golden lattes

ayurveda is best known at this point for its panacea remedies — turmeric, kitchari and golden lattes. and it’s true, many can benefit from these. that said, ayurveda is the original and oldest study of nutrition that we know of on the planet! its wisdom supersedes the one-size-fits-all approach. if we delve into ayurveda’s truly broad, truly deep understanding of dietetics, we can get even more help. 

the following is an analysis of typical GOLDEN LATTE INGREDIENTS including some variations for each constitution. there’s a RECIPE FOR EACH DOSHA at the end. 

TURMERIC. generally balanced for all the doshas, p and k will benefit from turmeric’s qualities the most. v just doesn’t need the astringent, detox and cleansing properties as much. if you start to get typical v symptoms like dry skin, feeling drawn or constipation, you’re overdoing it. also, please note that even in small doses, turmeric is not recommended if you are PREGNANT or NURSING, HAVE DIABETES or a BLEEDING DISORDER, GALLSTONES, BILE DUCT OBSTRUCTION or ULCERS.

MILK. v benefits most from warm COW’S MILK. vegan v’s can do ALMOND but know that real dairy is superior for your constitution. p should probably opt for a cold or room temp latte so RAW COW’S MILK would offer the most mitigation. while p benefits from sweet dairy, y’all will do quite well with COCONUT MILK too. k doesn’t need the heavy grounding of real dairy so warm SUNFLOWER or PUMPKIN SEED MILK. consider CASHEW for chronic skin diseases or the serotonin, if you’re feeling blue. if dairy is a must for k, know a low fat variety is best. 

OIL. v needs the moisture and grounding from the GHEE. v and p benefit from it’s agni or digestive fire regulating qualities. ghee turns up cold digestion and turns down hot digestion. vegan v can use SESAME or ALMOND OIL but remember, real dairy is better. vegan p benefits from cooling COCONUT. k doesn’t need the grounding but should focus more of the UPLIFTING SPICES. they can skip the oil altogether.  

SWEETENER. honey is heating so its better for v and k. v will love its nerve nourishing while k will love its fat and phlegm dissolving qualities. both will benefits from its laxative nature. p needs the sedation of sweets and maple will help them stay cooler.

GINGER. v and k could use the warmth and help with digestion. p really does not demand the heat so unless they need a digestive corrective for nausea, diarrhea or constipation, they should probably avoid it.

CINNAMON. v will like cinnamon since its good for nerve pain and cold extremities. and of course, both v and k will benefit from the warming properties. cinnamon only mildly increases p so probably anyone can use it as a decongestant.   

BLACK PEPPER. k benefits most from pepper’s ama or waste burning qualities. v can use the warming but should go light. they hardly need to burn anything away! warm, not hot, spices like ginger and cinnamon are just better for them. and p, you do not need the heat so don’t do it!

GOLDEN LATTE for VATA. this latte will warm cold digestion and extremities, increase appetite, encourage regularity, and calm nerves: 1.5 c cow’s milk / 1/2 tsp sesame oil / 1 tsp honey / 1/8 tsp turmeric / 1/8 tsp of cinnamon / 1/8 tsp of ginger / 1/8 tsp nutmeg...mix well and serve warm!

GOLDEN LATTE for PITTA. this latte will cool hot digestion, clean the blood and liver and help heal skin eruptions. you can serve it hot or cold but skip the oil for chilled version: 1.5 c raw cow’s milk / 1/2 tsp ghee or coconut oil / 1 tsp maple / 1/4 tsp turmeric / 1/8 tsp coriander / 1/8 tsp fennel...mix well and serve warm or cold! if cold, you can omit the ghee / coconut oil.

GOLDEN LATTE for KAPHA. this latte will warm and stoke slow, cold digestion, burn waste products like fat and phlegm and uplift the spirit: 1.5 c cashew milk / 1 tsp honey / 1/4 turmeric / 1/4 tsp of cinnamon / 1/4 tsp cardamom / 1/8 tsp of dry ginger / a pinch of black pepper...mix well and serve warm!