For thousands of years in India and other parts of Asia, turmeric has been respected as an almost miracle spice.  Held as a medicinal cure-all in many Eastern traditions this unique beverage has been used for a variety of conditions and afflictions.  The West has started to acknowledge many of its benefits, thus it is becoming a trendy alternative the “mom’s chicken noodle soup.”  Enjoy this recipe to soothe and balance the mind and body.  Let its warmth, sweetness, and spice give you comfort on cold nights or bothersome days.

Changing seasons, holidays, politics, pandemics… what doesn’t create flux and a little chaos in our lives right now?  It’s important to remember, whatever is cluttering our minds presently can also have an effect on our bodies.  The gastrointestinal tract is especially susceptible to our stress levels and actually plays a role in our mental health. 

When we get stressed we signal the release of stress hormones and increase immune system activity.  If this happens chronically, we can end up with inflammation in the body which wreaks havoc on our gut flora.  This can become a vicious cycle since, if the gut flora is compromised, we can get invading species of bacteria or a general imbalance of gut flora.  If this happens, the invading species can upregulate the production and release of those same stress hormones and keep the immune system in high alert… you see where I am going?  Gut flora imbalances have been linked to a myriad of mental health concerns such as ADHA and depression. 1