Turmeric has become so popular, yet its proper application and usage has not. I hear of Turmeric smoothies, Turmeric latte, Turmeric Coffee, Turmeric capsules and Turmeric tinctures... I wonder why and how? What have we done to this beautiful golden spice which is the heart of Indian cooking? No, the best way to ingest turmeric is not in capsules, tinctures, smoothies, lattes, etc.

It works best when we make it a part of the cooked food or drinks.

Let me share my two favorite turmeric drinks:

Golden Milk
Time of day: Along with breakfast or 45 minutes post dinner
Ingredients: Cow's milk (full cream), turmeric powder, Jaggery powder, Ghee (clarified butter made of cow's butter), Black pepper
Process: Add 1 teaspoon of ghee in the pre heated pan. Add 2 pinches of black pepper powder to it. Once the pepper cracks and sizzles add half teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. (Immediately) Pour 1 cup of full cream milk over it. Cook it on simmer and let it come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, pour it into a cup. Add powdered jaggery as per taste and mix it well.
Drink it up sip by sip.
Caution: Do not take citrus fruits at least 30 minutes before and after this drink. Do not substitute cow's milk to any other form of nut or grain milk.

Golden Nectar Tea
Time of day: Breakfast tea / Before bed
Ingredients: Fresh Ginger, Turmeric powder, Cardamom, Tulsi leaves, Brown candy sugar
Process: Boil 8 Oz of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon dried tulsi leaves, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and the powder of 2 cardamom pods. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute. Strain it in a cup and add 1/2 teaspoon of brown candy sugar or raw honey. Mix it well.

These drinks are excellent to keep you warm, to nourish the tissues, to ease respiratory discomfort, to lessen inflammation in the joints and support a good night sleep.

Here are few other ways you can use Turmeric as kitchen pharmacy

1. Wounds: In case of small cuts apply a pinch of turmeric powder on the wound. It will help stop bleeding. Turmeric also acts as a antibiotic to prevent bacterial infection
2. Joints: Add turmeric (1/2 teaspoon) to sesame oil (50 ml), warm it up. Once it cools down, store it in a jar. Apply over sore joints, it will help ease the pain.
3. Beauty: Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in Yogis Glow. Mix Yogis Glow with Honey/ yoghurt and apply on your face. Leave it on till it dries. Rinse the face for a healthy glow.
4. Healthy Gums and Teeth: Make a mixture of Turmeric powder (2 pinches) with sesame oil (1 teaspoon), salt (1 pinch) and aloe vera gel (1/4 teaspoon). Massage it on your gums for couple of minutes in circular motion once a week.
5. Digestion: Peel and slice raw turmeric root into thin 'match sticks'. Add enough lime juice, till the juliennes are properly soaked. Eat 1-3 juliennes of pickled turmeric with your meals to boost digestion.
6. Meditation: Use turmeric Japa Mala with your mantra to strengthen your sankalpa shakti. Turmeric is the japa bead for siddhis.

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