If drinking warm milk before bed sounds like the kind of advice you might hear from your grandma—well, it turns out grandma knows best again! Drinking heated creamy beverages before bed has been practiced for centuries and has helped people all over the world drift off into a restful sleep. It is also commonly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners to calm fiery doshas and to help balance the body before bed. Nowadays, these magical cups of comfort are often referred to as moon milks and incorporate herbs and spices to help assist the body in relaxation.
Here are three tasty ways to try moon milk for yourself. We hope they help you have the sweetest of dreams!
Adaptogenic Moon Milk
Makes 8 ounces.
This recipe incorporates adaptogenic herbs that help the body handle the stresses of the day. Ashwagandha and chaga mushroom have earned a celebrated reputation for helping to quiet the minds and revitalize the bodies of those who find themselves juggling more things than they can handle. This blend is a unique and tasty way to work more adaptogens into your routine.
Ingredients
- 8-9 oz. milk or milk alternative (oat milk is my favorite!)
- 1/4 tsp. organic ashwagandha root powder
- 1/4 tsp. organic chaga mushroom powder
- 1/8 tsp. organic star anise pod powder
- 1/8 tsp. organic cassia cinnamon powder
- 1/8 tsp. organic cardamom powder
- Pinch of organic nutmeg powder
- Raw, local honey, to taste
- Organic pink peppercorns (crushed)
Directions
- Pour preferred milk into a saucepan and add ashwagandha and chaga powders.
- Set burner to medium-low, and let gently simmer for 20 minutes.
- Transfer into a blender.
- Add remaining herbal powders and honey.
- Blend on high for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the whipped milk into your favorite mug and garnish with freshly cracked pink peppercorns.
Tulsi Moon Milk
Makes 8 ounces.
This earthy milk has a lovely herbal flavor and a bit of tang that is perfectly complemented by the mellow sweetness of coconut. Holy basil, also commonly called tulsi, is not only an adaptogen, but also has been known to support immune health.* Enjoy this blend when you want to enliven the taste buds while relaxing the mind and body.
Ingredients
- 8-9 oz. milk or milk alternative
- 2 Tbsp. organic rama holy basil
- 4 organic hops flowers
- 1/4 tsp. organic unrefined coconut oil
- 1/8 tsp. organic hibiscus flower powder
- Raw, local honey, to taste
- Organic coconut flakes
Directions
- Pour preferred milk into a saucepan.
- Add holy basil and broken-up hop flowers.
- Set burner to medium-low and heat until milk starts to gently bubble.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes
- Strain out herbs and pour infused milk into a blender.
- Add coconut oil, hibiscus powder, and honey.
- Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until frothy.
- Pour the whipped milk into your favorite mug and garnish with coconut flakes.
Calming Kava Rose Moon Milk
Makes 8 ounces
Combining the self-love aspects of vanilla and rose with the stress reducing effects of kava* makes for an ideal blend for disconnecting from the outside world and reflecting inward. Keep in mind that many people experience slight numbing and tingling when consuming kava, so don't be surprised if it makes your mouth tingle a bit. I balanced the blend so the sensation should not be overpowering.
Ingredients
- 8-9 oz. of milk or milk alternative
- 16 organic rose buds
- 1/4 tsp. organic kava kava root powder
- 1/4 tsp. organic vanilla powder or 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 organic roasted cocoa butter wafer
- Raw, local honey, to taste
- Organic rose powder
Directions
- Pour preferred milk into a saucepan.
- Add broken-up rose buds.
- Set burner to medium-low and heat until milk starts to gently bubble.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes
- Strain out rose and pour infused milk into a blender.
- Add kava kava and vanilla powders, cocoa butter wafer, and honey.
- Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until nice and frothy.
- Pour whipped milk in your favorite mug and garnish with a pinch of rose powder.
Pro Tips:
- Start with 9 ounces of milk, since some of the milk will evaporate off. This way, you’ll end up with a full 8-ounce glass.
- I personally find honey to be soothing before bedtime, but feel free to omit the sweetener or substitute in an alternative!
Looking for more Sippable soothing Recipes?
Try This Calming Marshmallow Rose Tea!
