You may be aware of the beneficial effects of including honey in our diet and you may have also noticed the number of turmeric products that are now hitting the shelves of the health food stores – but have you ever thought about combining them?

A homemade drink known as ‘Golden Milk’, has been taking on quite a following due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which have been seen to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and other such conditions.

Indian spices have long been used as a medicine but you may be surprised to read that raw honey and curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, together contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Together they are also great for the skin, good for your digestive systems, are rich in antioxidants, speed the healing of wounds & burns, as well as provide a boost to your immune system.

Known as the ‘Golden Spice’, turmeric comes from the flowering curcuma longa plant – closely related to ginger. It has a long history as a spice, in Indian & Southeast Asian cooking, to both add flavour and colour the food. It has a distinct ‘warmth’ when consumed and an unmistakable bright orange colour.

But can it really help us to stay healthy? Well, the simple answer is yes!

Turmeric essentially contains lipopolysaccharides – these boost our immune, but as well as this more well-known fact, turmeric can also:

  • Improve digestion by causing the gallbladder to produce bile and other enzymes necessary for effective digestion of food.
  • Is a natural blood purifier, helping to remove toxins.
  • Has anti-oxidants which help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals and leave us with a natural glowing complexion. It’s even believed to slow down the aging process!
  • Reduces the ability of the body to store fat – essential for weight loss.

So, is it all good news?

Well, as with anything that we ingest, there are words of caution and a reminder about ‘nothing in excess’ relating to turmeric.

  • Large volumes can cause stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhoea.
  • High amounts, over 1500 mg twice daily, have been reported as causing a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm.
  • If you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction, you would be advised against taking this.
  • It might slow down blood clotting and cause more bruising and bleeding.
  • Diabetics need to be cautious as curcumin might make your blood sugar levels too low.
  • High amounts might reduce the absorption of iron.