Winter is a good time for slowing down a bit and reflecting. For warming, comforting foods and drinks. For me, the word that comes to mind in relation to winter, is a word that Yogi Bhajan loved to use often in his talks; “cozy.” I love that Yogiji talked about coziness. It seems to acknowledge not only the importance of self-care and comfort, but also the warm-fuzzies created by loving community.
For many, sharing yogi tea, and conversation is a way to create community. Another soothing drink that Yogi Bhajan recommended for bedtime is Golden Milk. A warm beverage, full of the healing properties from turmeric, one of Ayurveda’s most revered roots. Golden Milk helps to lubricate joints, purify the blood, heal the skin, balance blood sugar, and heal reproductive organs as well. Golden Milk is said to help the vitality of both men and women for different reasons.
Although I knew of the long list of healing benefits, I never loved the taste of Golden Milk. It seems like those I know, either love it or are indifferent to it. I drank Golden Milk each evening of my level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. We were 6 women and our teacher Sevak Singh on a ranch in the white mountains of Arizona, sharing cabins and the deep, vast experiences of Self-Mastery through Kundalini Yoga.
However, now that I am far across the country in my new home of Portland, Oregon in the heart of a grey icy winter, I have an intense craving for mugs of Golden Milk. Perhaps, its the wisdom of my body asking for a healing and healthy drink. Or, perhaps its my heart and soul craving that “coziness” that Yogiji knew was essential.
As I make a small pot of Golden Milk in my colorfully painted Portland kitchen, I am instantly transported back to Gisela, Arizona. A magical place where the stars are crisp and endless, the sound of creek water is your lullaby, and the fireplace invites discussions that are real, and new, and true. A sip of Golden Milk seems to not only relax my chilly bones, but to remind me of all the guidance that is within me.
In the midst of this wintry time, I give thanks to my soul, and to the one that made my soul. I give thanks to the tools of Kundalini Yoga to access so much potential for so many people in this time.
Included below is a recipe for Golden Milk. Please enjoy its healing properties, and perhaps some of your own sweet memories...
May you all be cozy and warm
Sat Nam,
Laurel Clohessy (Deshpal Kaur)
For many, sharing yogi tea, and conversation is a way to create community. Another soothing drink that Yogi Bhajan recommended for bedtime is Golden Milk. A warm beverage, full of the healing properties from turmeric, one of Ayurveda’s most revered roots. Golden Milk helps to lubricate joints, purify the blood, heal the skin, balance blood sugar, and heal reproductive organs as well. Golden Milk is said to help the vitality of both men and women for different reasons.
Although I knew of the long list of healing benefits, I never loved the taste of Golden Milk. It seems like those I know, either love it or are indifferent to it. I drank Golden Milk each evening of my level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. We were 6 women and our teacher Sevak Singh on a ranch in the white mountains of Arizona, sharing cabins and the deep, vast experiences of Self-Mastery through Kundalini Yoga.
However, now that I am far across the country in my new home of Portland, Oregon in the heart of a grey icy winter, I have an intense craving for mugs of Golden Milk. Perhaps, its the wisdom of my body asking for a healing and healthy drink. Or, perhaps its my heart and soul craving that “coziness” that Yogiji knew was essential.
As I make a small pot of Golden Milk in my colorfully painted Portland kitchen, I am instantly transported back to Gisela, Arizona. A magical place where the stars are crisp and endless, the sound of creek water is your lullaby, and the fireplace invites discussions that are real, and new, and true. A sip of Golden Milk seems to not only relax my chilly bones, but to remind me of all the guidance that is within me.
In the midst of this wintry time, I give thanks to my soul, and to the one that made my soul. I give thanks to the tools of Kundalini Yoga to access so much potential for so many people in this time.
Included below is a recipe for Golden Milk. Please enjoy its healing properties, and perhaps some of your own sweet memories...
May you all be cozy and warm
Sat Nam,
Laurel Clohessy (Deshpal Kaur)
Ingredients:
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 cup water
8 ounces milk
2 tablespoons raw almond oil
Honey to taste
1 cardamom pod (optional)
[Editor's note: Black pepper has been found to increase the effectiveness of the turmeric - add a pinch or two!.]
Cooking Instructions:
Simmer turmeric in water until it forms a nice paste. Suggested cooking time is 8 minutes, you can add more water as necessary. Meanwhile, bring milk to a boil with the almond oil. As soon as it boils, remove from heat. Combine the two mixtures using a blender if desired. Add honey to taste. The
cardamom may be cooked with the turmeric for added flavor.
Note that you can prepare larger quantities of paste as it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 40 days. The general ratio of turmeric to water is 1 part turmeric to 4 parts water.
From I am a Woman Selected Lectures, p. 224, available through KRI.
[Disclaimer: Many of the recipes come from ancient yogic tradition and many of them contain potent herbs, botanicals and naturally occurring ingredients which have traditionally been used to support the structure and function of the human body. Nothing in this text should be construed as medical advice. Always check with your personal physician or licensed health care practitioner before making any significant modification in your diet, and before using any of these recipes, to insure that the recipes and ingredients are appropriate for your personal health condition and consistent with any medication you may be taking.]
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 cup water
8 ounces milk
2 tablespoons raw almond oil
Honey to taste
1 cardamom pod (optional)
[Editor's note: Black pepper has been found to increase the effectiveness of the turmeric - add a pinch or two!.]
Cooking Instructions:
Simmer turmeric in water until it forms a nice paste. Suggested cooking time is 8 minutes, you can add more water as necessary. Meanwhile, bring milk to a boil with the almond oil. As soon as it boils, remove from heat. Combine the two mixtures using a blender if desired. Add honey to taste. The
cardamom may be cooked with the turmeric for added flavor.
Note that you can prepare larger quantities of paste as it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 40 days. The general ratio of turmeric to water is 1 part turmeric to 4 parts water.
From I am a Woman Selected Lectures, p. 224, available through KRI.
[Disclaimer: Many of the recipes come from ancient yogic tradition and many of them contain potent herbs, botanicals and naturally occurring ingredients which have traditionally been used to support the structure and function of the human body. Nothing in this text should be construed as medical advice. Always check with your personal physician or licensed health care practitioner before making any significant modification in your diet, and before using any of these recipes, to insure that the recipes and ingredients are appropriate for your personal health condition and consistent with any medication you may be taking.]
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