Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D.
Written by Tiffany La Forge
Updated on June 3, 2019

 

Ideally sipped daily before bedtime, moon milk contains a blend of adaptogens and spices to help inspire a blissful night’s rest.

Adaptogens are herbs and plants that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world. These adaptogense provide therapeutic benefits and help the human body deal with physical and mental stressors.

One of the most therapeutic adaptogenic herbs is ashwagandha. Ashwagandha has positive benefits on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems, with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects.

 

Ashwagandha benefits

  • contains powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects
  • boosts immunity by increasing natural killer cells
  • improves symptoms associated with stress and anxiety
  • improves quality of sleep and may help with insomnia

Numerous studies have shown that ashwagandha can reduce the effects and symptoms of stress and anxiety disorder by building a resistance to stress. Research also suggests that the adaptogen can help lower blood sugar levels, boost immunity by increasing natural killer cells, and stimulates brain function and memory.

Ashwagandha can also improve the quality of sleep and may help with the treatment of insomnia. Specifically, the leaves of the plant contain the compound triethylene glycol, which promotes sleep induction.

Try it: Try a tasty sleepy time moon milk that pairs ashwagandha with nutmeg, another natural sleep aid. For an Instagram-worthy pink moon milk, try this version. It combines ashwagandha with dried rose petals and tart cherry juice that’s also perfect for sore muscles.

 

Recipe for Moon Milk

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk of choice (whole, almond, coconut, etc.)
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ashwagandha powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • a pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup

Directions:

1. Bring the milk to a low simmer, but don’t let it boil.

2. Once the milk is hot, whisk in the ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gently simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the coconut oil, and pour the moon milk into a cup. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.