Last Updated on May 24, 2016 by Babita
Once upon a time, in a distant land, when children became sick, the mother warmed up a cup of milk, added a pinch of turmeric and gave it to them. The kids did not like this concoction and tried their best to avoid it. However, the saying “mother knows best” prevailed. The kids had no choice but to drink it up. This has been happening all across India for thousands and thousands of years before the advent of western medicine. Turmeric milk played a very important role in the general healing and well being of all.
This practice still continues. My mother served it to us, and I in turn make this for my girls. Even though I live here in the States, I continue to practice this age-old Indian culinary and medicinal culture.
Why?
It is because I believe in the healing and immune boosting properties of turmeric.
The minute my girls show symptoms of cold, cough or sore throat, I whip up turmeric powder from my spice cabinet and stir in a pinch of it in warm milk. My girls call it haldi milk or haldi doodh . Haldi being the Hindi name for turmeric. By now even they are used to it. In fact if they feel like they are coming down with cold or not feeling well, they will ask me to make turmeric milk for them.
So imagine my surprise when I read that this humble haldi doodh has been transformed into a very glamorous Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk Latte. I read an article (you can read it here) about how turmeric milk has become the latest global food trend. It is being experimented, improvised with new ingredients and so on.
Believe it or not, it is also being marketed as a get well and healthy beverage. Personally it was amusing to me and I wanted to say, “well we knew it all along”, but I stopped myself. I imagined my, older one TEE dramatically screaming cultural appropriation from her room.
Is it cultural appropriation? I personally don’t think so. The world we live in is so global and connected that re-imagining and improvisation of the original is unavoidable. If the world can benefit like we Indians have with the healing and immune boosting properties of turmeric, I am all for it. As long as someone does not claim it as their invention and try to patent it, I have no problem. Several years back two Indian-American researchers actually tried to patent turmeric’s wound healing properties, a common knowledge in India (read the article here) as their own. Fortunately India was successful in revoking the patent and squashing all claims for future patent filings.
Anyway, whether you are interested in Turmeric Milk Latte/Golden Milk or not, I would advise you to try out our Indian Haldi Doodh. It may not appeal to you as the latest food trend, however there is no harm in trying it. After all it is good for your health. Check out the recipe below. It is so straightforward and simple that even a child can make it.
Recipe for Turmeric Milk/Haldi Doodh/Golden Milk
- Heat a cup of milk (preferably 2% or 1%) in the microwave or stove top.
- Add a pinch of turmeric powder. If you like your milk sweet add a tsp of honey. Stir it all properly.
- Serve it warm.
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I’ve been looking into golden milk for quite some time now. This is some great info!
It’s important to hold on to your culture. It is a part of Who You Are.
It certainly can’t hurt regardless. I would totally try it! Besides, I like turmeric. 🙂
I have never heard of turmeric milk before. I think the benefits make me want to give it a try.
I have a friend who swears by the healing properties of Turmeric. I am going to look into it and would love to sample how this drink tastes for myself.
This appeals to me, I wonder if my kids would drink it? I know I would, I love turmeric!
I’ve never heard of it but it looks interesting to try
This looks very interesting.
I have never heard of turmeric milk before, but am interested in trying it out.
Thanks!
This is very interesting indeed Babs. I’ve actually never heard of the wonders of tumeric and although I have it in my kitchen I barely use it. Now that I’ve read this I may need to make your tea. BTW I agree with you about us being global, I lived in NYC where it was a great big melting pot, but I LOVED it!
This sounds very interesting and I think I will have to try it. 🙂
Looks like a great way to boost the immune system.
I’ve never heard of this, but you’re right – there can’t be any harm in trying it!
This looks like a good way to drink mlk
I have heard a lot about Turmeric Milk but I’ve had no idea what it was, I’m super picky when it comes to foods and drinks so I generally don’t try much if its new to me. This looks interesting!
I am very much interested in trying turmeic milk latte it sounds very good. I love chi spice tea because of the ginger. I am a huge tea and coffee fan and I believe in their healing benefits as I’m all about health and wellness.
Thanks for sharing I also love indian foods but I was born in Toronto in a melting pot of culture and being in Michigan I have noticed not to many people venture out past their own kind here and it really saddens me.
more people should be more adventurous and try new things..
I agree Amanda. I love food, so I am always adventurous and willing to try out new things.