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How to Make Gold Milk
SERVINGS: 1
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES
MEAL: DRINK
STYLE: AYURVEDIC
PREPARATION: BOILED
INGREDIENTS
| 2 pinch | |
| 2 pinch | |
| 1 tsp | |
| 1 c | |
| 2 pinch |
PREPARATION
1. Heat milk with spices until it just boils.
2. Remove from heat. Let cool a few minutes and pour into a cup with honey. Be sure not to heat the honey with the milk and herbs. The honey can liquefy in the warmed milk, but heating honey is not recommended.
How Can Gold Milk Make You Feel Great?
AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS
Healthy Holiday Cheer
There are many special dishes and foods that evoke the holidays: holiday cookies and fruitcakes, hams and rich side dishes, even eggnog. But how many of these foods and drinks ultimately help you to feel good? December is full of joy and family. It is also full of rich feasts, gatherings, and meals-on-the-run due to last minute shopping. These activities can exhaust your system, creating fatigue and making you vulnerable to viruses. Sometimes you need something that is delicious in a traditional, holiday way, but also is supportive to your health. This sweet, warm milk recipe, reminiscent of eggnog, is spiced to infuse you with that essential holiday cheer and strengthen your body.A Recipe for Those Who Need Milk Most
Gold milk strengthens and rehabilitates those with weak constitutions. Cow's milk is the star of this drink and it is a supreme rasayana, or rejuvenative, aiding you through the chilly, demanding weeks of the holiday season. Just as milk nurtures a baby, it can satisfy your every nutritional need. However, there are many misconceptions about milk and the best ways to consume it. Cow's milk is difficult to digest and many find it downright indigestible. Thin, emaciated, weakened individuals (Vata types) need milk's nourishment most, but often these are the very individuals who cannot digest milk. Gold milk makes the nourishment of milk accessible to all. The key to this improvement on milk is in the spices. Vata individuals often suffer from poor digestion due to dryness, cold, weakness and digestion. The turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom in this drink add heat and stimulate extra blood flow to the digestive tract, counteracting coldness and making the milk easy to digest.Enjoyable for Those who Love Milk Most
Vata types aren't the only ones who have trouble with milk. Milk can create instant congestion for those with a Kapha-type body (i.e. those who tend to have low metabolism and gain weight). Kapha people who drink too much milk soon end up with excessive mucus in their digestive tract and sinuses. Since it is nutrient-dense, milk has a tendency to cool, congeal, and clog the blood. As circulation becomes more stagnant, thick mucus and fluids tend to collect in the lungs and sinuses. This kind of mucous lodges deep in the lungs and can be very difficult for Kapha individuals to expectorate. The spices in gold milk, on the other hand, actually destroy mucous in both in the respiratory and digestive tract, making this nutritive tonic supportive even for Kapha types.The Golden Spice
Colds and flus are as much a part of the holidays as caroling and jingle bells. The herb that gives this recipe its namesake, the golden turmeric, heats, thins and invigorates the blood. Thin blood circulates freely, mobilizes the immune system and making Kapha body more warm-blooded in colder winter months. Additionaly, turmeric is a natural antibiotic and antimicrobial that is appropriate for even weak individuals. The heat in cinnamon, beloved in many fall and winter desserts, also helps you rebound from a cold or flu.A Good Night's Sleep
Suffering from insomnia? Spiced milk is an age old formula for relaxation in Ayurveda. From a western standpoint, the calcium and magnesium levels in milk indicate its ability to relax a racing mind and tight muscles. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Gold Milk contains all the qualities that bring on sound sleep- it is heavy, warm, and nourishing. Milk is what lulls babies to sleep; it innately offers a sense of peace.What About Raw Milk?
Many health-conscious people are enthusiastic about raw milk. These individuals are often surprised to find that Ayurveda recommends heating milk, even the prized raw milk. Bringing milk just momentarily to the boiling point breaks up difficult-to-digest molecules. While raw food experts say raw milk contains helpful digestive enzymes, Ayurveda recommends cooking all milk for easy digestion. There is no right answer. Try both and find out what your body prefers. For maxmimum benefit, be sure to source cow's milk from an organic dairy.WHY SHOULD YOU EAT AYURVEDICALLY?
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Foods that supplement your specific body typeâs needs and digest easily create your menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet thatâs ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Is Gold Milk Good for Me?
MEDICINAL QUALITIES
INCREASES Increases These Qualities (Gunas)
Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main states
(gunas).
Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which states are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick.
Every state has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite state.
| CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
| ||||
TASTESThe 6 Tastes
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
| SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
| ||||
DOSHASThe Three Doshas / Body Types
People tend to get sick, over and over again, due to similar causes and habitual imbalances that are unique to the person.
Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness.
Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency.
Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.
The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.
