Benefits of Ayurvedic Moon Milk for Modern Stress Relief And Insomnia

Ayurvedic Moon milk is a traditional destressing drink that I recommend to all millennials. A great aid for stress and insomnia, Ayurvedic Moon milk is making a huge comeback! 

The name “moon milk” is said to have come from the soft, milky appearance of the drink, which resembles the color of the moon.

In recent years, moon milk has gained popularity in Western culture as a bedtime drink, with various recipes and variations being shared on social media and online forums. Moon milk has been widely embraced as a comforting and relaxing drink for promoting better sleep.

It is the trendy new insomnia fighter.

This Ayurvedic drink is a concoction of warm milk that’s taken before bedtime. In Ayurveda, warm milk before bed is a common remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The name ‘moon milk’ signifies that it’s taken at night time, before bedtime.

This special night-time drink can be a simple concoction of milk and honey. But most people prefer to amp it up with herbs, fruits, spices, and adaptogens. All the ingredients used in preparing moon milk have strong sedative, digestive and calming properties.

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of Honey

Here are some interesting facts about moon milk:

1. Origins: Moon milk is said to have originated in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago.
   
2. Popular bedtime drink: Moon milk has become popular as a bedtime drink, with people claiming that it has calming and relaxing effects that help them fall asleep more easily.
   
3. Customizable: Moon milk can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual preferences, such as different types of milk, spices, and sweeteners.
   
4. Health benefits: Some of the key ingredients in moon milk, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg, are believed to have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and boosting brain function.
   
5. Controversy: Despite its popularity, moon milk is a controversial topic, with some health experts questioning its potential health benefits and suggesting that more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
   
6. Versatile: Moon milk can be made hot or cold and is often enjoyed as a bedtime drink, but it can also be used in baking, smoothies, and other recipes.
   

A look at the main ingredients

• Milk is one of the oldest natural remedies for insomnia
• Honey is a powerful natural sedative
• Spices strengthen the immune system and enhance your energy.
• Turmeric is a great anti-stress, anti-inflammatory agent with potent healing powers.
• Adaptogens are stress-busters that protect against the ill effects of stress.

Milk provides carbohydrate lactose. It’s a great combination of carbs and protein. Milk helps induce calming hormones to help you sleep. Ashwagandha contains powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It boosts your immunity by increasing natural killer cells, alleviates stress, and enhances sleep.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Turmeric

Benefits of Moon Milk

Some studies suggest that certain ingredients in moon milk, such as turmeric and cinnamon, have potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. 

• It has a calming, soothing, and relaxing effect.
• Moon milk promotes restful sleep.
• It acts as a natural Hormone balancing agent.
• This Ayurvedic drink is a great stress reliever.
• The spices and other ingredients enhance the immune system.
• It helps in relieving pain and inflammation. 
• May provide relief from joint pain and menstrual pains.

Moon Milk Recipes

There are several ways of preparing this amazing concoction. Of course, the simplest is blending honey with warm milk and stirring it in a cup. But there are a lot of things that can go on in a cup of moon milk.

Here are my top 5 moon milk recipes that I recommend everyone to try, especially the millennials and their follow-ups.

1. Stress buster Ayurvedic Moon Milk

Ingredients

• Milk
• Ashwagandha
• Honey
• Herbs or dried flowers such as rose, lavender, or chamomile.
• Cinnamon.
• Coconut oil or Ghee.

Procedure

• Take one and a half cups of milk.
• Add 1 tsp of – honey, ghee, Ashwagandha, cinnamon, and dried rose.
• Blend the ingredients well.
• Heat over medium heat and pour it in a cup.
• Drink it warm.

2. Sleep-inducing Moon Milk Recipe

Ingredients 

• Milk (Any type)
• Ashwagandha Powder
• Turmeric Powder
• Cinnamon Stick powder
• Sweetener 

Procedure

• Heat the milk in a pan.
• Add the ingredients and whisk.
• Let the mix simmer for a few minutes and then bring it to a boil.
• Pour it into your cup and sip it hot before bed.

3. Pain-relieving Moon milk recipe

Ingredients

• Milk – 1 cup
• Ginger powder – ½ tsp
• Cinnamon powder – ½ tsp
• Ashwagandha – ½ tsp
• Cardamom or turmeric – 1 pinch
• Nutmeg and black pepper…qs
• Coconut oil – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp

Preparations

• Heat the milk.
• Let it boil and add the spices.
• Pour 1 tsp of coconut oil.
• Let everything brew for 5 minutes and filter it in a cup.
• Dip a spoonful of honey.
• Sip it just before bed.

