Turmeric is Shaping the Wellness Industry
Turmeric gets a lot of buzz these days, but did you know it’s been used in ancient remedies for thousands of years? Long before turmeric was bottled and sold in capsules, it was a main feature of Ayurvedic herbalism and cuisine. Ayurveda is the ancient holistic healing science of India. It offers tons of herbal, culinary, and lifestyle wisdom that is now shaping the wellness industry.
Many people are beginning to learn that turmeric is generally good for health, but do you know why? The many benefits may surprise you.
Golden Milk: A Synergistic Formulation
One of the most revered traditional turmeric-centered formulas in Ayurveda is called Kshirapaka, which means medicated milk. In the modern world of wellness, we now refer to this treasured tonic as Golden Milk. It typically involves combining turmeric powder with milk, other delicious spices, like cardamom, ginger or cinnamon. A natural sweetener (like honey, jaggery or maple syrup), can be added, but it is not necessary. The reason why this ancient formula is so cherished is rooted in how the ingredients come together to enhance the beneficial properties of the turmeric. Let’s break it down.
Milk is known as anupan in ayurveda, which means “vehicle” in Sanskrit, because it is believed to drive the medicinal compounds of the herbs deeper into the tissue. In Ayurveda, milk is seen as a sacred and nutrient-rich substance in its own right. The fat in milk may also help our bodies metabolize turmeric. Some people even add ghee or butter to their golden milk for a little extra absorption support! If you don’t digest cow’s milk well, try goat’s milk or coconut milk. Both have a somewhat similar nutrient density to cow’s milk. You can also dilute your golden milk by using half water.
Of the plant-based milk options, almond milk and coconut milk will have the most similar effect to cow’s milk because they both offer deeply nourishing and rejuvenative properties. If you’re vegan, I recommend a combination of almond and coconut milk for a more well-rounded nutritive profile. This combination will also offer enough healthy fats to help aid absorption.
In addition to turmeric, one of my favorite Golden Milk Latte Mixes by Roots in Harmony uses 100% organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and ground flax seed. It is completely free of added flavors, sweeteners or anything artificial. Turmeric soothes inflammation and sore muscles, cinnamon and ginger stimulate circulation, cardamom helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and flax provides an excellent source of plant-based protein. Black pepper supports healthy metabolism, absorption and cognitive function. (1)
Ayurvedic herbalism also teaches us that increased potency may arise from combining herbs in thoughtful formulations, rather than taking them individually. While turmeric is often seen on its own in supplement form, it actually becomes more potent when combined with other spices. This is the beauty of the synergistic effect, of which golden milk is the perfect embodiment.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Turmeric
Turmeric, also called haridra in Sanskrit, has great potential to support overall wellbeing. The ancient Ayurvedic texts assert that turmeric can support all tissues of the body, though it is believed to have a particular affinity for the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems. Turmeric is classified as bitter, astringent and heating, according to The Yoga of Herbs. (2) It is generally considered to be tridoshic, or balancing to all the elemental energies within the body.
The 6 Surprising Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is more than a common culinary spice. Due to its vibrant color and many wonderful health-promoting properties, it is well-loved in teas, elixirs, and other herbal remedies.
Radiant yellow blend to promote anti-inflammatory response, boost immunity, and improve digestion. A soothing drink with a chai-like flavor that is creamy, wholesome and nourishing for the mind and body. (3)
#1 Anti-Inflammatory Response
Countless studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory power of curcumin, the key active compound found in turmeric. It has been shown to reduce post-operative inflammation and significantly improve stiffness and swelling in arthritis patients after just two weeks. (4)
#2 Immune Function
The warming and stimulating qualities of turmeric may help encourage healthy bile flow and lymphatic drainage. These actions help prevent stagnation in the body and may support optimal immune function.
