Golden milk for kids
Golden milk (or turmeric tea) is an ancient ayurvedic beverage praised for its powerful health benefits.
But because not all children like the sharp taste of the original recipe, I came up with a milder more child-friendly version with similar health benefits.
The healing power of turmeric
The star ingredient of golden milk is turmeric. In the world of nutrition, turmeric and its active component curcumin is one of the most studied spices due to its powerful healing capacities.
Among many (more than 600 studied health benefits!), it has strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, making it a perfect ally when suffering a common cold, cough, or sore throat.
A few benefits of turmeric at a glance:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral
- Boosts your immunity
- Helps prevent certain cancers
- Balances cholesterol levels
- Aids digestion and heartburn
- Reduces headaches
- Soothes menstrual problems
- Detoxifies your liver
- Regulates metabolism and weight management
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Reduces joint pain and arthritis
- Boosts memory and brain function.
- Good for the skin
The benefits of golden milk
Golden milk has been used for ages in Ayurvedic medicine and is a common beverage on the island of Okinawa (one of the Blue Zones, known for longevity).
In this soothing beverage, the power of curcumin is enhanced by:
- Drinking it hot
- Mixing it with black pepper (always mix turmeric with pepper for better absorption)
- Mixing it with a small amount of fat (either from the milk if using full-fat milk, or by adding coconut or almond oil)
- Adding other healing spices like ginger, cinnamon and cayenne
Drink golden milk before bed to aid relaxation and boost your immune system while you sleep.
Golden Milk for kids?
Can you give golden milk to children? Due to its sharp taste I never really thought about giving it to my kids. But each time I made myself a cup, they were really intrigued by its bright color and aroma and always asked for a sip.
Given its powerful effects on me in treating a cold, I made a few tweaks and came up with this child-friendly version. The same health benefits, with a milder taste.
A few precautions when giving turmeric milk to kids:
- Don’t give to children younger than one year (because of the honey, turmeric is safe in small amounts even for babies)
- Usually, 1/4-1/2 cup is enough for young children
- Prefer organic ingredients for this recipe
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
Directions
In a saucepan, heat the milk, spices, coconut oil, and vanilla extract (if using) over medium heat.
Simmer (do not boil) for about 10 minutes.
Off the heat, add the honey.
Allow to cool a bit before giving it to your kids.
Ingredients
Directions
In a saucepan, heat the milk, spices, coconut oil, and vanilla extract (if using) over medium heat.
Simmer (do not boil) for about 10 minutes.
Off the heat, add the honey.
Allow to cool a bit before giving it to your kids.