Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Why Drink Turmeric Tea?
- Turmeric Tea Recipe (How to Make Golden Milk)
Turmeric Tea FAQs+−
- Can I Make This with Another "Milk"?
- Where Do You Get Turmeric?
- What If I Don't Like Turmeric/Pepper/Tea?
- Can I Omit the Honey/Maple Syrup?
- Can I Get Turmeric in my Diet Another Way?
- I Have ___ Health Condition or Am Pregnant/Nursing. Can I Drink This?
- Can Kids Drink Turmeric Tea?
- This Stained My Counter/Blender/Cup. What Do I Do?
- Can I Make a Big Batch and Keep in the Fridge?
- Can I Use Fresh Turmeric Root?
Our family loves this turmeric tea recipe and it is a favorite staple in our home. I used to mostly drink chamomile or green tea for the health benefits, but this tea with its earthy golden spice is perhaps an even more powerful (and soothing) remedy. In fact, turmeric tea (or “golden milk” as it’s also called) has been revered since ancient times for its healing properties.
You’ve probably encountered turmeric in Indian or Asian dishes. It is easily recognized by its bright yellow (and I mean very bright yellow!) color.
“Golden milk” is a great way to get the health benefits of turmeric even when it isn’t on the menu. Prepared this way with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, even my kids absolutely love the flavor.
We have this tea several times a week, depending on the time of year and what sounds good. I love drinking this tea especially before bed because it aids relaxation and helps boost the immune system while sleeping.
Why Drink Turmeric Tea?
Turmeric tea is more than tasty…consuming turmeric (whether in tea or in curries, soups, sauces, or other cooking) supports digestion, immune function, liver function, and may even offer protection from some types of cancer.
This tea actually maximizes the natural antioxidant power of turmeric because it is served hot and is combined with other beneficial spices and a little bit of fat.
There are several variations as to how to make turmeric tea (given below), but here are the components you need to get the full benefits of turmeric: heat, the turmeric itself, some kind of fat for absorption, and a little black pepper to activate the turmeric.
Start with this base, and adjust spices and sweeteners to your satisfaction!
Turmeric Tea Recipe (How to Make Golden Milk)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of choice such as almond pecan, coconut, or dairy, or use bone broth in place of the milk for a more hearty tea
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch of ground black pepper
- tiny piece of fresh peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup or to taste optional
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients, except pepper, in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Pour into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
- Add the pepper, stir to combine. Drink immediately.
Notes
- This may stain blenders and countertops. The color will eventually fade, but making a thick paste of baking soda and water and scrubbing the stain can help.
- Recipe can be halved or doubled if needed.
- This pre-made turmeric ginger broth is perfect for the bone broth option.
Nutrition
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Turmeric Tea Shortcuts
If you’d rather not mix up the spices each time you make tea, you can easily make a mixture of the spices and just add to warmed milk when ready.
Option 1: Dry Turmeric Tea Mix
Mix:
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder
- 1/4 cup cinnamon powder
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1-2 TBSP ground ginger
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
To use, add 2 teaspoons of this mix to 2 cups warmed milk of choice.
Option 2: Golden Turmeric Paste
Another reader, Rose, also shared this variation (thank you Rose!):
Combine:
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 5 TBSP coconut oil
In a stainless steel pan, combine water, turmeric, and black pepper. It should make a thick paste. Cook and stir for 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add coconut oil, using a whisk to fully mix in the coconut oil. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
To use, whisk 1 teaspoon Golden Paste into 2 cups warmed milk of choice. Add molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon to taste.
Turmeric Tea FAQs
This recipe has gained popularity over the years and I’ve received a few (hundred) questions about it. I created this list of commonly asked questions to address the most asked ones:
Can I Make This with Another “Milk”?
Absolutely! I mix it up and make it with pecan, cashew, almond, raw grass-fed dairy, or coconut milk (not the canned kind, but this recipe).
