Flu Season Remedies: “Golden Milk”

golden milk for cold and flu

 

 

Despite a few buds on trees and the occasional flourish of birdsong, it’s still February. Here in Portland that means dampness and rain are in full effect. If you haven’t already been sick at least once with a cold or flu this season, we’re betting you at least know a few people who have. Trying to get through the winter without falling prey to some form of illness is like trying to kayak the Rogue River without ever touching a rock. Luckily, there’s a great immunity-boosting remedy that’s perfect for these cold and wet (not to mention gloomy) mid-winter days: golden milk.

 

What is golden milk?

Golden milk is turmeric-based, milky tea that’s warm, sweet and delicious, and it’s quick and easy to prepare to boot. (We especially like to drink it about a half an hour before bed because it’s relaxing and soothing to the tummy.)

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine but best known for its use in curries, turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant considered to be a great cancer preventative. But that’s not all turmeric’s good for: 

Additional benefits of turmeric

  • Boosts immunity
  • May help prevent heart disease
  • Delays diabetes in people who are pre-diabetic
  • Helps level out cholesterol
  • Lowers Triglycerides
  • Settles heartburn and upset stomach
  • Alleviates joint pain
  • Acts as an anti-carcinogenic
  • Detoxifies the liver
  • Regulates metabolism
  • Lowers high blood pressure
  • Improves brain function including memory
  • Protects against brain disease
  • Thought to ease symptoms of depression
  • Used to treat Alzheimer’s disease

All these great benefits and it’s natural – what are you waiting for?

Golden Milk Recipe

There are lots of versions of golden milk on the web but we enjoy the tips, tricks and recipes from green health blogger, Wellness Mama — so this one’s from her.  

Ingredients

  • 1 can of coconut milk plus 1 cup of water (or 2 cups dairy, unsweetened hemp, almond or soy milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste (we recommend raw honey because of its antiviral properties.)
  • Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
  • Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.

Pour into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling.

Enjoy!

Need an extra boost to help kick out the last of your cold or flu? Our Far Infrared (FIR) Sauna or Japanese footbath may be just what you need. To learn more about what BodyQuirks has to offer to get you feeling your optimal best give us a call at 503-233-9030.  

Read about how Far Infrared Sauna treatments and turmeric can help with rheumatoid arthritis here. https://www.bodyquirks.com/2014/09/treating-rheumatoid-arthritis-far-infrared-sauna-and-turmeric/

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