflammation which contributes to a multitude of diseases. Although turmeric cannot do miracles, it can be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
The powerful antioxidant properties of curcumin in the turmeric herb can not only help fight free radicals, but it can also help stimulate the body’s own natural antioxidant enzyme.
Curcumin has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties and has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an agent that can be used to treat patients with cancer. Studies have shown that curcumin causes several changes on the molecular level that can inhibit cancer cells from growing.
Curcumin also has antiviral, antibacterial and antiifungal properties. There is ongoing research into the possible use of curcumin as an anti-influenza agent as well as possible uses to exploit it’s anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is widely consumed as a spice in India. Curry is used extensively in India and turmeric is what gives curry the bright yellow color.
There also seems to be a correlation between the higher consumption of turmeric and the lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Yet one of the problems with turmeric, or curcumin to be more precise, is that it is poorly absorbed. Curcumin is fat soluble so it will be more readily absorbed if taken with fat.
As it so happens, most of the turmeric consumed in India is prepared in a fat such as ghee or coconut milk. Additionally, piperine, a component in black pepper has been noted to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.
This recipe for golden turmeric milk incorporates these two important ingredients, fat and black pepper, to increase its absorption and bioavailability. It makes an ample quantity that can be stored in the fridge so you can take a spoonful out and make a quick warm drink by heating some milk and honey in a cup and stirring in some of the turmeric paste.
You might also like these Superfood Energy Bites packed with antioxidants, or this nutrient-dense Black Rice Mango Salad
Golden Turmeric Milk

The warm spices and earthy flavors of this turmeric milk make a delicious and healthy drink. It is a soothing warm drink with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune boosting properties
Ingredients
For the Golden Turmeric Paste:
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder
- 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil (helps increase the absorption of the turmeric)
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon powder
- 2 tablespoons cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoons ginger powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (helps increase the absorption of the turmeric)
For the Golden Turmeric Milk:
- 1 cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons golden turmeric paste
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Honey to taste
- Grating of whole nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
For the golden turmeric paste
- Place all the ingredients for the turmeric paste in a saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until a thick paste forms. Store the turmeric paste in a glass jar with a tight lid for up to 3 weeks. Use the turmeric paste to make the Golden Milk.
For the Golden Milk
- Heat the milk and turmeric paste in a microwave until hot. Add vanilla extract and honey to taste, gratings of whole nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Store the turmeric paste in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The Turmeric paste has 10 calories and 1 gram of fat per teaspoon. The calories in your turmeric milk will vary based on the type of milk you choose.
Nutrition Information
Yield
48Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 75 Total Fat 4g Carbohydrates 9g Protein 1g
June
December 11, 2016 at 10:11 PMI’m really looking forward to trying this recipe. The other ingredients are also very good for you so it’s sure to have a number of health benefits.
Dahn
December 12, 2016 at 9:20 PMyes June, you are right all the ingredients are really healthy, I hope you enjoy it.
Lee
September 3, 2016 at 8:37 AMThis turmeric milk is to die for… I used 100% organic whole milk as had no other milks around. Added the honey, vanilla and nutmeg… I’m in heaven 🙂 thanks for an awesome recipe!!
DO you refrigerate the paste?
Dahn
September 3, 2016 at 5:41 PMLee I’m glad you enjoyed it. The paste should be refrigerated for the best shelf life, I will add that to the recipe card. Thank you for asking and thank you for your comments
Kathryn | FoodieGirlChicago
August 21, 2016 at 6:53 PMI’ve heard so much about Turmeric and how good it is for you lately. This sounds like the perfect way to give it a try.
Dahn
August 21, 2016 at 9:53 PMIt makes it very convenient to whip up a drink 🙂
Christina | Christina's Cucina
August 21, 2016 at 5:24 PMI’m sending this recipe to my mother! Maybe it will help her arthritis!
Dahn
August 21, 2016 at 9:48 PMI hope it does Christina
Sara | Belly Rumbles
August 21, 2016 at 4:25 PMI have been hearing so much of late of the virtues of turmeric and making some turmeric milk is high on my priority list. Making a jar of the paste up is a great idea for a golden milk fix easily.
Dahn
August 21, 2016 at 9:50 PMYes Sara, it makes a great way to mix your turmeric milk quickly and easily.
Katie Shields | Honestly Nourished
August 21, 2016 at 2:36 PMTurmeric is such a magical (and medicinal!) spice and I love this simple recipe. Also, as a dietitian, I LOVE that you included the importance of adding a dash of black pepper and love even more that you linked to the study. Nutrition nerds unite! 😉
Dahn
August 21, 2016 at 3:17 PMThanks Katie, I appreciate that.
Bintu
August 21, 2016 at 1:28 PMTumeric is so good for you, and great to see a recipe using this superfood
Dahn
August 21, 2016 at 3:19 PMthanks Bintu, we really do like this turmeric milk as a nightcap 🙂