Turmeric is a bright yellow spice (from the root), imported from India, that is part of the ginger family, that is also a powerful medicine that has been traditionally used by both the Chinese, and Indians. The health benefits of Turmeric are numerous, and are new to Western culture, and the holistic health community. If you are interested in learning more about Turmeric and its many health benefits, then I highly recommend this book.
So what the heck do you do with Turmeric? Good question! There are many applications that you can try, but my favorite is to make Turmeric Paste, also known as "Golden Paste". It has many health benefits and can be super useful in both humans, and pets. It's a fairly simple process to make and then you can use it in a few different applications.
Lets learn how to create Golden Paste! You are going to need the following ingredients to begin:
*1/2c. turmeric powder
*1c. water (have some extra, just in case you need to thin out your paste)
*1 1/2t. ground black pepper or 2 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil
(This is the only Essential Oil that I recommend ingesting, you can learn more here).
Black Pepper is needed to help our body absorb Turmeric.
*70ml Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Adding fats is another way to help our bodies increase the absorption of Turmeric.
*It is optional to add 1t. cinnamon or 1 drop Cinnamon Essential Oil, to add another flavor profile to your paste.
*This post contains affiliate links. You can read my entire affiliate policy here.
The process of making your Golden Paste is very quick, and simple.
1) Add Turmeric and water into a small saucepan, and heat gently, while stirring, until you get a thick paste. This can take between 5-10 minutes. *If your paste is watery, add more turmeric, and vice versa if it's too thick.
2) Add Coconut oil and black pepper, and allow to cool. I store mine in a glass jar, in the fridge, for up to 3 weeks.
*NOTE: Turmeric stains very easily, so be careful about getting it on your countertops, clothes, or white cooking utensils. I use a metal whisk, and spoon when making my paste.
Now that you have made your Golden Paste, what will you do with it? I must warn you, that you might not like the taste, it reminds me of curry (and also makes a great addition to your curry recipes)! Here are a couple of things that I like to make:
GOLDEN MILK!!!! OMG, this is so good, and i drink it at night to help aid in relaxation, and also helps boost the immune system while sleeping.
Ingredients:
2c. Coconut Milk (Can also substitute Almond, Cashew, Soy milks, etc.)
1t. Turmeric Paste
1t. Raw Honey, Maple Syrup, or Blue Agave Natural Sweetener
Instructions:
Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth and now you can drink as is, or you can add 1 drop of Thieves, Ginger, or Cinnamon Essential Oil.
Another option is to pour into a small saucepan, over medium/low heat, for 3-5 minutes until warm, and drink!
SMOOTHIES!!!! Yes, please! In our house, we love smoothies, and adding Turmeric is a great way to incorporate amazing health benefits. You can use whatever ingredients that you want, and add 1-2t. of the Turmeric Paste, but here's my favorite recipe.
Ingredients:
2c. Coconut Milk
1/2c. Greek Yogurt
1-2 scoops of Pure Protein Complete-Vanilla Spice
1 Banana
1-2t. Turmeric Paste
1c. Frozen Fruit (I love white nectarines, but you can use peaches, strawberries, or anything you like)
Instructions:
Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth, and creamy! Enjoy!
*You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on the top too.
Now go and make yourself some Golden Paste so that you can enjoy the delicious, health benefits of Turmeric today!
