Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tea Recipe (Golden Milk)

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ELIZABETH

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Turmeric Tea Golden Milk Recipe Elizabeth Rider

If you haven’t tried turmeric tea (also known as golden milk or turmeric latte), then you are in for a serious treat.

Golden milk turmeric tea is a traditional Ayurvedic drink. It’s nourishing, silky smooth, and easy to make.

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic medical systems; it was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India and is still widely used today around the world.

The star ingredient in golden milk is turmeric, which gives it a vibrant yellow color and ample healing benefits. I learned how to make this turmeric tea over 10 years ago on a wellness retreat, and I’ve been making it at home ever since!

Curcumin, turmeric’s most significant compound, has medicinal properties and is used to reduce joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation, and has even been used to treat depression.

Turmeric Tea Latte Recipe Golden Milk copyright Elizabeth Rider

Key Ingredients for Turmeric Tea (Golden Milk)

  • Ground Turmeric Powder:
    In this case, ground turmeric powder is actually better than the fresh root as it’s more concentrated. Ground turmeric powder is traditionally used in golden milk turmeric tea.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
    This is key to the absorption of the nutrients in turmeric — you only need a pinch.
  • Homemade Nut Milk, Full-Fat Coconut Milk, or Another Plant-Based Milk:
    A little fat is needed to help you absorb all of the nutrients in golden milk. Because this is a healing drink, I like to make my own almond milk or use full-fat coconut milk from a BPA-free can. If you have to buy your nut milk, look for something unsweetened that is not overly processed (the fewer the ingredients the better.) Avoid coconut milk in cartons; the stuff in BPA-free cans is less processed. Whole, raw, fresh cow’s milk was used traditionally, but with current practices of pasteurizing, homogenizing, and adding hormones & antibiotics to dairy milk these days I think it’s best to avoid most of it. If you have access to whole, raw, fresh dairy milk that you trust you can use that, too.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats:
    As I mentioned above, traditionally the fat in the cow’s milk was sufficient, but when using dairy-free milk a little extra healthy fat will help you absorb it better. Almond oil, coconut oil, or organic ghee all work well if you’re using nut milk. You don’t need to add extra fat if using full-fat coconut milk.
  • Spices & Aromatics For Flavor & Even More Health Benefits:
    Add any of the following to your golden milk for extra flavor and health benefits-

    • Ground Cardamom
    • Fresh or Ground Ginger
    • Ground Cinnamon
    • Raw honey (optional for a little extra sweetness)
    • Pure vanilla extract (not traditional but some people like it)

Cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon not only add a wonderful flavor but they are each packed with antioxidants and offer a plethora of impressive healing benefits.

While I love vanilla in most recipes, I personally usually don’t use it here. The cardamon, ginger, and cinnamon already give this treat plenty of wonderful flavor without being too overpowering.

Turmeric Tea is a Wellness Superstar

I was first introduced to turmeric tea lattes years ago (they call it golden milk) on one of my retreats at Sanoviv Medical Institute.

I’ve since enjoyed it at healthy cafes across the country and recently started making my own at home.

It’s simple and really feels like a treat each night, kind of like a nightcap but way healthier and more nourishing.

Everyone can benefit from the anti-inflammatory and high-antioxidant activity of golden milk.

It’s a wonderful addition to your evening ritual for winding down before bedtime.

You can drink it any time of day, but I find it to be especially nice before bed. This warm drink will nourish your body from the inside out while you sleep—it’s a no-brainer, really.

Golden Milk Recipe - Turmeric Tea Latte- Elizabeth Rider

There are two methods for preparing golden milk:

  • Method 1: Blend all ingredients then simmer on the stove to cook the turmeric, OR
  • Method 2: Make turmeric paste and add it to milk and spices as needed.

The most important aspects are that the turmeric is cooked and combined with a small amount of black pepper, as the black pepper increases the absorption of the curcumin.

Use a stainless steel pot or other non-reactive cookware to keep your golden milk pure. Avoid the microwave or nonstick cookware that contains Teflon or synthetic fluoropolymers like PTFE.

Also, use clean/organic ingredients whenever possible since the point of this drink is to provide anti-inflammatory benefits and detox the body.

Turmeric Tea Serving Size

Think of golden milk as a small healing treat, not a Starbucks-size drink. 1/4 to 1/2 cup is traditional and is the perfect amount to obtain the healing benefits without overloading your digestive system.

I encourage you to try golden milk with very little added sweetener, as you’ll drink it before bed. A small amount of raw honey or coconut crystals (or liquid stevia if you tolerate stevia) would work great. The sweetener is not necessarily traditional but can be used if desired. Add to the pan off the heat if using. You could also toss a few Medjool dates into your batch of homemade almond milk to sweeten the base.

