My grandmother was a big fan of anything Turmeric. She would vouch for the medicinal properties of this amazing spice. We would see her using it every day in the food she cooked and would even use it topically (in her face masks and treatments)
I recall how she would tell us the benefits of turmeric especially for muscle aches and pains. I would return home after my athletics session and find her all ready with milky concoctions to boost my energy and provide muscle repair.
Recently, I had to look up for her special recipes when resumed yoga after a month long break from my practice. Why I took the break, is a story for another day; so after this first session, I felt my muscles go completely sore. I needed something to bring back the vigor and help with the pain and soreness. My recent interest in nature’s cures stopped me short from popping pills and instead look for natural solutions in and around the house.
I recalled grandma’s Saffron Elixir recipe which she would give me as a child to bring back the strength and to ease muscle tension. The main ingredient of this concoction is turmeric besides saffron of course.
Saffron is also a potent medicinal spice with many benefits from supporting the reproductive organs to relaxing the nerves. It’s so strong that only a few threads is all that’s required for this recipe.
As for Turmeric- you can find loads of material online that shows plenty of research backed health benefits of this golden spice and I am not going into all those here. In short, it consists of the active compound curcumin that has many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
That being said, let’s dive into the recipe that helped me with my post-workout pain and inflammation. Moreover, it’s a superb soothing drink in winters because of the warmth generated by turmeric coupled with saffron.
Saffron Elixir Recipe (makes 3 serving):
7 threads of saffron
8 whole cardamom pods
4 whole cloves
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp turmeric (fresh grated or powder)
3 cups water
2 cups creamy almond or coconut milk
Method:
In a medium saucepan or small pot, combine the water and spices.
Mix them well with a wooden spoon or spatula. Bring to a light boil, then reduce to medium heat and allow to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Next, add the almond milk to the pot and keep stirring while allowing the spices to just steep in the milk on low heat for another 3-5 minutes.
To serve, strain into a mug and stir in a bit of raw honey or gur (jaggery)
Enjoy the creamy sweet texture of this soothing drink and relax your senses with this Ayurvedic concoction
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