Warm your winter nights: The magic of milk, honey, and butter
I must admit that as a child, I wasn't particularly fond of this drink. Now, I appreciate its taste and, most importantly, its beneficial properties. I always prepare it for myself whenever I feel like I'm coming down with a cold or my throat feels sore.
A long time ago, before the trend of so-called golden milk, everyone knew about milk with butter and honey. My dad believed in its healing power and would make this drink for me when I was very young. Back then, it seemed too rich and sweet for my tastes, but over the years, I've grown accustomed to it. It's worth drinking as it works more effectively and quickly than many remedies from the chemist's.
Natural remedies still on top
Although pharmacies are stocked with cold medicines and supplements, fortunately, natural methods have remained popular for years. At this time of year, warming drinks containing vitamins, minerals, and substances with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties prove especially effective. They ease breathing and alleviate coughs and runny noses. Infusions of linden, ginger, or raspberries continue to be well-regarded. Milk with honey and butter, to which some people also add garlic, is a well-loved remedy. This concoction is particularly effective for soothing sore throats and boosting immunity.
Nothing better for warming up
Why does it work? Milk is rich in vitamins and minerals that help bolster immunity. Additionally, warm milk soothes and calms an irritated throat. When honey, a natural antibiotic, is added, bacteria and viruses are less effective. This drink also has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. If you add garlic, its antibacterial effect becomes even stronger. In this combination, butter plays an important role as well. It contains linoleic acid, which enhances milk's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. It also contains lecithin, which aids the body’s regeneration. There’s a reason my dad gave me this milk in the evening. This drink not only aids in falling asleep but also warms you beautifully.
How to prepare a strengthening drink?
Ingredients:
- A cup of full-fat milk,
- 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter,
- 1 teaspoon of honey,
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, optional.
Preparation method:
- Heat the milk and add the butter and honey, and optionally the garlic, which should be pressed or finely chopped.
- The milk should only be heated to about 50°C; it shouldn't boil, as this will reduce the effectiveness of its ingredients, especially the honey.
- Stir the mixture until the ingredients are dissolved.
- This prepared milk is best consumed just before bedtime.