It won’t be as creamy, but you can even make this recipe with plain water instead of any milk at all. Bone broth is another great option for the base and you can omit the sweetener if you use broth. If you don’t use milk or broth, consider adding a tiny amount of some kind of fat (like butter or coconut oil) as it increases absorption.
Feeling really brave? Try using camel milk instead!
Where Do You Get Turmeric?
I always order turmeric in bulk because I use it in many spice blends, in beauty recipes, and to make this tea. Look for one that is organic, non-irradiated, and contains curcumin (the brand will often specify a percentage). I personally have ordered this one on several occasions.
For an even more convenient option, one of my favorite brands, Organifi, makes a delicious ready-made turmeric drink mix. It’s packed with superfoods to help with sleep, improve your immune system and relax at night.
What If I Don’t Like Turmeric/Pepper/Tea?
This might still be worth a try, as it doesn’t taste like any of those. The black pepper is important to this recipe since it contains piperine, a compound known to increase the benefits of turmeric.
Can I Omit the Honey/Maple Syrup?
Of course. I find that it helps mellow out the strong flavor of the turmeric, but it is not necessary. You can also use blood sugar friendly stevia or nutrient-rich blackstrap molasses to get the benefits.
Can I Get Turmeric in my Diet Another Way?
Sure! But this is the most tasty, in my opinion. If you aren’t into tea or don’t want to take the time to drink it, just add the ingredients to any food, or take alone. For instance, throw some turmeric, black pepper, and olive oil on some roasted veggies to accomplish the same thing. (One brave reader mentioned that she just makes a paste of turmeric and avocado oil and swallows it with 2 whole peppercorns!)
I Have ___ Health Condition or Am Pregnant/Nursing. Can I Drink This?
I always recommend talking with a doctor before consuming any natural remedy. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports it is safe to cook with turmeric while pregnant and nursing but that turmeric supplements should not be taken without a doctor’s advice. Turmeric can have contraindications with certain medicines.
Since this tea contains turmeric, consult with a doctor or midwife before consuming this if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition. Talk to someone who knows your situation before making a decision.
Can Kids Drink Turmeric Tea?
I give small amounts to my kids. Turmeric is a spice after all! They love the taste and love to help make it, but check with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns before drinking this.
This Stained My Counter/Blender/Cup. What Do I Do?
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the stains aren’t harmful and will fade over time. The bad news is that it will take some time.
Can I Make a Big Batch and Keep in the Fridge?
Sure! I’ve made up to half a gallon and kept it in the fridge. I find I enjoy it cold too, but it can also be reheated in a small saucepan.
Can I Use Fresh Turmeric Root?
Yes! It isn’t often available where we live so I stick with dry, but you can grate a 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric root into the recipe to accomplish the same thing. You may also want to strain it using a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining pulp or pieces.
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
How do you use turmeric? Share your uses below!
10+ Ways to Use Ginger (& Get Its Amazing Benefits)
I found out the hard way that I am very allergic to Turmeric (at first we thought Curry in general) when I used Turmeric infused Coconut Oil Hair mask which caused quite a bit of hair loss. If you are someone who has a lot of allergies and have not been exposed to this spice before, I would suggest proceeding with caution. BUT that said I wish I wasn’t so freakin’ allergic to it because it is delicious!
So sorry to hear that! Do you remember, was it organic or not? We live in a world were some nasty people are after profits. Some powdered Turmeric is mixed with ……lead (?) I think. I remember what ever it was it was reddish and added weight since it’s sold by ounces. Others posting here are correct in reminding us to us organic Tumeric, filtered water, raw honey and the best grade coconut milk we can get. Most who are drinking this delicious drink are doing it for the health benefits.
Now my question, after reading these posts I understand to heat Tumeric to release healing chemicals but not to boil it or they will be distroyed. How effective are capsules of raw Tumeric?
I used to take turmeric tea but I stopped ever since I noticed my teeth turning yellow. I now take turmeric powder in capsule form.
yes, I agree. It turns my finger yellow if I’ve touched it. How can it NOT turn your teeth yellow?!
