Immunity10 min
Golden turmeric milk (haldi doodh)
Warm milk simmered with turmeric, a pinch of black pepper and a little ghee is India's best-known bedtime comfort drink, traditionally taken when the seasons change.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (or a plant milk such as almond or oat)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- A small pinch of black pepper
- A small piece of cinnamon or a crushed cardamom pod (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ghee (optional); jaggery or honey to taste
How to prepare
- Add turmeric, pepper and spices to the milk in a pan.
- Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring so it does not stick.
- Take off the heat, stir in the ghee. If using honey, add it only once the milk is warm, not hot.
How to use
- Sip one cup in the evening, about an hour before bed.
Precautions
- Check with your doctor if you take blood thinners, diabetes medicine, or have gallstones — turmeric in medicinal amounts may interact.
- Never cook or boil honey; Ayurveda considers heated honey harmful. Do not give honey to babies under 1 year.
- People with diabetes should skip the sweetener.
