A lot of those really pretty coloured drinks with spices or flowers on top you see on Pinterest and Instagram talking about a good nights sleep…that is Moon Milk.
Moon Milk originates from Ayurveda.
** Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine originating from India over 3000 years ago which uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing, including the use of herbs, spices, plants and roots.
Essentially, Moon Milk is a warm bedtime drink, containing milk and a blend of adaptogens and spices to help ensure a good nights sleep and have a calming effect. You can use whichever milk suits your dietary needs and there is no specific recipe as there is a wide array of ingredients that can be added to suit your needs. The goal of moon milk is to balance hormones, reduce anxiety, boost relaxation and helping to sleep soundly.
You can find pre-made Moon Milk in stores or create your own.
Recipes for Moon Milk vary but typically combine milk (of your choice), turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, honey and any adaptogens you may want to include.
Examples of herbs that could be added for improving sleep include rose petals, chamomile, lavender, shatavari and brahmi.
** Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plant like substances (such as mushrooms) that help our bodies regulate stress and help us regain balance from stress.
How does it Moon Milk help us sleep better?
Our grandmothers used to tell us a glass of warm milk would help us sleep when we were little…clearly, they knew their stuff! Warm milk contains the amino acid Tryptophan which helps us fall asleep. This is because the body converts it into serotonin and in turn melatonin which signals to our bodies…its sleep time.
Not only will the milk itself help us get sleep but the ingredients the moon milk is enriched with are good for our bodies and will make us sleepy at the same time. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, cinnamon is an antioxidant and nutmeg reduces stress. The Ayurvedic ingredients added will have their own relaxing properties depending on your choice of ingredient. It is encouraged to go ‘old-school’ with warming the concoction on the stovetop, to bring all the ingredients to a simmer so that the properties of the ingredients can integrate most effectively.
Classic Moon Milk:
- Milk (any type of your choice)
- Spices: The calming effect of milk is supported by spices such as ginger, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon or cardamon.
- Ashwagandha or other adaptogens which help the body to cope with stress and have a harmonising effect on the mind.
- Toppings like berries, cocoa or edible flowers round off the Moon Milk.
When it comes to the personal creation of a Moon Milk, there are no limits to the joy of experimentation. For beginners we recommend the following simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups milk of your choice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Ashwagandha
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp. of flowers or a drop of lavender oil
Preparation:
Gently heat the milk in a pan, stir in the spices and ashwagandha with a whisk. The milk must not boil. Stir the honey into the Moon Milk before drinking, so as not to destroy the ingredients. Decorate with colourful flowers or fruits before drinking.
