Category: holistic lifestyle

The five beneficial ingredients of golden milk

Posted on by Fiora Touliatou

Article by Fiora Touliatou

Have you heard of golden milk and its amazing health benefits?

Photo by flockine from Pixabay

Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink (called haldi doodh) that has its roots in Ayurveda. Basically, it is a blend of hot coconut (or almond) milk, ginger, ground turmeric, honey, coconut oil and black pepper. Nowadays it’s also known as Turmeric Latte. Traditionally it is drunk in the evening as it promotes restful sleep.

Golden milk has numerous health benefits due to its ingredients:

  • Turmeric, it’s main ingredient, has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is very healing for conditions such as breathing problems, joint pains, fatigue and digestive issues. Modern research also suggests that turmeric is a potent antioxidant with antimicrobial and anticancer effects.
  • Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
  • Coconut oil for an addition of healthy fat which makes the turmeric more available for our bodies to absorb because it is fat-soluble.
  • Honey is widely known for its many health benefits but mainly for its antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
  • Black pepper also makes the curcumin in turmeric more bioavailable, so it’s an important addition as well.

How to make it!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of coconut or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey (or coconut syrup if vegan)
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • a small pinch of ground or fresh ginger
  • a small pinch of pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add the almond milk to a small pot and heat on low temperature.
  2. Add the turmeric, cinnamon stick, raw honey or coconut syrup, and pepper and stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the milk is warm, but not boiling.
  3. Remove from heat and take out the cinnamon stick, if you used one.
  4. Add more raw honey or coconut syrup for taste, if needed.
  5. Add raw cocoa for a more chocolaty taste!

Enjoy and namaste!

The benefits of Epsom salt baths

Posted on by Fiora Touliatou

Article by Fiora Touliatou

Did you know about the benefits of Epsom salt baths?

Photos by Nono Bayar, Craig Adderley and Castorly Stock

Generally speaking, having a bath in warm water both relaxes you physically and emotionally. By adding 2 cups of Epsom salt and submerging yourself for at least 15 minutes, the process becomes even more healing. Firstly, on a physical level, the salts draw toxins from your body. Secondly, on an energetic level, their healing properties cleanse your entire energy system (your aura) and also they help you release stress and negative emotions.

 In case you don’t have a bath, there is also the alternative of a foot soak which is equally powerful. Just add warm water and epsom salts in a plastic container and immerse your tired feet while you sit on a chair. This therapeutic soak will both ground your energy and relieve your tiredness at the end of a long day.

You can add this healing ritual into your weekly self-care routine. Baths are both meditative and destressing so it is a perfect “me time” break. Apart from salts, you can also add essential oils and herbs such as lavender which has relaxing properties. In the end, remember to rinse away so nothing is left on the skin after the bath.