Turmeric in the Tamil language is called Manjal, which when directly translated means yellow. Obviously the name came from the colour of the spice. Not only was Turmeric or Manjal a commonly used ingredient in almost all our south Indian preparations , it is also often used as a home remedy.
When we were little and hurt ourselves when playing,and there was blood involved, the wounds were washed and dressed with a mix of crushed small shallots and turmeric.Women applied turmeric paste on their faces to protect the skin from acnes and other skin blemishes. The most common medicinal use however, is for common cold and cough.
Whenever we got the sniffles or scratchy throat, during the monsoon season in India, my mum always made manjal paal aka turmeric pepper milk for us to drink . Although I did not appreciate it much during childhood, I appreciate it a lot now as I find it very smoothing with its amazing healing properties for cold , sore throat and cough during Winter here.
Since Winter is the season where these ailments are largely rampant in most homes, I thought I will share this simple but very effective time tested Winter remedy with my readers here today.
Ingredients to serve 1
Milk : 1 cup
Turmeric :1/2 tsp
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
raw sugar/honey or palm jaggery to taste.
Method
In a small saucepan, take milk.Heat on medium heat uncovered, until almost boiling.Add in turmeric and black pepper. Stir well.Reduce heat and and let it simmer for five minutes. When the spices have blended evenly with the milk , remove from flame.Add raw sugar/honey or palm jaggery to taste. Serve warm.
Cookbook Scribbles
Turmeric milk also aids with getting a goodnight’s sleep at night.
