Health: 8 reasons why turmeric is all the rage in the West

Golden Milk or Turmeric Latte

Remember the face you made when your mom forced a glass of haldi doodh (turmeric milk) down your throat, to treat your sniffles, a sore throat or even heal the pain after a nasty accident? Well, that haldi doodh is now the new cool as far as the West goes. According to a recent report in The Guardian, ‘Golden milk' or turmeric latte - an unlikely combination of nut milk and juiced turmeric root - is 2016's drink of choice. In a new report on food trends in the US, Google singled out turmeric's ascent after searches for the spice increased by 56 percent from November 2015 to January this year. And fuelling that rise is its use in lattes: golden milk is among the top online searches associated with the spice. Turmeric lattes are now being sold at cafés from Sydney to San Francisco, and the drink is gaining fans in the UK.'

Golden Milk or Turmeric Latte

Though turmeric has been part of all grandmothers' nuskas (remedies) in India since time immemorial, the benefits of the magic spice are being rediscovered. Santosh Kumar Pandey, naturopathy founder of Shenmen Healing Center says, "Turmeric has natural antibiotic properties. It can prevent diseases and infections. Turmeric, when mixed with milk, can be beneficial for a number of health problems."

Kill that cold
In changing weather conditions, many people suffer from cold and cough, especially kids. Turmeric milk is considered the best remedy for this due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It provides instant relief to a sore throat, cough and cold. This is also an effective remedy to cure asthma and bronchitis as it relieves congestion.

Combating cancer
Drinking turmeric milk prevents and stops the growth of breast, skin, lung, prostate, and colon cancers, since it has anti-inflammatory properties. This prevents the cancer cells from damaging the DNA and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.

Gain without pain
Many people don't know that turmeric milk is known as natural painkiller. It gives the best relief from aches and pains. It can also strengthen the spine and joints. Turmeric milk is used to cure arthritis and treat swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps in making the joints and muscles flexible by reducing the pain.

Cleanse the blood
It can revitalise and boost the blood circulation in the body. It is also a blood thinner that cleanses the lymphatic system and the blood vessels from all impurities. This helps prevent skin problems too. It is a natural liver detoxifier.

Bone benefit
Turmeric milk is a good source of calcium, which is necessary to keep the bones healthy and strong. It lowers the bone loss and osteoporosis.

Drink and digest
One of the simplest ways to improve your digestion system is to drink turmeric milk. It is a powerful antiseptic that
promotes intestinal health and treats stomach ulcers and colitis. This helps in better digestion and prevents ulcers, diarrhea and indigestion.

No more cramps
You suffer from cramps every month? Turmeric milk works wonders as it is an antispasmodic that eases menstrual cramps and pain.

Sleep tight
If you're an insomniac, drink warm turmeric milk regularly. It produces an amino acid, tryptophan that induces a peaceful and blissful sleep.

- Inputs by Healer Santosh Kumar Pandey, naturopathy founder of Shenmen Healing Center