Moon Milk And Its Benefits + Moon Milk Three Ways
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Stress levels in recent generations have been on the rise for quite some time now, but the ongoing pandemic has brought to the forefront the reality of it and the importance of keeping stress levels in check. As a woman with roots belonging to the land of Ayurveda, I find myself turning towards this ancient and traditional healing science whenever in doubt. And today I bring to you from one of the pages of herbal Ayurvedic remedies, Moon Milk.
Yes, you read it right, Moon Milk. As intriguing and mysterious as it may sound, it is quite the concoction. Moon milk is a warm and soothing beverage that is known to reduce anxiety, sleeplessness, and insomnia.
Ayurveda utilizes herbs, spices, and other holistic approaches to cure common elements. A core principle of this healing science is to find harmony of the mind, body and soul. To maintain this balance, a healthy sleep pattern is extremely important. And it is something that most of us are lacking in the present day. This is where Moon Milk comes into action.
How Did Moon Milk Come to Be
An interesting fact I recently learnt was, when cows are milked at night, the resulting milk contains higher concentrations of tryptophan and melatonin. These compounds are what help us with easing anxiety and relaxation. This could be one of the reasons why the beverage came to be known as “moon” milk.
Now of course, there is no way of knowing which milk was extracted in the P.M, the good thing is that cow’s milk overall, contain some amounts of tryptophan & melatonin.
But worry not if you're dairy free! Nut milks also naturally contain these compounds. So, realistically, moon milk is beneficial for everyone.
When Should you Drink Moon Milk
A couple hours before you plan to go to bed is the best time to drink moon milk. It is also ideal as a late night snack for a nourishment in long winter months.
What Does Moon Milk Contain
Milk: This is the base which is the foundation of the drink. If you are unable to consume cow's milk, some nut milks also have calming and soothing properties.
Almond milk (how long does almond milk last?) contains magnesium, which is a muscle relaxant.
Oat milk (how long does oat milk last?) is rich in tryptophan and magnesium.
Coconut milk is also rich in magnesium and has an earthy, creamy texture that works wonderfully for moon milk
Therapeutic and Warming Herbs and Spices
Ashwagandha: A non-substitutable ingredient in the moon milk is Ashwagandha. It is an adaptogen, that helps our body deal with chronic stress and fortifies resilience towards stress. This herb contains GABA, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, an amino acid that behaves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain. It is associated with rejuvenation and relaxation.
Maca and reishi are other adaptogens that can be added to Moon Milks.
Healing Spices: Spices like Turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?), cardamom and ginger are traditional spices that have bioactive compounds which assist in relieving overstimulation.
Chamomile: The chamomile plant contains the antioxidant, apigenin which may help reduce insomnia, and promote a healthy sleep pattern.
Catnip: Catnip quietens overstimulation and eases motion sickness.
Butterfly Pea Tea: This herb has been used for many centuries to cure anxiety, support a healthy mental balance, and to encourage deep sleep. It is more widely used in Southeast Asia as a caffeine free tisane and gives off a gorgeous blue tinge to the Moon Milk.
Healthy fats: Unrefined healthy fats like clarified butter or ghee (how long does ghee last?) and cold pressed unrefined coconut oil are known to promote sleepiness.
Sweetener: Natural sweeteners devoid of refined sugar such as raw honey or jaggery (how long does jaggery last?) will work wonderfully in these moon milk recipes.
Disclaimer! While most of these spices and herbs are safe for use, we always recommend talking to your physician before taking any supplement or herb in your diet.
Benefits of Moon Milk
Promotes healthy sleep
Soothing, calming and destressing
Balances hormones
Relieves adrenal glands of strain
How to Make Moon Milk (3 Moon Milk Recipes)
While the ingredients vary depending on your choice, the basic method of Moon Milk preparation remains same.
Add milk and all other ingredients into a saucepan.
On a low flame, let the milk simmer and steep for 5 minutes. Do not cover with a lid.
After 5 minutes on the low flame, remove from heat and strain milk into a mug.
Add sweetener or have as is.
Note: Herbal leaves and flowers can be steeped for 5-6 minutes but herbal roots like ashwagandha should be used in powdered form as it takes longer for roots to release their properties.
Traditional Moon Milk
1 1/4 cups milk of choice
1/4 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (how long does ginger powder last?)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder (how long does nutmeg powder last?)
1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground
1 teaspoon ghee or coconut oil
½ teaspoon sweetener of choice (raw honey, ground jaggery etc.)
Take milk into a small saucepan. sprinkle all herbs and spices in as you whisk them into the cold milk. this helps in preventing clumps. Let the milk heat on medium low till it starts to simmer and turn the heat down. In about 6 minutes turn it off the heat and strain into your cup. Add the healthy fat of your choice and enjoy while it’s still warm.
‘Once In A Blue Moon’ Milk
1 1/4 cups milk of choice
1/4 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
2 tablespoons loose butterfly pea flower tea
1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
½ teaspoon sweetener of your choice
1-2 teaspoons organic coconut oil
Take milk into a small saucepan. Sprinkle all herbs and spices in as you whisk them into the cold milk. this helps in preventing clumps. Let the milk heat on medium low till it starts to simmer and turn the heat down. In about 6 minutes turn it off the heat and strain into your cup. Add the healthy fat of your choice and enjoy while it’s still warm ?
Note: Add the butterfly pea tea flower tea & vanilla extract to the cold milk. Whisk well once more before putting milk to cook. Follow the same simmer, steep and strain method. Enjoy while it’s still warm.
Golden Moon Milk
1 1/4 cups milk of choice
3/4 teaspoon fresh turmeric, ground
Pinch of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon sweetener of your choice
1-2 teaspoons ghee
Take milk into a small saucepan. Sprinkle all herbs and spices in as you whisk them into the cold milk. this helps in preventing clumps. Let the milk heat on medium low till it starts to simmer and turn the heat down. In about 6 minutes turn it off the heat and strain into your cup. Add the healthy fat of your choice and enjoy while it’s still warm?