How To Make Turmeric Tea / Golden Milk Paste:

How to Make Golden Milk Paste

If you want to make golden milk paste, combine a ratio of 2:1 filtered water to turmeric powder in a small saucepan, then add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Simmer over low heat until paste forms. This method is slightly flexible, just watch it on the stove until the water is evaporated and you have a thick paste. It takes about 15 minutes.

To Make 12 Servings of Golden Milk Paste:

Combine 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder (preferably organic), a few turns of the pepper grinder (about 1/8 teaspoon), a dash of cinnamon, a dash of cardamom, and 1/2 cup filtered water. Stir to combine.

You can see in the image above, the liquid mixture (left) will turn into a paste (right) after being simmered on low for 15 minutes. (Print the recipe below.)

Golden milk paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

To use, simply heat your nut milk on the stove. Remove from the heat and add the paste.

The measurements don’t have to be exact, but generally, 1/4 teaspoon of golden milk turmeric paste to one cup of milk works perfectly.

Add a dash of your desired spices from the list above and you’ll be good to go.

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Turmeric Tea Golden Milk Recipe Elizabeth Rider

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tea Recipe (How To Make Golden Milk)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth Rider
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 1/4 - 1/2 cup 1x
  • Category: Healthy Drink
  • Method: Simmer

Description

This is one of the top Google search results for Turmeric Tea for good reason! Also called Golden Milk, a Turmeric Tea Latte is one of the healthiest things you can drink. If you love this recipe, give it a 5-star rating in the comments below to help other readers.


Ingredients

Units Scale

From homemade golden milk paste:

  • 1 cup of organic coconut milk (buy organic full-fat coconut milk in a bpa-free can ), OR, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk plus 1 teaspoon almond oil or coconut oil*
  • a heaping 1/4 teaspoon of golden milk paste (see below in notes for how to make the paste)
  • 1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root peeled and grated (more or less to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional for a little sweetness)

If preparing without making the paste:

  • 1 cup of organic coconut milk (buy organic full-fat coconut milk in a bpa-free can ), OR, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or unsweetened nut milk) plus 1 teaspoon almond oil or coconut oil*
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • big pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using ground turmeric (omit if using the paste)
  • 1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root peeled and grated (more or less to taste)
  • 1 big pinch or sprinkle of ground cardamom
  • 1 big pinch or sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional for a little sweetness)

Instructions

  1. If using the paste: simply heat your milk on the stove. Remove from the heat and stir in the paste. The measurements don’t have to be exact, but generally, 1/4 teaspoon of golden milk turmeric paste to one cup of milk works perfectly. Add a few grates of fresh ginger root for extra healing properties.
  2. If not using the paste, blend or whisk all ingredients together, then warm through on the stove over medium heat for 15 minutes. Let it very gently simmer for 15 minutes but not boil.
  3. You can blend the ingredients manually by hand or in a high-speed blender for a frothier drink.

Notes

How to 12 servings of Make Golden Milk Paste (double if needed):

1. Combine 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder (preferably organic), a few turns of the pepper grinder (about 1/8 teaspoon), 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, and 1/2 cup filtered water in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Simmer on low for 15 minutes. This method is flexible—use more or less water as needed and watch it on the stove until the water is evaporated and you have a thick paste; it takes about 10-15 minutes. Golden milk paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I generally do not add fresh ginger to the paste because it can spoil, so stir in a few grates of fresh ginger (if desired) to your warm golden milk before drinking.

*Choose Your Base:

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a BPA-free can), OR,
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk plus 1 teaspoon of almond oil or coconut oil as the added fat for absorption
  • Note: Whole, raw, fresh cow’s milk was used traditionally, but with current practices of pasteurizing, homogenizing, and adding hormones & antibiotics to dairy milk these days I think it’s best to avoid most of it. If you have access to whole, raw, fresh dairy milk that you trust you can use that too.

Benefits of Golden Milk Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea can help with:

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Intestinal gas
  • Stomach bloating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Jaundice
  • Liver problems
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • High cholesterol
  • Skin inflammation from radiation treatment
  • Fatigue
  • Other ailments treated with turmeric include headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, fever, menstrual problems, itchy skin, recovery after surgery, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, water retention, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems. (1)

Golden Milk Turmeric Tea Elizabeth Rider

Turmeric Tea Recipe with Coconut Milk

Serves 2

  • 1 cup of organic coconut milk (buy organic full-fat coconut milk in a BPA-free can )
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric OR 1/4 teaspoon of golden milk paste (see above)
  • big pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using ground turmeric, omit if using the paste
  • 1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root (peeled and grated)
  • big pinch of ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional)

Method: Blend all ingredients then warm on the stove. Simmer (do not boil) for 15 minutes if using ground turmeric powder (see notes above). You can blend the ingredients manually by hand or in a high-speed blender for a frothier drink.