The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. |
| ||||
HAS THE FOLLOWING | EFFECT Sattvic , SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Prana , PRANAPrana is the Sanskrit word for vital life energy, similar to Qi in Chinese Medicine. Many herbs stimulate your energy, or improve the flow of prana through your body. Generally, prana needs to be increased in spring after a sleepy winter.Alkalizing , ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Tejas TEJASHerbs that increase tejas improve metabolism & brightness by stimulating the fire element at a cellular level. Destroys toxicity, excess fluids, & improves digestion. Also helps with mental function such as poor memory, lack of inspiration & depression.TYPE Dairy CONTAINS Lactose , LACTOSELactose is a sugar found in milk derived from galactose and glucose. It is difficult for many people to digest.Non Vegan , AllergensNON-VEGANA recipe or diet that includes meat and/or dairy products.SUBTASTE Aromatic AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.NUTRIENT Antioxidant COLOR Yellow |
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
| Bone & Joint | Bone Tonic BONE-TONICAn herb that strengthens the bones and joints. |
| Digestion | Carminative , CARMINATIVEStimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward.Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, colic or IBS. |
| Cleanse and Detox | Burns Toxins BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them. |
| Energy Vitality Strength | Stimulates energy , STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsNutritive , NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Tonic TONICA tonic herb strengthens tissue, often restoring healthy function. Tonics usually target a specific organ, tissue, or system ie: brain, muscle or respiratory tonic. |
| Heart & Circulation | Cardiac stimulant , CARDIAC-STIMULANTHerbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.Vasodilator , VASODILATORA vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.Antiplatelet , ANTIPLATELETAn herb that destroys platelets in the blood, therefore reducing the tendency of blood to form clots. They are useful in cardiovascular disease.Blood Tonic BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body or otherwise strengthens blood. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency. |
| Immune System | Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. |
| Liver & Gall Bladder | Cholagogue CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion. |
| Lung and Sinus | Decongestant , DECONGESTANTAn herb that reduces mucus congestion in the sinus or lungs by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.Demulcent , DEMULCENTHerbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.Bronchodilator BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma. |
| Reproductive Health | Emmenogogue , EMMENOGOGUEHerbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. They are used to increase scanty menstruation, relieve menstrual pain, and other functions.Galactagogue , GALACTAGOGUEIncreases production of breast milk.Aphrodisiac , APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.Promotes Virility , PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency.Male Tonic MALE-TONICGenerally increases male reproductive strength and stamina. |
| Skin Care & Beauty | Skin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion. |
| Women's Health | Induces Ovulation INDUCES-OVULATIONHerbs that encourage ovulation. |
| Strengthening-Tonics | Muscle Tonic MUSCLE-TONICHerbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain. |
Are you struggling with your health?
Learn how to feel your best by balancing your diet in just a week.How to Use Food Ayurvedically
HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
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About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Comments & Impressions of 'Gold Milk'
Do you like 'gold milk'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'gold milk'?
(4.92 out of 5 stars) 25 reviews, 196 likes
can we have this before going to bed?
- julie, Bangalore , 02-18-10 (Reply)
This is now my all-time favorite cuddle-up-on-the-couch-in-front-of-a-fire drink! Very tasty and makes me feel warm and cozy inside and out!
Yes Julie, we can have this before going to bed. It will promote sleep.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 03-17-10 (Reply)
I've recently found out that I am allergic to milk protein, so any milk products containing whey make me break out in a rash. Could I substitute Soy or Almond milk instead of Cow's milk??
All my life I have had trouble with milk and it wasn't until I began to understand Ayurvedic principles that I could take and enjoy milk! What about Buffalo milk? Is the same treatment required? ( I am getting buffalo milk where I am now)
- Di, Almora , 04-24-10 (Reply)
I made this with plain soy milk and it turned out fantastic! Thanks for such a great recipe. :)
Steve, you could certainly substitute other forms of "milk" for regular dairy, but the underlying principles are simply to modify an existing food product in a way that makes it more digestible for the general population. I suspect that your allergic reaction is a symptom of deeper systemic toxicity, but if soy or almond milk do not cause digestive distress, you probably do not need to make a "gold" version of them to enjoy them. This recipe certainly is tasty and will do no harm to you, but it is meant specifically to "denature" some of the more difficulty aspect of milk for those who have non-allergic reactions to consuming it. Bright blessings!
Can a mix this combo with my Quionoa in the AM to have a more digestable milk? Or do you not suggest mixing the combo. What about this in the AM with an apple?
- Antoinette, Noumea , 03-20-12 (Reply)
Does the pasteurization process make the milk more easily digested? Scott, 09-16-12
- Scott Murn, 09-16-12 (Reply)
how many times can you drink the golden milk?
- cynthia, 11-11-12 (Reply)
how many times shuld take and which time also?
- bichitra, 11-20-12 (Reply)
Since these ingredients are all natural and with minimal processing, you can follow your natural cravings - as long as they aren't emotionally based. Otherwise, once a day is probably enough - before bed is a good time.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 11-23-12 (Reply)
Yummy!
