Moon milk prepared with ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), nutmeg and turmeric is an excellent drink that helps you relax and catch a good night’s sleep. Besides refreshing your mind and body, moon milk is an amazing immunity booster too.
After a day of hard work and stress, a deep and peaceful slumber in the night is what rejuvenates the mind and body. A healthy adult requires 7 -8 hours of sleep at night. However, many complain of lack of sleep or insomnia as the stress from the day robs the sleep at night. A study conducted at the University of Washington says that lack of sleep could seriously affect the immunity. Moon milk made with amazing ingredients like Indian ginseng, nutmeg and turmeric relaxes the senses and helps us grab sleep. Interestingly, this nutritious drink belongs to the family of the famed haldi or turmeric milk which is known for its splendid nutritional and relaxing benefits.
Nutritional consultant Rupali Dutta says that the body enters the internal healing mode while asleep. She adds that the nutrients in the moon milk enhance this process. These are the incredible nutritional value of the ingredients that are added in moon milk.
Rupali Dutta says that milk is an excellent sleep inducer as it contains an amino acid called tryptophan. Besides, milk contains protein, vitamins and calcium too.
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng - This herb has been used in the traditional medicine since ages. Dr. Ashutosh Goutham, clinical operations and coordination manager at Vaidyanath says that ashwagandha can ease stress and anxiety and regulates metabolism too. The root of Indian ginseng is often added in medicines to boost immunity and physical strength.
Turmeric - An amazing anti oxidant, turmeric can relieve stress and improve immunity. It eases gastric problems and aids digestion and metabolic activities.
Nutmeg - An article in Healing Foods says that nutmeg acts as a relaxing agent that induces sleep and helps the mind and body relax.
Check out the recipe for moon milk
Ingredients
1 glass milk
½ tsp ashwagandha or Indian ginseng
½ tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of nutmeg powder
1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
Preparation
Boil milk on low flame
Add ashwagandha, turmeric and nutmeg
Turn off the flame when the milk is nicely boiled
Close the lid and keep aside for at least 10 minutes
By this time the herbs will be infused in the milk
Add coconut oil too
Add sugar, jaggery or honey if required
Drink a glass of moon milk just before you go to sleep
You could replace cow’s milk with coconut milk, soy milk or almond milk.