All Things Golden: Turmeric- Yogic Recipes for Health & Vitality

Perhaps you're already familiar with some of the benefits of Turmeric- it has gained a lot of recognition for it’s anti-inflammatory, and joint health benefits.

Did you know that turmeric not only reduces inflammation, but due to it’s anti-fungal properties it also helps to support the digestive system? It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, chicken pox, shingles, poison oak, and scabies! There is even promising research that shows turmeric may have ant-cancer properties.

According to yogic teachings, turmeric is recommended to “lubricate” the joints. It relieves stiffness, makes the joints more flexible, and in turn reduces, or totally relieves, pain. It is excellent for the skin and mucous membranes, and especially beneficial for the female reproductive organs.

See a list of the benefits, uses, and recipes for Turmeric, below.

Sore Throat (especially with mucus/phlegm stuck in throat):

Take about ½ teaspoon of thick turmeric paste and form into a ball. Pop it into the back of your throat and swallow with a glass of water. You can do this a few times a day or as often as every hour if desired.

Creaky or Stiff Joints:

Take at least 1 cup of Golden Milk every day for 40 days.

Stomach & Digestive Problems: 

Golden Yogurt, a total of at least 1 cup a day. This is also good for intestinal candidiasis; the yogurt brings in the good bacteria for healthy intestinal flora and, since turmeric is a natural anti-fungal, it helps to counter the yeast overgrowth.

Skin Conditions: 

The juice of fresh turmeric is prized as a cure/soother for many skin conditions, including eczema, chicken pox, shingles, poison oak/ivy, and scabies. Turmeric paste makes quite a satisfactory substitute! Apply the paste directly to the affected area, cover lightly with gauze or loose cotton clothing (that will likely be ruined with stain). This is known to help dry the blisters up and accelerate the healing process.

For shingles, one ayurvedic remedy calls for first spreading a light coating of mustard oil on the shingles rash, and then spreading the turmeric paste over that. (Skin conditions such as those described above are seen in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as originating from liver congestion/toxicity. You can help your rash from the inside out, by also ingesting turmeric).

Sores/Wounds: 

Keep turmeric in your first aid kit! It acts quickly to help stop bleeding, plus because of its anti-bacterial quality, will help prevent infection. For cuts, pile on the turmeric, cover with gauze, and apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. Of course, serious wounds require immediate medical attention.

Cancer

Based on promising current research, it’s plausible that curcumin/turmeric might help prevent cancer development (particularly via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell-cycle regulating effects), especially in contexts of chronic inflammation and slow the progression of existing cancers, reduce metastasis/invasion, and possibly enhance effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiotherapy when used in combination.

Considerations

Turmeric should always be cooked before eating- this increases bioavailability, helping the body digest and absorb it's benefits.

~Recipes~

GOLDEN MILK

• ¼ – 1 teaspoon turmeric 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 8 ounces whole milk or milk alternative

• 2 tablespoons raw almond oil or other healthy oil

• Honey to taste

• Optional: 1 cardamom pod

  
  

Instructions

1. Simmer turmeric in water until it forms a nice paste, stirring regularly and adding water as needed. Suggested cooking time is 8 minutes. The cardamom may be cooked with the turmeric for added flavor.

2. While waiting on the paste, bring the milk and almond oil to a light boil. As soon as it boils, remove from heat.

3. Combine the two mixtures using a blender or whisk.

4. Add honey to taste. 

GOLDEN PASTE

• 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder

• 1 cup water

• 1/3 almond oil or coconut oil

• Optional: 2-3 teaspoons black pepper (aids in digestion & absorption)

• Simmer 8-10 minutes

• Add to the milk of your choice, or, a spoonful to your breakfast cereal, smoothies, soups, and even spread on toast with a little honey. Also, it’s easy to add a spoonful to cooking foods, such as rice, tofu, and vegetable dishes.

GOLDEN YOGURT

• 1 cup yogurt

• 1/2 - 1 whole banana

• 1 Tbsp. of turmeric paste

• Mash together thoroughly

"Biggest and cheapest of all which is a gold of life is turmeric, gold milk. Whenever you think nothing works, go on a golden milk for one week, three days, whatever you choose; enough." ~Yogi Bhajan, November 14, 1991

"Turmeric guards the mucus membrane and the linings. It is the most beautiful natural antiseptic." ~Yogi Bhajan, July 5, 1979

"They say there is no better tonic than the turmeric and there is no better food than the golden milk, they are right." ~Yogi Bhajan, March 17, 1992