Sleep is a topic I’m wildly passionate about. So it makes sense for me to share a bedtime moon milk recipe I love. It’s made with calming herbs that promote relaxation and ease. And it helped me get out of a rough time.
Sometimes I meet people who tell me they have a hard time falling asleep and once they get to sleep it’s hard for them to stay asleep. This has always perplexed me because sleep is something that comes very naturally to me. In fact, I seem to not be able to get enough of it.
Growing up with chronic and unpredictable pain, I learned to use sleep as medicine. I’m really good at it. If I feel sickness or discomfort creeping in, I sleep. And generally I feel better when I wake up. I think there’s a placebo thing going on there. But whatever works, right?
In early 2023, I hit a low point and went through what I call a health crisis. I didn’t know how to get out of it and sleep was not working. It was the first time in my life sleep didn’t work. It was the main factor that made me realize it was indeed a crisis I was going through.
For the first time that I could remember, I couldn’t sleep. I lost my medicine. I finally had perspective of what those people who weren’t good at sleep were talking about. Not being able to sleep is exhausting and it became a vicious cycle.
So I did what I usually do when I hit a crisis. I turned to herbs. Specifically, herbs right before bedtime. Ashwagandha was on top of my list. It’s my go-to when I’m fighting anxiety and feeling very stressed. Of course I also had to add chamomile. Not only is it my most favorite herb to drink but it’s also my favorite calming ally. I also used cardamom mostly for it’s favor, but also for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Moon milk is warmed milk steeped with herbs, generally consumed before bed. Nut-based milks are my preference. To heat it up without burning or changing the texture of the milk, I like to use a double boiler. A double boiler isn’t absolutely necessary, a regular saucepan will do. I like double boilers because they create a perfect simmer that doesn’t burn the liquid. And I don’t feel like I have to stand and watch every second to make sure the milk doesn’t burn. They make my life so much easier!
BEDTIME MOON MILK
Ingredients
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1/4 cup of ashwagandha
- 1/4 cup of chamomile
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom
- Dash of cinnamon, optional
Directions
- Using a double boiler, heat the milk until it reaches an even simmer. Then turn off the heat.
- Add the herbs to the milk and steep for 10-15 minutes (depending on how rich you want the flavor).
- Discard the herbs and pour the milk into a mug or teacup.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top and froth with a frother (optional).
- Enjoy!