The Happy, Hidden Benefit of Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a somewhat unknown nutritional powerhouse. Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the bright, happy color hints at one of its most intriguing health benefits: it’s an exceptional treatment for depression.
For years, historical and clinical evidence proved the mood-boosting benefits of curcumin, but new analysis of these studies further validates its ability to heal and restore, especially as a mood enhancer for postpartum women.
Most patients believe their depression is caused by a decrease in neurotransmitters. Curcumin, as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent, treats neuroinflammation as the root cause of depression.
This is a huge shift in treatment of mood disorders (specifically postpartum depression) since the origin can range from multiple issues, including misfiring or low-functioning neurotransmitters, neuroinflammation, and/or hormone imbalances.
If you struggle in this area, please reach out for help. We can screen for depression, explain your options for pharmaceuticals (if applicable), and offer natural remedies to boost your mood.
Our experience is that suffering mama’s don’t reach out for help, because they are afraid of how certain medications affect breastfeeding. Please know there are many effective natural options for treatment, starting with curcumin.
Did you know that turmeric was historically used as a postpartum health drink for mama’s in many different cultures?
Its bright yellow colour gave it the nickname, "Golden Milk." Below you'll find two versions of this healing drink.
Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder (or 1 inch of freshly grated turmeric root)
1/2 tsp ginger powder (or 1 inch of freshly grated ginger root)
1 cup almond milk (or coconut)
1Tbsp coconut oil
1Tbsp honey (optional)
pinch cinnamon
pinch black pepper
Mix all ingredients, except honey, into a saucepan. Warm but do NOT bring to a boil. Use a whisk, immersion blender, or transfer to blender and blend until frothy. Add honey to sweeten if desired. Drink and enjoy.
Turmeric Blast Shot
Not the tastiest part of your day, but will give you a massive boost in anti-inflammation goodness with a kick!
3 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 lemon or 1 full juiced lemon
1/2 tbsp olive oil / or Nutrasea lemon fish oil
Pinch of cayenne powder
Mix it up, pour into shot glass, down the hatch!