#3 Digestive Health
In a 2018 double-blind randomized study, turmeric tablets or placebo tablets were provided to two groups of healthy human subjects and subsequent changes in the gut microbiota were observed. The microbiome diversity of the placebo group decreased by 15%, while the microbiome diversity turmeric group increased by 7%. This study suggests that the curcumin in turmeric enhances diversity of the human microbiome and improves digestion. (5)
#4 Skin Support
With its blood purifying properties (called Rakta Shodhan), turmeric is believed to support the skin from the inside out, but did you know it can also be applied topically? Next time you have an acne spot, bug bite, or scrape, try applying a paste of turmeric and honey. Rich in antioxidants, turmeric is a common feature of Ayurvedic skin care to support natural beauty and anti-aging. Honey is often used topically in Ayurveda because it is soothing to the skin and has antimicrobial properties. The combination of honey and turmeric together makes for a powerful skin repairing duo!
#5 Spiritual Wellbeing
Vedic Master and world-renowned herbalist, Dr. David Frawley teaches us that “turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity”. In his book The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. Frawley goes on to explain that Turmeric may also be effective for cleansing the chakras, purifying the subtle changes of the body, and evoking limberness in the body. For these reasons and more, turmeric is often used to support, expand and deepen one’s yoga practice. Common preparations of turmeric to support spiritual wellbeing include: infusions (turmeric tea) and milk decoctions (golden milk). (6)
#6 Allergy Relief
Beyond the potential to boost immune function, turmeric may also be effective in improving allergy symptoms related to hypersensitivity — such as food allergies, dermatitis and even asthma. Here’s what a promising 2015 study found:
“Turmeric significantly ameliorated food allergic symptoms in a mouse model of food allergy. The turmeric as an anti-allergic agent showed immune regulatory effects through maintaining Th1/Th2 immune balance, whereas curcumin appeared immune suppressive effects. Therefore, we suggest that administration of turmeric including various components may be useful to ameliorate Th2-mediated allergic disorders such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma.” (7)
To support allergy symptoms, take a daily turmeric tonic—ideally in the form of a warm beverage to support absorption. This could be as simple as a shot of warm water with turmeric, black pepper, and honey in the morning or a delicious golden milk at night.
How to Enjoy Turmeric Everyday
When it comes to enjoying turmeric everyday, preparation is simple and you do not have to buy effective capsules or extracts. In fact, you’ll get the most benefit from your turmeric if you ingest it in its powdered form combined with other beneficial species — ideally served warm. This is an example of how Ayurveda utilizes the synergistic effect to get the most healing power out of herbal medicines. Beyond cooking with turmeric everyday, sipping a soothing Golden Milk Latte each evening will be one of the most effective (and delicious) deliveries of your daily dose of this healing herb.
Preparation is easy – just blend, froth or stir 1 teaspoon of golden milk mix in 8 ounces of hot milk of your choice. Then, sweeten with a dash or honey or maple syrup. You can also add golden milk mix to your oatmeal, cookies or superfood balls for an added anti-inflammatory or wellbeing boost.
Where to buy all-natural turmeric products?
Lately, I have been loving the Ayurvedic-inspired elixirs from Root in Harmony. They specialize in all-natural Ayurvedic teas and superfoods using certified organic herbs and hand-roasted spices. They craft each blend in Houston, Texas, using whole ingredients and never add sweeteners, flavors or anything artificial. Their ethos, like my own, is centered around allowing nature to restore our balance and bring our roots back into harmony.
Roots in Harmony is a sister-owned business. In addition to their hand-crafted Golden Milk Turmeric Latte, which is one of my favorites, they offer other nutrient-rich Ayurvedic elixirs such as Beetroot Cacao Latte and Mushroom Marvel. Each mix focuses on building immunity, supporting healthy digestion and promoting mind-body balance.
References
1) https://roots-harmony.com/
2) Frawley, David and Dr. Vasant Lad. The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Lotus Press, 1986.
3) https://roots-harmony.com/
4) Chattopadhyay, Ishita, et al. "Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications." Current science (2004): 44-53.
5) Peterson, Christine T., et al. "Effects of turmeric and curcumin dietary supplementation on human gut microbiota: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study." (2018): 2515690X18790725.
6) Frawley, David and Dr. Vasant Lad. The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Lotus Press, 1986.
7) Shin, Hee Soon, et al. "Turmeric (Curcuma longa) attenuates food allergy symptoms by regulating type 1/type 2 helper T cells (Th1/Th2) balance in a mouse model of food allergy." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 175 (2015): 21-29.
