Holistic Health - Food as Medicine - Turmeric

Food as Medicine — Day 1: Turmeric, The Golden Healer

Hello my beautiful Wildings

Welcome to Day 1 of our Food as Medicine series, a space where we reconnect with everyday ingredients as powerful, gentle allies for holistic health.

Today’s spotlight herb (well… technically a root!) is a golden favourite in kitchens and healing traditions around the world. Say hello to Turmeric: warming, radiant, and full of fiery solar energy.

Herb or Spice of the Day – Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, traditional, and folk healing practices. Its vibrant colour isn’t just beautiful, it speaks to its powerful properties.

Key Benefits:

• Physical: Anti-inflammatory, supports digestion, immune-boosting, joint and muscle support.

• Emotional/Mental: Can help lift mood, support clarity and focus.

• Energetic: Connected to the solar plexus chakra, the centre of confidence, vitality, and personal power.

Wild Queen Tip: When working with turmeric, I like to set a small intention. Even something simple like “I invite warmth and light into my body” creates a mindful, grounding moment before using it.

Tea Time for Healing – Golden Glow Tea

One of the simplest ways to receive turmeric’s benefits is through a warm, comforting tea.

Golden Glow Tea 

• 1 tsp turmeric (fresh or ground)

• ½ tsp grated ginger

• Juice of ½ lemon

• A pinch of black pepper (to boost absorption)

• Optional: honey or maple syrup

  
  

How to make it:

1. Simmer turmeric and ginger gently in hot water for 5 minutes.

2. Strain into your favourite cup.

3. Add lemon and sweetener if you wish.

4. Stir slowly and breathe in the golden steam.

   
   

Why it helps: This combination supports healthy digestion, warms the body, and gives your immune system a gentle nudge of strength.

Kitchen Pharmacy – Everyday Magic in Your Meals

Turmeric isn’t just for tea, it’s incredibly easy to add to everyday meals. It blends beautifully with both savoury and sweet dishes.

 Simple ways to use turmeric:

• Sprinkle over roasted vegetables or stir into soups and stews.

• Add to rice or grains for a warm golden glow.

• Whisk into salad dressings, tahini sauces, or smoothies.

  
  

You could make a simple Golden Rice, basmati rice infused with turmeric, black pepper, and a touch of coconut oil. It’s warming, grounding, and looks like sunlight on a plate.

Ideas on what you could eat in a Day – Energy & Balance

This isn’t about strict meal plans, it’s about showing how a single herb/spice can flow through your day with ease.

Here’s how turmeric can find its way into your meals:

• Morning:  Turmeric latte with almond milk, cinnamon, and honey - warm and energising.

• Lunch:  Golden rice bowl with roasted veggies and lemon tahini.

• Afternoon:  A soothing cup of Golden Glow Tea.

• Evening:  Turmeric broth with ginger and garlic, light, calming, and kind to the gut.

Wild Queen Reminder:  Nourishment isn’t just about nutrients. It’s about how your body feels after you eat. Let each meal be an act of listening.

Gut Feelings – Tuning In to Your Second Brain

Turmeric is often called a gut ally for good reason. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help soothe the digestive tract and support a healthy microbiome, which in turn supports mood, immunity, and energy.

Why it matters:

• A healthy gut can mean better mental clarity, improved mood, and stronger immunity.

• Supporting digestion helps the nervous system settle, which is essential in times of stress or overwhelm.

  
  

Mini Practice: Place your hands over your belly. Take three slow, grounding breaths. Notice any warmth, movement, or stillness. This simple check-in builds your connection to your gut, your body’s quiet guide.

Reflection – Integration & Intuition

As you bring turmeric into your day, take a few moments to reflect:

How did your body feel after adding this golden herb into your meals? Did you notice any shifts in energy, digestion, or mood? Where could a little more warmth support you right now?

These gentle daily reflections help you build a relationship with the plants and spices you work with, not just use them.

Final Thoughts

Turmeric is a beautiful starting point for this series because it’s accessible, versatile, and deeply supportive of both gut and emotional wellbeing. A small amount daily can create subtle, lasting shifts in how you feel.

“Let your kitchen be your apothecary, your meals your medicine, and your gut your guide.”

Sending Light and Love, 💗🧚‍♀️💜

Cindy Amess | Wild Queen Spiritual