Golden Milk Lattes have gained a lot of exposure over the last few years; you can find them in most trendy coffee shops throughout LA and all over the world. The key ingredients in this warming, slightly spicy, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich drink blend beautifully with our herbal blend, so we decided to make our own, enter our Golden Milk Illumi-Latte! (If you’re just here for the recipe - scroll to the bottom of the page)

On the days when I don’t have time to make one at home or don’t make time, as it really isn’t very time consuming, I take a couple of capsules of Illuminate with me when I go out and turn a regular Golden Milk Latte into an Illumi-Latte, giving it a bit more sparkle and helping me drift into a true relaxed state of mind. 

Let’s break down the key ingredients of our Golden Milk Illumi-Latte and what makes it so great for you!

Turmeric
Benefits : Most known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. In Chinese medicine it is considered an anti-tumor herb as it strongly activates circulation. It dispels Liver Qi stagnation, alleviates irritability and stabilizes the mood. It is for those properties that I included it in the Illuminate remedy.

Origin : Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It spread to southeast Asia from India together with Hinduism and Buddhism. It’s a beautiful, flowering plant and belongs to the ginger family. There are over 40 types of turmeric growing in India. It has been used as a dye and in food for at least 2,500 years.

Cinnamon
Benefits : Cinnamon has a very warming effect on the body; it is packed with nutrients, improves heart health, helps regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties. In Chinese medicine it is said to release the exterior, and it warms and activates the QI in the muscles to relieve pain. So, it will make a great addition to a hot beverage when you get the first symptoms of a cold. 

Origin : Cinnamon spice comes from the bark of a tree. The origin of this spice has remained a mystery for over 2 thousand years. It was imported from Egypt, but how it got to Egypt was not clear. Some ancient texts mention that it grew in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Marco Polo smartly stayed out of those debates. It was one of the spices honoring the temple of Apollo alongside myrrh.  Cinnamon was a gift fit for the kings. Today we know it is a native to Sri Lanka, Malabar and Burma. It is also cultivated in South America.

Ginger
Benefits : Helpful in stimulating digestion, relieving nausea, abdominal pain and helping to clear respiratory congestion. Ginger is said to improve the  immune system as well as bone health. A Chinese remedy for a cold is to steep ginger in hot water and consume it as tea; to aid indigestion, simmer for 10-15 min before drinking. 

Origin : Ginger is a flowering plant, but it is the root that has been valued for its flavor and its healing properties. It originates from Southeast Asia and was imported to China dating over 500 B.C. It was mentioned in books that Confucius ate it with every meal. It was even used in ancient religious ceremonies to ward off bad spirits.

Black Pepper
Benefits : Black Pepper offers as much medicinal value as it does culinary. Not only is black pepper loaded with nutrients and vitamins but it also helps to increase nutrient absorption, for which it is often included in turmeric supplements. It is a powerful antioxidant, protects against inflammation and cellular damage, promotes digestion and stops diarrhea. A Russian remedy for diarrhea is to swallow 2-3 whole peppercorns.

Origin : Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world. There is hardly a kitchen that does not have black pepper. It originated from India and in ancient times was reserved for the rich as it was very expensive.

In addition to these warming spices, we also add coconut oil and a bit of honey to our latte. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which is a very healthy fat that increases the number of calories your body burns, thus helping in weight loss. It also contains lauric acid which has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. But the main reason we include it in our recipe is for its ability to give you a quick energy boost. Honey is another superfood having many health benefits and therefore our preferred sweetener. 

Divine Farmer’s Golden Milk Illumi-Latte Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 C. Coconut or Almond Milk (or a mix of both)
2 Capsules of Illuminate
3/4 tsp Ground Turmeric
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Ground Ginger
1/2 Tbsp Coconut Oil 
1 Pinch Ground Black Pepper 
Sweeten to Taste (Honey, Coconut Sugar, Maple Syrup)  

Directions
1. In a small saucepan add your choice of milk with coconut oil and spices. 
2. Mix together until are ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is heated through but make sure not to boil.
3. Remove from heat, empty two capsules of Illuminate into your mixture and sweeten as desired.
5. Serve immediately and dust a pinch of cinnamon or a full cinnamon stick.

Note : If you're looking for a more intense spice, bring your mixture to heat with a few slices of fresh ginger

If you make our Golden Milk Illumi-Latte, send us a photo and let us know if you enjoy it! And if you want to try it without investing in a whole bottle, send us a message and we will be happy to send our sample pack (enough for three lattes), just enough to make you appreciate the difference it makes.

Cheers!