Herbalism @ Home - Turmeric
Warmed Golden Milk-The Power In Turmeric Powder
It’s time to take complete control of your health, take full advantage of what you consume and be the healthiest you can be and to start the Grimwood Herbal Blog I will be posting a collection of recipes I have learned from my time practicing as a herbalist and share what I have learned. To help those who are interested but intimidated by the practice of herbalism.
Let's start easy with a herb many think just stains their kitchen and hands but has an undeniable power within a simple yellow powder can help those with all types of ailments. Turmeric powder is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia. However, the majority of the turmeric is produced and consumed in India, approximately 80% of. With its inherent qualities and high content of the important bioactive compound curcumin, Indian turmeric is considered to be the best in the world.
Now, to get your feet wet in using herbs for more than just taste and smell and actually reaping the possible medicinal benefits, regular store bought turmeric works just fine.
The Holistic Approach
Firstly I want to address that the foundation of herbalism and using herbs and natural practices to heal is founded on the holistic approach, which essentially just means to heal a person one has to look at the whole person rather than just the ailment. So take a person with a fever, they have chills, tired, and are weak. A herbalist would recommend a small regiment of herbs curated for that individual rather than a generic “this fixes a fever in everyone”. No two people are exactly alike and to treat as such is leaving room for error and can harm other aspects of that person.
Now, what is so special about turmeric? Well, according to a collection of studies they have found a correlation with those taking turmeric and heart health, improved memory in those with Alzheimer’s, pain and inflammation, and in some rare instances helped improve the lives of those with cancer.
How should you take turmeric?
To some, they may not like the taste or the fact it does stain but an easy way to enjoy a serving of Tumeric is a recipe from one of Rosemary Gladstar’s collection of books, Warmed Golden Milk.
Ingredients
-2 tablespoons of ghee
-1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
-½ tablespoon of ginger powder
-Pinch of finely ground black pepper
-2 cups of milk (any percentage is fine)
-1 A teaspoon of honey (to taste)
Instructions
-Melt the ghee in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the spices, and stir consciously for 30 seconds or until fragrant
-Add the milk and stir constantly until steaming hot.
-Remove from heat, add honey (Until it is dissolved)
-Pour liquid into a blender. Blend on high, allowing steam to escape, 30 seconds. It should be golden and frothy.
-Pour into a mug, drink and enjoy.
**Can sub almond, rice, or coconut milk instead of dairy
