Golden Paste has gained popularity for its many health benefits, offering a simple yet powerful way to incorporate the healing properties of turmeric into your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your health or offer it to your pets, this recipe is packed with essential components that have stood the test of time.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ingredients, preparation methods, and storage tips for creating the perfect Golden Paste. Let’s dive in and discover why this homemade remedy is hailed for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Why Use Golden Paste?
Golden Paste harnesses the potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits of turmeric, a spice long valued in traditional medicine. By combining turmeric with black pepper and healthy fats, this paste enhances the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, which is notoriously difficult for the body to process on its own.
Additionally, Golden Paste is simple to make, inexpensive, and versatile, making it a must-have for anyone looking to boost their health naturally.
Golden Paste Ingredients
Before we jump into the method, let’s review the necessary ingredients for this recipe. Each component plays a specific role in maximizing the benefits of turmeric.
- 1/2 cup (125 mL / 60g) turmeric powder
This is the star ingredient. Be sure to use organic turmeric for the highest quality. If using “raw” turmeric powder (a newer trend), you’ll need to increase cooking time. - 1 cup (250 mL) water
Water is needed to create the paste. Keep a little extra water on hand in case the paste becomes too thick. - 1/3 cup (70 mL) oil
The type of oil you choose will impact the flavor and texture. For the best results, use raw, unrefined coconut oil, flaxseed oil, or extra virgin olive oil. These oils aid in the absorption of curcumin and provide healthy fats. - 2-3 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
This is crucial. Black pepper contains piperine, which increases curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. Make sure the pepper is freshly cracked, as pre-ground pepper loses potency.
How to Make Golden Paste: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Turmeric
Start by combining the turmeric powder and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more water if needed. The goal is to create a thick, smooth paste.
If you’re using raw turmeric powder, extend the cooking time to 30 minutes to ensure the active compounds are fully absorbed.
Step 2: Add the Pepper and Oil
Once the turmeric paste is ready, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly (about 10 minutes) before adding the freshly cracked black pepper and oil. This cooling period is important, as adding oil to very hot paste can degrade the quality of the ingredients.
Stir the oil and pepper in thoroughly until the paste is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Cool Completely
Let the Golden Paste cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. The paste should have a smooth, creamy consistency with no clumps.
Dosage Recommendations for Golden Paste
Now that you’ve made your Golden Paste, it’s important to use it correctly. When starting, always begin with a small amount and increase the dosage gradually as your body adjusts.
- Start with 1/4 teaspoon, taken twice daily with food and water.
- After a few days, you can increase to 1/2 teaspoon or 3/4 teaspoon 3-4 times a day, based on your body’s tolerance and needs.
- For those who need a stronger effect, some people work up to taking a full teaspoon per dose.
Tip: If you experience any digestive discomfort or loose stools, reduce your dose to 1/8 teaspoon and gradually build up again.
Important Notes to Remember
When making and using Golden Paste, there are a few important things to keep in mind for the best results:
- Avoid pre-ground pepper. Pre-ground pepper that comes in a shaker has often lost much of its potency due to oxidation and light exposure. Always use freshly cracked pepper to ensure you’re getting the most from the piperine.
- No honey or sweeteners. While it may be tempting to add something sweet, avoid using honey or other sugars in your Golden Paste. Sugars can induce inflammation, which defeats the purpose of using this anti-inflammatory paste.
- Increase cooking time for raw turmeric. If you’re using raw turmeric powder, extend the cooking time to 30 minutes. This ensures that the active compounds in the turmeric are properly absorbed and makes the paste more effective.
Storing Your Golden Paste
Golden Paste is easy to store and can last for weeks if properly handled. Here are the key tips for storage:
- Refrigerate the paste for up to 2-3 weeks. Always keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- If you’ve made more than you can use in two weeks, freeze the extra paste. We recommend freezing it in silicone molds for easy portioning. Once frozen, simply pop out a single serving whenever you need it.
Using Ceylon Cinnamon for Pets
Golden Paste isn’t just for humans! Many pet owners have also started giving it to their dogs to help with inflammation and overall health. However, there’s one common side effect—some dogs may develop a smell that resembles cat urine.
To reduce this odor, add 1 tablespoon of Ceylon cinnamon to the Golden Paste recipe after cooking. Be sure to use Ceylon cinnamon, not the more common cassia cinnamon, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Why Turmeric and Black Pepper Work Together
Turmeric is renowned for its health benefits, but curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb. That’s where black pepper comes in. The piperine in black pepper enhances curcumin absorption, making the turmeric much more effective. This combination is what gives Golden Paste its power.
Make Golden Paste Part of Your Daily Routine
Whether you’re new to Golden Paste or a long-time user, this versatile recipe is an excellent addition to any wellness routine. With its potent anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce pain, improve digestion, and boost overall health. The key to success with Golden Paste is consistency—start small, build up gradually, and take it regularly to keep curcumin in your system.
Make a batch today and see the benefits for yourself!
