Want to learn how to make turmeric milk for cold in kids and adults?
Wondering how much turmeric you can add in your child's haldi doodh?
Have you used turmeric for colds and coughs?
Does adding turmeric to your toddler's cup of milk work wonders for your child's health?
At some point in life, I'm sure we all must have used turmeric paste as an external remedy or turmeric mixed with honey for sore throat. I remember the times when I have taken my toddler to the pediatrician, when she had a cold, cough or flu like symptoms. Each time, apart from prescribing medicines; he always used to tell me two very important things:
- Always give her warm water to drink (It soothes sore throat and prevents worsening of cold and cough).
- Always add turmeric to the cup of milk every time milk is given to the little one.
Most Allopathic doctors believe in curing the discomforts prescribing allopathic medicines only. So when my child's pediatrician, who is an allopathic doctor, asked me to follow these home remedies, I was sure that there must be some impact. I followed it and got results too!
Before we go into details of how to make turmeric milk for cold, let's have a look at some miraculous benefits of turmeric.
First things first: What is turmeric?
Turmeric, a native of Southern Asia comes belongs to the same family as ginger. Deep orange-yellow colored turmeric powder is obtained by processing the rhizomes. This powder is used in most worldwide cuisines as a coloring agent and spice. It smells mild and tastes somewhat bitter. It is also used for dyeing.
In Asia, turmeric typically grows in South and Southeast Asian Forests. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in this continent. It is a main ingredient in Asian dishes. It carries tremendous medicinal properties which is why Siddha, the Indian traditional medicine recommends turmeric for medicinal purposes.
Turmeric is commonly used in Ayurveda for treatment of number of internal disorders as well as for treatment of skin and cleansing wounds.
It is considered to be holy in India and is used in many rituals, spiritual instances and auspicious occasions.
Benefits of turmeric:
Turmeric has been used for ages for curing and healing almost all ailments. A bioactive component of turmeric called Curcumin is commonly known for the therapeutic properties that it carries.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is known as a spice and herb. There is a record of its benefits in the Indian medicine system. A few of the many medicinal qualities of turmeric includes analgesic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, anti-depressant properties.
Intake of turmeric is beneficial in cold, cough, stomach discomforts, fever, liver diseases, diabetes, asthma, and diarrhea.
Application of turmeric heals joint inflammation, insect bites, skin discomforts/itchy skin, burns, wounds, dental issues, headache, sprain etc.
However, turmeric is to be taken as ingredient in the recipe for intake or for external application. The recipe differs for each treatment.
Turmeric for toddlers and kids:
When it comes to the diet of our children, there are always doubts/questions about whether a particular ingredient is safe for the child or not. Before starting anything new, we always seek suggestions/ advice from our family/friends/doctor or someone we trust.
Well, turmeric is safe for consumption for toddlers and kids.
Though turmeric is not a mandatory for growth and development, you can add a small quantity to the child's diet. But, the over administration of the powder, may lead to gas troubles for some kids. Thus the amount of the same has to be limited.
Turmeric makes a miraculous ingredient for external application - be it wounds, sores, skin discomforts etc. Turmeric mixed with oil/milk/water is safe for external application on the skin for not just adults, but for kids too, due to its healing properties. It is a widely used home remedy for external healing and is considered as a cure for a number of ailments.
When can I start turmeric for my child?
Old wives' tales and age old home remedies tell us about the proven benefits of turmeric.
So when can we start giving it?
Just like the prints on each finger are different, each child's milestones are different. We can always observe and decide when the baby is big enough to start consuming top food and when you can get over exclusively breastfeeding. I'd recommend starting it once the baby is eight months or older.
Read about when to start various spices for your little ones.
Can turmeric milk be given daily?
Just like we add flavors like bournvita, horlicks etc. to enhance taste and color, turmeric milk can also be given daily.
It is popularly known to cure cold in kids.
However, it can also be given when the child is not suffering from cold. In fact it helps keeping infections at bay and boosts immunity. You can cut down the portion of powder when the child is healthy, if you choose to give on daily basis. For those who don't wish to give it daily, it can be given twice or thrice in a week. It is best to give it in winter and monsoon season on daily basis.
So let us see how to prepare turmeric milk.
Turmeric milk is most popular cure for Kids. It is widely known for the cure of cold and cough. Its additional benefits include strengthening of bones, boosting immunity and for relieving asthmatic symptoms.
Here is a simple Indian turmeric milk recipe that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:- Milk - 1 cup
- Turmeric Powder - 1/4th teaspoon
- Sugar - as per taste (optional)
In boiling milk, add the turmeric powder.
Let it cool for a couple of minutes depending on how much heat the child can bear.
Add sugar to taste. Sugar is optional if the child is used to plain milk without sugar.
You can also replace sugar with honey/jaggery/palm jaggery.
Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh
Note:
- Always start with a little amount when you introduce
- Pure turmeric powder should be used for preparation of turmeric milk
Does turmeric have any side effects?
Apart from using turmeric in milk for kids, it can be also added to their bowl of curries or soups and other dishes. Studies have shown no harmful effects of turmeric however in case of gall bladder diseases and diabetes in children, turmeric should be avoided.
If at all your little one suffers from some medical issues or is prescribed medicines for some or the other health issue, always consult the expert/pediatrician for questions related to starting turmeric for him as it may lead to complicated situations. If you have doubts about adding turmeric to your child's diet, always trust the health provider first.
Inappropriate quantity of anything causes ill effects. The same applies here as well. It should be always kept in mind that each human being is different and everything that we consume may have different effects/results.
Do you give to your kid when he is down with a cold? Now that you know how to make turmeric milk for cold, you should!
How many moms here give your kid a glass of turmeric milk on daily basis? How has it helped you? Let us know how turmeric milk has worked for your little one.
