A strengthening & energy building tonic
Almonds, remain one of the best foods to fortify your body. Almonds, and seeds in general, offer all the vitamins and minerals a young plant needs to grow. This enriching quality makes them excellent blood tonics for those with anemia. Almonds also work at a deep level to nourish the bones, helping your body to strengthen from the inside out. Indeed, the benefits of eating almonds are manifested outwardly through soft, firm, supple skin. Almonds also have powerful aphrodisiac and reproductive support qualities. Just inhaling the sweet, rich aroma of warm almond milk begins the process of soothing and nourishing the body.
Saffron has long been one of the most prized and expensive spices in the world. The richly saturated golden hue is reflective of the powerful qualities it holds as well as its status as one of the kings of the spice world.
More importantly, saffron improves circulation, purifies and thins the blood. A pinch of saffron added in milk can do wonders for your heart. It stimulates circulation and prevents the hardening of arteries, as per the book 'Healing Foods'. It contains an active compound known as crocetin that has been known for its role in reducing the cholesterol level in the blood & preventing heart-related diseases.
Saffron also has a long-standing reputation as an aphrodisiac. It is said that Cleopatra added saffron to her baths in order to enhance the pleasure of her sexual forays.
These actions serve to improve absorption and assimilation of the denser almond, a classic example of how Ayurveda often pairs heavy, rich foods with lighter, stimulating spices.
When your body and mind feel overwhelmed, Ayurveda has some unique tips to ground your nerves. To start, saffron cools your mind while almonds nourish your nervous system. Every nerve in your body is coated in a layer of fat, called the myelin sheath, that insulates, protects, and guides the electric impulses of your neurons. Without this protective fatty barrier, your signals become frayed and irregular, leading to the sensation of being scattered and over-stimulated. Nourishing this fatty layer of the nervous system is key to settling your mind, for as your body builds up these healthy fats, it can better protect itself from the stresses accumulated over the course of the day. Spiced almond milk offers an excellent way to ingest these rich fats in a way which is easily absorbed by the body and gentle on the digestive system.
If you drink Saffron Milk daily it will help boost your memory. Saffron is well-known as a memory-enhancing spice. A study has shown its potential as a natural remedy that can prevent as well as reduce signs of Alzheimer’s disease. It is also said that saffron can help in preventing oxidative stress in hippocampus, further improving memory skills.
Saffron and cardamom are given to children in Iran for colds and flu, often with cow's milk. Saffron, cardamom and honey break up mucus.
This spiced almond milk is excellent before bedtime to encourage gentle and restful sleep in those experiencing over-stimulation, cold, and dryness in the body. It contains potent antioxidants such as safranal, picrocrocin, and crocin that can keep a host of your health problems at bay. Saffron added to milk or tea can help treat insomnia and also treat depression. This spice is also rich in manganese that is known for its mild sedative properties which help induce sleep.
While those prone to excess mucous accumulation should be judicious with quantity, all body types can enjoy this nourishing and grounding beverage in moderation.
PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE
Soak 10 almonds overnight in water. Peel in morning.
Grind 2 pinch saffron with mortar and pestle.
Add saffron and 1 pinch of cardamon, almonds and
1 cup of milk in a blender and puree.
Boil, stirring constantly to prevent the milk from
sticking to the pan.
Pour into glass and add 1 tbsp or less of honey.