Moon milk is a warm, milky beverage that is often consumed before bed to promote relaxation and sleep. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including milk, honey, spices, and herbs. Moon milk has been consumed for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and its popularity has recently grown in the Western world.
Here are 5 of the best health benefits of drinking moon milk:
- Improves sleep quality: Moon milk contains a number of ingredients that can help to improve sleep quality, including tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted to melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Magnesium is a mineral that helps to relax muscles and promote relaxation.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Moon milk also contains ingredients that can help to reduce stress and anxiety, such as ashwagandha and turmeric. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to cope with stress. Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Boosts the immune system: Moon milk contains a number of ingredients that can help to boost the immune system, including milk, honey, and ginger. Milk is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for immune function. Honey contains antibacterial and antiviral properties. Ginger is a spice that contains gingerol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Improves digestion: Moon milk can also help to improve digestion. Milk is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. Probiotics help to promote gut health, which can lead to improved digestion. Honey is a natural laxative that can help to relieve constipation.
- Promotes relaxation: Moon milk is a warm and comforting drink that can help to promote relaxation. The act of drinking a warm beverage before bed can also help to signal to the body that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
How to make moon milk
To make moon milk, simply combine the following ingredients in a saucepan:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ashwagandha powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Heat the ingredients over low heat until the milk is warm. Stir to combine. Pour the moon milk into a mug and enjoy.
Tips for making moon milk
- You can use any type of milk to make moon milk, including dairy milk, non-dairy milk, or nut milk.
- If you don’t have ashwagandha powder, you can omit it or substitute another adaptogenic herb, such as shatavari or rhodiola.
- You can adjust the amount of spices and honey to taste.
- For a creamier moon milk, you can froth the milk before adding the spices and honey.
Moon milk is a delicious and healthy drink that offers a number of health benefits. It is a great way to relax and unwind before bed and can help to improve sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote relaxation.