Google turmeric for a toothpaste. You’ll be surprised at how white it makes your teeth. Having teeth yellowed from drinking – it would soon disappear with a quick brush of your teeth. The turmeric will kill off much bacteria in your mouth and leave your teeth sparkling! Don’t need toothpaste, just dip your brush in water then turmeric.
I’ll have to try that.
How do you like the capsules? Do you think they work just as good?
Love the capsule
Can you please tell me how many servings this is?
I make curry powder – 1 part cayenne pepper to 1 part turmeric powder and sprinkle it over my steel cut cooked oatmeal along with cinnamon powder. It adds a warm glow to my morning.
I use a little bit of turmeric powder in my Nutribullet on occasion. This drink sounds good. I will try it soon.
I use turmeric when I have a sore throat. I mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of turmeric and eat it. It always helps. Love this miracle drink.
Thirty eight years ago my medical doctor had me take a teaspoon if turmeric mixed with water for my horrible cough…….I was pregnant at the time and couldn’t take cough medicine…….It worked really well and I could sleep…….
We’ve been battling illness this past week and I have been looking into natural remedies, this is a new area for me but one I want to learn more about. Can children drink this tea? I have a 2 year-old who is getting over a nasty cold. Thanks, I love this site!!
There are others in the comments that say yes for kids
Thk u for sharing this with us, pls can it work for Rheumatoid Arthritis patient pls. Thk u.
I use devils claw for arthiritus when i cant afford my mangosteen caps.
Works well but not sure on long term useage. Mangosteen absolutely fabulous for pain control of rhumatoid A
I have been reading the comments here and have decided to tell you all of an experience I had this last week. I have been using turmeric in my morning shakes for a long time, then read about it being more beneficial with freshly ground black pepper so began using that, then read and saw 2 YouTube videos about cooking the turmeric, so did that and keep the paste in the fridge using it everyday. I then went away for 5 days and didn’t have my turmeric, I was off my schedule…then Saturday night my body locked up, I was unable to move very much without terrible pain. My left arm was aching so much I couldn’t use it, I couldn’t type and was having horrible pain after sitting and trying to get up, my knee was in so much pain…I had felt this way before but not for a long, long time. It was the Rheumatoid Arthritis flaring up, since I had not been taking the turmeric. I immediately made some hot water and put in two heaping tsps of the turmeric mixture from the fridge, I didn’t measure, Just wanted to get it into my system as fast as possible. I went to bed and in the morning I was better, not all better but I could at least move without that awful debilitating pain. I again made my morning shake with the turmeric mixture and by that afternoon we feeling much better. The benefits of this wonderful spice are so amazing I encourage people to find a way to get it into their systems any way you can. I see that some people don’t like the taste, figure out a way…consuming this is much better than being ill or in pain or taking meds. I do not take any meds for my RA, haven’t for years. I am nearing 73. I hope this is of help to someone. ~ Here’s to our health.
I use it with eggs for breakfast, I either sprinkle some one my over easy eggs, or stir into my veggie mix for scrambled eggs. I have also added it into soups. I will have to try a tea.
I also mix turmeric into scrambled eggs! Makes them a nice bright yellow. I usually saute a few onions in oil and sprinkle the turmeric in then, and then add the eggs. Mixes in better. My kids actually prefer eggs with it in, gives a ‘sweeter’ flavor.
Me too! I try to add it to the eggs while they are cooking. Putting it in with the raw eggs just seems to leave too much in the container.
It’s amazing I just said to myself earlier today that I have this turmeric and no idea what to do with it I’ve never really used it before. And then….this recipe popped up. I am enjoying a cup now. Love this site. I am obsessed. Thank you so much!!
I am not sure about the Tea idea but I use turmeric in almost everything I use it in my rice recipes and I made up a spice mix with turmeric and ground flax seed and coriander and grande marsala and louisiana cajon spice and a few others and it is real good.