Turmeric Tea Recipe with Almond Milk

Serves 2

This is my personal favorite

  • 1 cup of homemade almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon of almond oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric OR 1/4 teaspoon of golden milk paste (see above)
  • big pinch of freshly ground black pepper if using ground turmeric, omit if using the paste
  • 1 small (1/4 inch) piece of ginger root (peeled and grated)
  • big pinch of ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon raw honey added off the heat (optional)

Method: Blend all ingredients then warm on the stove. Simmer (do not boil) for 15 minutes if using ground turmeric powder (see notes above). You can blend the ingredients manually by hand or in a high-speed blender for a frothier drink.

Making your own turmeric tea at home is simple and healing. It’s a great way to bring a wellness retreat right into your own home.

You May Also Like:

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Ginger Turmeric Bone Broth Recipe [With Video]

Healthy Homemade Coffee Creamer

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  1. Hayley says:

    Tried to make this for the first time and it got SUPER thick! Did I overcook it? I used the coconut milk recipe with the ground turmeric. Would enjoyed this if it wasn’t so think and goopy!






  2. Robyn says:

    There is not enough water in this recipe to make the paste. I doubled it.






  3. Celia says:

    This is so tasty! I have struggled with UC for three years now and this always settles my stomach and relives pain. Thank you Elizabeth!






  4. Tracy Bobek says:

    So tasty! How often can you say something good for you, taste good too?






  5. What do you think about using ghee rather than the oil?

  6. Varti says:

    Curious about the fat content. Cow milk has about 12 grs. of fat per cup (raw). I use walnut milk, which has 11 grs. fat per cup. Do I still need to add extra fat to my drink?
    Fat helps with nutrient absorption, at least for me. Want to be sure I use the correct amount of fat to make this golden milk work properly. Would appreciate some guidance. Thank you.






  7. This looks amazing, I am looking forward to making the paste and giving it a try. I am going to get my husband started on it as well.
    Thank you for this informative information without having to jump through hoops to get it.






  8. Siriwan Songprasert says:

    I hesitated to try but I totally love it now.
    Just one question, can I drink it cold?
    As the summer is approaching, I don’t feel like drinking hot milk.






  9. Lezlie Rodrigues says:

    I really enjoyed the hot drink. Just wondering if I need to brush my teeth after drinking it. Does the tumeric stain your teeth? Thanks.

    • JAY says:

      I’m personally taking turmeric 2 x 400mg capsules { 1-morning / 1 – night } and im waking up every morning anxiety , P.T.S.D, stressed, depression FREE 🙏 🙏 im so happy to wake up with a peaceful feeling/ mind , up until 2018 i was 23 stone 8 pounds , im now {30/1/2021} 15 stone thanks to my smoothies diet and camomile tea at night , but tomorrow night I am definitely making this turmeric tea – thank you so much for this help and recipe 🙏 🙏






      • jessa says:

        Hi, before taking turmeric, have you had those issues above? Just wondering. It might help someone. Thank you.

        • Loleez says:

          He was stating that he feels free of all those ailments. But was using the capsules form. Now he’ll be trying the tea, and other things as well. 😊






  10. Stacy says:

    What a delightful recipe! I made the paste just now exactly as written. I then warmed one cup of almond milk and added 1/4 tsp of paste and 1/2 tsp of honey. It’s is warm, creamy, and smells wonderful. Elizabeth, Thank you for sharing your recipe.






  11. Elaine says:

    Very flavorful and made the paste. I look forward to seeing the effects. Thank you.






  12. Diane says:

    I’m not a big fan of milk. Are there any recipes using turmeric without having to use milk?

    • Buyiswa Mdishwa says:

      In the honeyed ginger tea that you buy, that comes in like yeast crystals, which you just empty contents in a cup of boiled water,, can I just add 1/4 teaspoon of powdered turmeric and pinch of black pepper there?