Isn't that considered heating the honey? Shouldn't you use sugar?
Is this drink not recommended for Pittas?
- Murrill, 12-13-12 (Reply)
I usually add some saffron threads and a bit of cloves to this for flavor.
- Bhairavi Gabrielle Jones, CA , 12-13-12 (Reply)
@ Lisa - Warming honey is okay - but not cooking it. It depends on the temperature of the milk. @Bhairavi - Great suggestions!
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-14-12 (Reply)
Where do I get a similar cup? It's so nice !
Thanks for the recipe-it's delicious and comforting.
if raw cow's milk is unavailable where I live, can just organic pasteurized cow's milk be used?
Pasteurized cow's milk is simple cooked cow's milk - it will not affect the results of this recipe. However, most pasteurized cow's milk tends to homogenized as well. Homogenized milk causes digestive problems and should be avoided.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-18-12 (Reply)
Always loved warm milk before bed and this lovely concoction takes it to he next level!
Ive been drinking this before bedtime, for more than 5 years. I use Almond milk or Coconut milk because I don't drink cow milk. I add a touch of ginger, too, and grind my own Ceylon cinnamon and cardamom.
Loved it!
Is the drink with all it's ingredients OK for vata-constitution or should vatas omit honey from the recipe?
- Valves Gunnarsson, Reykjavík , 04-19-13 (Reply)
This was recommended to me by my Ayurvedic therapist or the 'grounding' qualities as my vata is completely unbalanced.. I can't believe how delicious it is! So nourishing and comforting. Thank you! I love this website and the recipes.
can we use this recipe with commercially available pasteurised, homogenised, standardised cow milk?
Thank you for this lovely holiday gift. Delicious!
Dear Lavanya, Homogenized milk may create digestive problems, as the altered milk fat molecules are absorbed directly by the intestines without proper digestion. Pasteurized milk is okay though.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-11-13 (Reply)
Dear Valves, Yes - since milk pacifies Vata, Vata people can safely enjoy honey in this recipe.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-11-13 (Reply)
Yet another fantastic recipe! What a great and helpful website! Thanks for being there!! - Den M.
Can I use goats milk?
- mari1804, 12-12-13 (Reply)
We have not tried goat's milk....give us an update if you try it.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-13-13 (Reply)
We have not tried goat's milk....give us an update if you try it.
- John Immel, Asheville , NC , 12-13-13 (Reply)
as yummy as i expected. added 1/8 tsp. ground ginger and used raw milk from my goat.
Hi Y'all - pasteurization heats just to below boiling temp, and makes the milk proteins glom together, harder to digest. At home, we can take it up to boil three times, to break up the proteins into smaller molecules again. That is, let it climb the pot, slide pot off burner to drop the froth, then slide back on and repeat 2X more. Per Dr. RamaKant Mishra. I find it helps me personally. Am sensitive to the whey, though the spices and making sure it is not low fat milk also helps. Mari, Goat milk is lighter, drier, more astringent, with diff properties. It is more suited to Kaphas and to those with more ama. It is still yummy this way, needing less spices. If using, I prefer it plain, in summer, or with something to make it thicker and more soothing to Vata in winter. A tsp of ghee in either type of milk is especially nice at night, or to build ojas even better, add ghee, a few almonds, and a couple soaked medjool dates (or as desired) and few threads saffron. Blend a little of the milk with the nuts and dates, then add the rest so it doesn't spit, you know? Yum!
Thank you for all this info John! Also a thank you to Ysha Oakes for your comment / info too.
Lovely and filling -- a nice pre-bedtime drink.
My favourite evening drink, thank you :)
Was a little hesitant about the cardamom due to it's pungent odor & spicy taste but it was a nice compliment to the mix. Tasted great - THANK YOU! *(use this for pain-works well and NO crazy side effects like with pain RX's).
This is super delicious. Soothing, calming and wonderful at the end of a long day. Definitely try it again.
Oh hush up and drink your Gold MILK,,,,,
- kendra, 12-18-14 (Reply)
So delicious! I've tried various versions of golden milk and this is by far the best tasting, most relaxing and enjoyable recipe. Pain and sleep are both improved! Thanks!
I used rice milk it's gorgeous
Even on a hot Sydney night it is refreshing
Thank you for such great recipies
Thanks for this recipe. Where do I find a cup like the one in the recipe or can I use a copper cup?
Sooooo beautiful! I'm in heaven
I add a little nutmeg.
Generally Ghee and honey does not go together unless it is used in appropriate proportions. Please check and make sure honey is more than the weight of ghee so that it can do its job later. You may want to see expert advise for the right combinations of proportions between honey and ghee in the same drink. Good Luck. Enjoy!
- WEBSITE, 01-11-16 (Reply)
I would like to try this recipe, but as I am Kapha, what milk should I use?
- Helene Pandy, Brisbane , 06-25-16 (Reply)
Try rice milk.
Delicious!!! Made my mouth and my soul smile in delight:)
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