CBD Golden Milk
Have you heard of golden milk? Golden milk is an ancient drink from Ayurvedic medicine featuring the bright orange spice turmeric. The many benefits of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, are borne out by both tradition and science. It’s a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, is fantastic for joint pain, and has potential for reducing risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Unfortunately, absorption of curcumin is very poor, so simply adding turmeric to your diet is unlikely to have much of an impact. However, centuries of use of turmeric as a medicine has yielded some tricks which have been demonstrated to substantially boost the absorption and availability of curcumin.
Black pepper contains piperine, which increases bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%! Curcimin is fat-soluble, and absorption into the bloodstream is enhanced when taken with fat. What's the most common way turmeric is traditionally consumed? In dishes such as curry, which typically contain - surprise! - both black pepper and some type of fat or oil.
Many recipes for golden milk contain ginger as well as turmeric. Ginger is a medicinal superstar and a potent anti-inflammatory, and pairs wonderfully with turmeric.
How can you improve on this ancient superdrink? Add CBD to make CBD golden milk! CBD gives golden milk a huge wellness boost. I like to use my hemp-infused CBD coconut oil, but you can use CBD oil drops if you prefer. Unflavored or cinnamon CBD oil drops would be wonderful in this recipe - the peppermint CBD oil, maybe not so much.
You can use any milk you like. I'm lucky to have easy access to raw Jersey milk, which is super creamy and delicious, but you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other type of milk.
Golden milk is a traditional food with many variations on the recipe, so feel free to experiment! There is no "wrong" way to make golden milk. Fresh turmeric and ginger are fantastic, but if you don't have fresh, dried will be just fine.
2 cups milk of your choice
1.5 tsp turmeric (slice thinly if using fresh root)
1/2 tsp dried or 1 tsp fresh ginger root (slice thinly if using fresh root)
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tsp - 1 Tbs honey
CBD coconut oil or CBD oil drops, dosage as desired
Combine all ingredients except CBD oil in a small saucepan and stir well. Warm until steaming - do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in CBD oil. If you used fresh turmeric or ginger root, remove the root slices before serving. To make it frothy like a latte, blend in a blender (I'm lazy and don't bother with this).
Another option is to use broth instead of milk. I love a combination of chicken bone broth and coconut milk for this - so yummy and warming!
(Warning: turmeric is VERY orange and will stain everything it touches! Careful!)
Adding a regular dose of turmeric to your diet, properly enhanced with black pepper and fat, may reduce levels of inflammation and pain and reduce your risk of chronic disease. CBD is a wonderful complement to turmeric, and CBD golden milk makes a delicious and comforting addition to your wellness routine!
