Turmeric, ginger, and black pepper are anti-inflammatory agents and help with joint pain. They help with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. This latte makes for a relaxing bedtime drink. This recipe is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened plant milk (hemp, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Ceylon cinnamon (for BP control)
- 1/4 tsp Ground ginger (anti-inflammatory)
- 1/2 tsp of Reishi powder (for sleep)
- 1/8 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper (essential for piperine)
- 1 tsp Virgin coconut oil, ghee, or MCT oil (for absorption of curcumin)
- 1/2 tsp Pure maple syrup or raw honey (optional, to taste)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Combine the Liquids and Spices: In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and your choice of fat over medium-low heat.
- Warm Gently (Do Not Boil): Heat the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, whisking frequently until hot and fragrant. Keep the heat low—boiling can degrade some of turmeric’s heat-sensitive antioxidant compounds.
- Sweeten Off the Heat: Remove the saucepan from the stove. If using raw honey, wait until the liquid cools slightly before stirring it in to preserve its beneficial enzymes.
- Strain and Serve: Pour into a mug through a fine-mesh strainer if using fresh turmeric or ginger. Garnish with a light pinch of cinnamon.
Key Tips for Skin Health
- Drink it warm: Gentle heat helps dissolve the fat-soluble curcumin into the oil, making it far easier for your digestive system to process.
- Consistency over quantity: Drinking a cup daily for several weeks yields better anti-inflammatory benefits than an occasional large dose.
- Nighttime ritual: Having it an hour before bed can double as a calming evening routine, helping lower cortisol levels—a major trigger for skin flare-ups.