You might also enjoy:
- Turmeric Golden Milk Recipes
- Iced Matcha Tea Latte
- How to Flavor Your Homemade Kombucha
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
FAQs
"The combination of ingredients in moon milk has a synergistically calming effect on the nervous system, thereby relaxing the body." That could potentially promote sleep.
When should I drink moon milk? ›
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.
What do you put in warm milk to help you sleep? ›
Warm the milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan until it simmers hot. Whisk well to dissolve spices and divide into two mugs.
What is moon milk made from? ›
Moon milk combines dairy or non-dairy milk with herbs like ashwaganda, turmeric, and cinnamon. This Ayurvedic beverage may help you feel calm and relaxed, which could help you sleep better. You can find pre-made moon milk in some stores or make your own unique blend at home.
Which milk is best for insomnia? ›
Almond Milk
According to studies, the presence of serotonin in the brain can help to initiate sleep. Healthy serotonin levels in our central nervous system often depend on the presence of tryptophan, which is naturally found in both cow's milk and almond milk.
What is the best milk to drink before bedtime? ›
The tryptophan in warm milk can help you fall asleep at night. Similarly, almond milk has the same effect. The National Sleep Foundation noted that almonds also contain tryptophan, so the increased intake of this nutrient can have a significant impact on your sleepiness level.
What can I mix with milk at night? ›
- Add roughly chopped almonds to the glass and then pour the hot milk into it. Stir thoroughly to ensure the almonds are mixed into the milk. - Add the grated nutmeg on top and stir it through the milk. - If your child likes cinnamon, a little bit of cinnamon powder can be added as well.
Can you drink moon milk in the morning? ›
This warm, delicious beverage contains Ashwagandha, an ayurvedic herb said to have calming and stress-relieving effects on the body. We turned it up a bit to give you the Morning Matcha Moon Milk. In this version, we add Matcha for a green hue and caffeine boost. The perfect drink for calming down a stressful morning.
What kind of milk that makes you sleepy? ›
Milk collected from cows milked at night. View Source contains ample amounts of melatonin in addition to tryptophan. Although only animal studies have been conducted with this night milk so far, it could make humans sleepier than regular milk does.
Why does a glass of warm milk help you sleep? ›
Tryptophan and melatonin
Your two best friends for a restful night. Milk (and other dairy products) are a really good source of tryptophan. It's an amino acid that can help promote sleep, so it can come in particularly handy especially if you're used to tossing and turning before finally getting off to sleep.
The Egyptian hieroglyph, mena, means both “moon” and “breast.” Warmed and spiced milk sipped in the evenings to aid sleep goes by the name “moon milk” to many. Perhaps you've sipped on your own cup as you've waited to lull yourself to sleep under its silvery glow, feeling more restless and awake than usual.
Can you take ashwagandha and cinnamon together? ›
Ashwagandha Golden Milk
Add Ashwagandha powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger to the saucepan. Whisk well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
What is Summermoon moon milk? ›
Moon Milk® is our signature sweet cream. It's a family recipe made of 7 top-secret ingredients. It does not contain honey or major food allergens. Moon Milk can be made dairy-free for you using oat, almond or coconut milk; your choice.
Which milk has the most melatonin? ›
Milk collected from cows milked at night. View Source contains ample amounts of melatonin in addition to tryptophan. Although only animal studies have been conducted with this night milk so far, it could make humans sleepier than regular milk does.
Why does turmeric milk make you sleepy? ›
Turmeric milk is believed to have calming properties, primarily due to its potential to reduce inflammation and soothe the nervous system. Many people find that drinking warm turmeric milk before bedtime can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Does drinking milk before bed really help you sleep? ›
Tryptophan and melatonin
Your two best friends for a restful night. Milk (and other dairy products) are a really good source of tryptophan. It's an amino acid that can help promote sleep, so it can come in particularly handy especially if you're used to tossing and turning before finally getting off to sleep.
Does turmeric milk cause sleep? ›
Turmeric milk has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, promoting a good night's sleep. The soothing effect on the mind comes from its ability to stimulate the nervous system. Natural Skin Toner: Turmeric milk isn't just beneficial internally; it also works wonders for your skin.
