Dr Punam said that the drink is a “healing hug in a mug”

A BBC Morning Live doctor is praising a drink she always makes to boost her health. Not only does it taste good, but the expert says it has “healing powers” that help to boost your immune system.

With cold and flus rife at this time of year, Dr Punam Krishan, a GP based in Glasgow, Scotland, says it’s the perfect time to have a sip. Her “mum’s trusted golden milk” is “literally a healing hug in a mug”, she said.

Revealing how to make it, the recipe of which you can see below, she says you can use any milk but she uses cow’s milk. Talking about the ingredients, she says they all have “healing properties” that are great for when you are feeling run down.

Dr Punam Krishan shared the “healing” drink recipe on her Instagram ( 
Image:
BBC Morning Live)
She said: “My mum used to give us this drink throughout winter to nourish our immune systems and we always took it whenever we were poorly. Haldi Doodh (golden milk) is super easy to make and if you like those wholesome Indian chai flavours, you will love this.”

Dr Punam’s ‘golden milk’ – full recipe

The recipe is for one cup. She says: “My kids love this, I lobve this. Genuinely, it taste divine.”

Ingredients for 1 cup

Cardamom 2-3 de-shelled
Pinch of aniseed
Some ginger (can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Pinch of cinnamon
Tablespoon of honey
Touch of black pepper to season at end

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr Punam Krishan (@drpunamkrishan)

Method

Grind your cardamom pods and aniseed and add to your milk of choice

Add in ginger

Let it come to simmer

Add in your turmeric, cinnamon and honey

Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for a couple of mins after to let the flavours of the spices blend in

Sieve and sprinkle some black pepper and cinnamon on top

Health benefits of dairy

The NHS is a fan of dairy, judging by their website. They say: “Milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yoghurt, are great sources of protein and calcium. They can form part of a healthy, balanced diet.

“Unsweetened calcium-fortified dairy alternatives, made from plants like soya, coconuts or oats, also count as part of this food group. These can make good alternatives to dairy products.

“To make healthier choices, go for lower fat and lower sugar options.” Specifically on milk, they advise: “You can give children pasteurised whole or semi-skimmed cows’ milk, or goats’ or sheep’s milk, as a main drink from the age of 1.

“For older children and adults, it’s a good idea to go for lower-fat milks because having too much saturated fat in your diet can lead to high cholesterol.

“If you’re trying to cut down on fat, try swapping to 1% fat or skimmed milk, as these still contain the important nutritional benefits of milk, but are lower in fat.

“It’s ok to use 1% fat or skimmed milk when cooking for children over the age of 12 months. But do not give them as a main drink to children under the age of 5.”