This Ayurvedic Golden Milk is my favorite healing elixir.

It combines Ayurvedic spices—including Ayurveda’s holy powder, turmeric—to create a warming, grounding, and delicious drink that you can enjoy at any time of day.

Ingredients:

½ cup water

½ cup almond or nut milk

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon turmeric

¼ to ½ teaspoon Ashwagandha powder

½ teaspoon of ground or fresh ginger (optional for digestion)

1 date, chopped

Pinch of black pepper

1 teaspoon of coconut oil/ghee (optional for digestion)

Method:

Mix all ingredients together and warm over a stove. Frequently mix ingredients, and once mixture starts to bubble, remove from stove. Then blend together in a blender or food processor to create a frothy, latte-like texture.

Nutritional Benefits (the Western nutritional approach):

Turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper all hold similar qualities of being anti-inflammatory to create this healing tonic. Turmeric in particular is the most active ingredient in this recipe. Turmeric is mostly beneficial as a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-viral.

This recipe also uses Ashwagandha, which is an adaptogen that means it adapts to what the body needs. For example, if the body is stressed, it will help create calm or if the body is sluggish, it helps create energy.

The use of a small amount of black pepper also aids in digestion, as does the optional coconut oil or ghee.

Ayurvedic Approach:

Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and Indian cooking for thousands of years. It is considered the most powerful spice of all, and it’s also now made its way into the Western world, as we are increasingly learning more about its endless array of health benefits.

In Ayurveda, turmeric is balancing for all Doshas and is considered a go-to solution for many imbalances and health issues. This golden milk combines some of Ayurveda’s favorite healing spices and also helps to stimulate agni (digestive fire).

Dosha Variations:

Pitta: Suitable for Pitta, but, to avoiding overheating or over-stimulating, keep spices to suggested amount or lower. Pittas can add extra sweetener if preferred, such as a small amount of honey.

Vata: Suitable for Vata, but can slightly increase cinnamon for more warming effect. Vatas can add extra sweetener if preferred, such as a small amount of honey.

Kapha: Suitable for Kapha, but can lower milk intake if preferred. Optional ginger can be a good choice for Kapha, especially if having digestive issues.

Notes:

All of these ingredients are available in your local supermarket or grocer. For the best spices, I personally love to go to my local Indian supermarket—they are often higher quality and much cheaper!

As any easy option, if you have all powdered herbs, you can pre-mix a larger quantity so it is ready to go as you like it.