A healthy brew to ward off fall/winter colds, flu, achey joints, etc.

[Dover]

Ayurvedic tea for lubricating the joints and other ailments.
Almond oil is a very important part of this recipe. Turmeric is called "the internal healer" in Ayurveda. Turmeric is also a blood purifier and is best known for its ability to help the female reproductive organs. Some research indicates that turmeric may be of value in preventing diabetes and cancer. But I just enjoy the taste and soothing effect of this 'tea' either just before bed or first thing on a chilly morning.

Recipe:
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
3 cardamom pods (available to order online if not found locally)
1/4 cup water.
Simmer 5 to 7 minutes, then add :
1 cup of milk (I like goat milk)
2 tablespoons almond oil (cold pressed).
Bring just to the boiling point (but do not boil).
Add honey, agave nectar or maple syrup to taste.
Sip slowly as a hot tea.

[japple]

1. I've made this using almond milk. It's actually not half bad. I

didn't add any sweetener because I drink coffee and tea unsweetened. It probably would taste better with honey and I think I could probably even learn to enjoy it.

[Dover]

2. Yes I often use the almond milk 'shortcut' too. It comes sweetened and unsweetened.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HtPgt0qMcWg/SgaJIv9OROI/AAAAAAAAA3I/hdPqvw9pahA/s320/golden+milk.jpg


If you are using the unsweetened variety, you might try using the sweetened type and see if that
provides enough sweetness before adding honey, agave, or whatever.

This drink really is so soothing and all I know is I'm healthy...anecdotal as that is.
I never had seen/used cardamom pods prior to drinking this and have discovered I just love
the flavor!

So the shortcut recipe is:

Simply use a cup and a half of almond milk (I use Almond Breeze) instead of the milk/almond oil,
and add the turmeric and cardamom pods while it heats on low for 7 minutes(not a boil).
Add honey (or other sweetener).
Add some regular milk (or goat milk) if you like, but it's not necessary.

Obviously almond milk is not a 'traditional' ingredient. I don't think they had almond milk
back when these recipes were created...lol! But it seems to cover all the bases as far
as ingredients go. And MUCH quicker/easier.

[ginnyinWI]

3. do I need to crush the cardamom?

I have a mortar and pestle and like to crush seeds when using. Also, can I just use some ground cardamom? Maybe 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. per cup?

[Dover]

4. My experience with the cardamom pods is that they swell up

and release their flavor without the need to crush them. But I don't suppose it would hurt.
I usually use about 8 pods. I've never tried powdered cardamom with this drink so can't
compare taste. Try it both ways and see how you like it.