4. Immune-boosting moon milk recipe

Ingredients

• Milk – 1 cup
• Cinnamon – ½ tsp
• Turmeric – ½ tsp
• Ashwagandha – ¼ tsp
• Cardamom – 2 pinches
• Ginger – 1 pinch
• Nutmeg – 1 pinch
• Pinch of black pepper 
• Coconut oil – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp

Preparation

• Simmer milk over medium heat.
• Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, ashwagandha, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg.
• Add coconut oil and continue to cook until warm. 
• Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
• Add honey and stir it well. 
• Pour into a mug and drink it warm.

5. Moon milk recipe for better sleep

Ingredients

• Milk – 1 cup
• 1.5 cup almond or coconut milk
• Pumpkin puree – 1 tsp
• Pumpkin spice – 1 tsp
• Turmeric – 1 tsp
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Cardamon – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• a pinch of black pepper 

Procedure

• Warm milk in a saucepan.
• Add the ingredients and mix them well.
• Add honey and drink your moon milk warm.

6. A simple moon milk recipe for coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 tsp honey (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• pinch of black pepper (to enhance turmeric’s absorption)

Instructions:

1. Brew a cup of coffee and set it aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
3. Add the honey, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper to the milk and whisk until well combined.
4. Add the brewed coffee to the saucepan and whisk to combine.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: You can also add other ingredients to this recipe, such as vanilla extract, cardamom, or nutmeg, to suit your tastes

Moon milk for  pregnant women

It is generally considered safe for pregnant women to consume moon milk in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, some of the ingredients in moon milk may have potential side effects for pregnant women, and it is important to be aware of these before consuming moon milk during pregnancy. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Caffeine: Some moon milk recipes may contain ingredients like tea or coffee that contain caffeine, which can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. It is recommended to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy to 200mg or less per day.
   
2. Spices: Some of the spices used in moon milk, such as turmeric and cinnamon, are considered safe in small amounts during pregnancy. However, it is important to be mindful of consuming large amounts of these spices as they can have potential side effects.
   
3. Dairy: Some moon milk recipes use dairy products, which are a good source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. However, if you are lactose intolerant, dairy products can cause digestive discomfort, and it may be necessary to use a different type of milk, such as soy or almond milk.
   
4. Sweeteners: Some moon milk recipes may contain added sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, which can add extra calories and affect blood sugar levels. It is important to be mindful of your overall sugar and calorie intake during pregnancy.
   

During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of what you consume, as what you eat and drink can affect both you and your developing baby.

While moon milk is generally considered safe, it’s important to note that some of the ingredients used to make moon milk, such as nut milk, honey, or sweeteners, may contain substances that are not recommended for pregnant women. For example, raw honey should be avoided during pregnancy as it may contain bacteria that can be harmful to your developing baby. Some nut milk may also contain added sugars or sweeteners that are best limited during pregnancy.

Additionally, some of the spices used in moon milk, such as turmeric, can have potential side effects for pregnant women and their developing babies. Some studies have suggested that high doses of turmeric may act as a blood thinner and stimulate contractions, and therefore should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant and interested in trying moon milk, it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine what’s safe for you and your developing baby. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your individual needs and health.

It is always best to consult with an Ayurvedic doctor before consuming moon milk or any other new food or beverage during pregnancy. They can help determine the best and safest options for you and your growing baby.

Moon milk for toddlers

Toddlers need sufficient amounts of milk or milk alternatives in their diet to ensure they get enough calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients for their growth and development. However, it’s important to limit their intake of added sugars, as excessive sugar consumption can lead to dental cavities, weight gain, and other health issues.

If you’re looking for a bedtime drink for your toddler, consider offering a small cup of warm milk or a nut milk alternative, as these can help them feel calm and relaxed before bed. You can also try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for flavor. 

Moon milk for weight loss

Moon milk, a warm beverage made from milk, spices, and sometimes nut milk, honey, or sweeteners, is not a guaranteed weight loss solution. While it can be a part of a healthy diet, the potential benefits for weight loss will depend on the specific ingredients and the amount consumed.

Like any food or beverage, the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is to consume a balanced diet that is low in added sugars and high in nutrient-dense foods, along with the regular physical activity. It’s also important to be mindful of portion sizes and calorie intake, as consuming too much of any food or beverage can contribute to weight gain.

Moon milk, especially if made with whole milk or sweetened with added sugars, can be high in calories and contribute to weight gain if consumed in large amounts. On the other hand, if made with low-fat milk and sweetened with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, it can be a satisfying and low-calorie bedtime beverage.

MOON MILK: Take Away

You already know about the world-famous benefits of turmeric milk. Now it’s time to go back to another precious Ayurvedic milk recipe – moon milk. 

A glass of warm milk has always been hailed for sleep-inducing properties. 

Milk contains melatonin and tryptophan. Two natural substances that boost sleep.  The added ingredients in moon milk enhance its properties. Potent ingredients like Ashwagandha, turmeric, cinnamon, and honey add to the benefits of milk!

To fight modern-day stress and its associated problems moon milk is the perfect recipe.

Try it now and share your feedback soon!