What's a Turmeric Latte? I will tell you it is something very, very good for you. And it tastes so good that I can honestly say it's decadent and delicious enough to qualify as a dessert substitute!! If you enjoy Chai, you will likely fall in love with this Turmeric Latte Recipe. Read on to learn all the health benefits of turmeric and how to make this delicious golden milk turmeric latte at home.

This warm yellow drink is not only completely comforting, relaxing, and soothing at night, but extremely nutritious. I know that may sounds a little over-dramatic, but I'm not exaggerating when I say it's extremely nutritious.

Turmeric contains loads of nutrients especially antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which make this latte a winning combination of flavor + health.

Turmeric is in the ginger family, and the fresh or dried and powdered root that is used for cooking and as a medicinal plant. It has a warm, slightly spicy, bold, and earthy flavor and when mixed with a hint of sweetness makes this my new favorite night time beverage.

A warm creamy mug of something creamy, rich, and delicious is just plain comforting. Don't you agree?

Drinking a warm beverage in the evening provides soothing effects on our digestion and almost instantaneously relaxes us. Historically Turmeric Milk comes from traditional Ayurvedic Medicine in India and is called haldi doodh.

Turmeric is a treasured healing spice in Eastern cultures.

Traditional Ayurvedic uses for turmeric are extensive. Turmeric is used to help everything from coughs, sore throats, colds, flus, stomach aches, headaches, skin care issues, and even wound healing due to it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

SpaGoddess Apothecary uses turmeric in our Luscious Cleansing Oil + makeup Remover for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric milk is not only high in antioxidants, anti inflammatory compounds, healthy fats, but also manganese and iron. Traditional Turmeric Milk recipes call for black pepper which actually enhances our body's absorption of curcumin, the main component found in turmeric, and that's a good thing!! 

Curcumin may stop the action of a liver enzyme that activates environmental toxins into carcinogenic forms, and may be especially useful in deactivating the carcinogens in cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco.

Turmeric boosts your immune system and protects the body's vital organs from viral attack.

Turmeric in the diet increases the production of enzymes that digest fats and sugars, and stop cholesterol from forming gallstones. Turmeric prevents the release of histamine in the stomach, quelling nervous stomach and counteracting food allergies and it fights gum inflammation by halting the action of a gene that creates irritant chemicals. Without the irritation, bacteria cannot find a place to grow, and the absence of bacteria reduces both bad breath and gingivitis.

Turmeric posses anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in strengthening the joints, and treats swelling caused by inflammation, and provides pain relief, improving muscle flexibility in arthritic patients.

Like many Ayurvedic foods and medicines, the ingredients in this recipe actually work in a synergistic fashion. Turmeric is a necessary ingredient in curry dishes, and is used in dressings, sauces, super food smoothies, and fresh pressed juices. All of these recipes are incredibly delicious and embrace the flavor and health benefits of turmeric without it being too bold or unpleasant.

Turmeric has been used for centuries as one of the great dosha balancers in Ayurvedic medicine.

Turmeric milk has been extensively used as a potent blood purifier and cleanser in Ayurveda. The presence of a wide range of vital nutrients in this golden milk boosts blood circulation. The antioxidants in turmeric also help in cleansing the lymphatic system, enhancing the purification process. Turmeric also acts as powerful antispasmodic agent easing menstrual pain and cramps.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it is safe to cook with Turmeric while pregnant and nursing but that turmeric supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. Since this latte contains Turmeric, consult with a doctor or midwife before consuming this if you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition.

Turmeric Latte Recipe

• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional
• 1-2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• small pinch of black pepper
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger (fresh is best)
• raw honey, stevia, or coconut sugar to taste

To Make: Simply pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a light boil, whisk to combine ingredients. Stir occasionally until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and serve. Strain the milk if you have large pieces of ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, etc. Enjoy warm is best!

The steamy warm superfood "Golden Milk" is rich, sweet, and spicy and actually leaves my tongue a little numb! I made mine with 2 tsp of Turmeric, and it was quite strong, but very good. The last couple sips are very thick with spices and could easily be diluted with a little more almond milk. In my next batch, I will add a little more black pepper and a little more fresh ginger to amplify the spice factor.

Post photos and recipe adapted from Nutrition Stripped. Additional info from Dr. Oz, The Health Site, and Wellness Mama.