  13. judy Haddad says:

    May I make it with soy milk?
    Thanks,
    Judy H

  14. Joni says:

    Can i take the tumeric paste and dehydrate it ? I am trying to make a coin sized dried version for the elderly that will dissolve into their milk without having to have them portion it out themselves. I am also interested in doing this so that I dont have to worry about shelf life and that can be stored in a jar or tin ao that it can be made in batches. Thanks… joni

  15. When making the paste, can I add the cardamon, ginger (fresh?), and oil then instead of when I heat up the milk?

  16. Denise says:

    I haven’t made your recipe but I might need to! I make my tumeric drink with raw cashews and water blended in vitamix instead of a milk.
    By the way we LOVE LOVE LOVE your black bean brownies!

  17. Steph says:

    Very easy & totally delicious!






    • Zoe Francis says:

      I made this last night and I’m now going to make it again after having a nice bath to relax even further. It’s lovely! I only had barister oat milk so Iused that. I blended all the ingredients together, minus the ginger and cardamon as I never had any and I heated it up in the microwave. It was perfect!






  18. Adrienne says:

    I don’t have fresh ginger available to me right now. How would you recommend substituting powdered ginger?

  19. Kristen says:

    I tried it with water is that okay

  20. Clara says:

    I just made this and drank it without heating it.
    Is it ok? Must I boil it always before consuming?
    it sure does taste awesome! The smell of the tumeric puts me off but with this tea. I’ll be having more golden milk every evening

  21. Judith says:

    I have just purchased some ground turmeric so that I can make golden milk.
    I noticed that on the back of the packet it says that it is in hear treated turmeric, is this still OK to use?

  22. Dani says:

    Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological world
    all is accessible on web?

  23. KimParker says:

    I have RA and OA I drink golden milk every morning and every night it helps with pain and inflammation, only thing I add is tumeric and black crushed pepper

  24. Hi! This natural home-made product is definitely better than the ones full of chemical. Thanks for sharing this tea recipe!

  25. Angie says:

    I am new to Turmeric period and want to try making golden milk . A friend who has an organic farm and raises turmeric plus ginger etc .brought some fresh ground turmeric to me because I have arthritis in my fingers wrist etc. I need all the help I can get!!! Looking forward to your book etc.

  26. Denise Speight says:

    Sounds perfect for me. My son recommended me to try this

  27. Anthoney says:

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Thank you for sharing. Any advice on storing once the milk has cooled down? Shelf life?

  28. Patina Samuel says:

    Thank you thank you so much!My mother has water on the knee. She doesn’t fair well with rx drugs, they wanted her to take prednisone, a steroid for the inflammation. She was very worried about the side effects. I made this golden milk. She drank. She took a nap and literally her grapefruit size knee went almost down to normal! The smell, the comfort, the taste, the medicinal results ….OUTSTANDING!

  29. Sally Summers says:

    Can I use milk that is dairy free

  30. Shelly says:

    In all the recipes it states to use the actual ginger root but at the bottom it says you can use the powder but doesn’t state how much. Can you give me that measurement please? Or should we not be using the powder for the full effect?

    • Hi Shelly, Fresh ginger is best because it will have more enzymes and active ingredients, but if you only have ground ginger you can use 1/4 teaspoon per serving. Ground ginger has some benefits, but again fresh is always best. ~E

  31. Mini says:

    Hi, when can u blend the ingredients in a blender?
    After u boil it?

    • Mini, any time is fine, but I would caution against blending boiling (or very hot water) as hot liquid expands and can explode the lid off your blender. Whisk, or cool it to blend. ~E

  32. Margot fretz says:

    I so enjoy your golden milk tea I drink it every day and have noticed improvements in my body. How often can I drink it a day

  33. Connie Gilbert says:

    My sister has Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am going to send this to her! Thank you,Elizabeth for sharing it with us! And I hope it works for Osteo-Arthritis, as well,which is what I have! Thank you once again and I will continue to check out all of the recipes and tips on this web-site! All the best to you,Elizabeth,for the New Year 2019!

  34. Anne Jackson says:

    From everything else I’ve read about golden paste, it requires more than 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper to help with absorption. The original recipe from the veterinarian calls for 1 full tablespoon (using your measurements of 3-4 T turmeric + 1/2 c water). Your thoughts?

  35. Nicole says:

    I just made the Golden Milk Paste and its great 🙂
    I already tried to make Golden Milk a few times, but it never tasted like smth I would like to drink regulary.
    I added the spices right to the paste (some Chai Masala I just made) and it worked really well.
    With a dash of honey really delicious!
    Thank you 🙂

    • Hi Nicole! Glad you make it. Sometimes putting the spices right in the paste makes it too strong, so it’s recommended to make the plain paste. Also, the small serving (1/4-1/2 cup) might make it easier to make a quick habit of it–not like tea that you’d sip on for a few hours. Hope that helps!

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