Remember when a glass of warm milk was the most soothing balm as a kid? All the troubles of the world and the day evaporated with each sip of creamy goodness. As adults, we can still enjoy the comforts of a warm cuppa in the evenings. We need to melt away the troubles too, right? Consider, instead of plain warm milk, jazzing it up a little and getting loads of added health benefits all in a single cup. That’s what I see Magic Moon Milk as – an adult version of the proverbial warm glass of milk.

Because so many nowadays are lactose intolerant, myself included, I always opt for a plant-based milk. Oat milk is super creamy; almond milk is more of a neutral palette. You can certainly try hemp or soy or rice milk as well. In my experimenting, I find that cashew milk, with its slightly nutty taste, is my favorite of them all. Be sure to use the unsweetened version – trust me, you won’t miss the sweet. You’ll have plenty of robust and healthy flavor from the ingredients.

Basic Moon Milk Ingredients

• 1 cup plant-based milk

• ½ tsp Ashwaganda

• ½ tsp Cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp Cardamom

• Pinch of Black pepper

• Pinch of Nutmeg

Pour milk into pan and heat over med-low.  Whisk in the powders – ashwaganda, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Allow to lightly simmer for 10-15 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Magic Moon Milk

For my favorite version, I stir in ½ tsp vanilla into the simmer, then add a touch of raw honey or monkfruit straight into my cup for a slightly sweetened version. If you’re adding optional ingredients, make sure to check whether or not they want to be cooked or added after the simmer. Honey, for example, can lose some of its efficacy if cooked. I put the honey in my mug, then pour the heated ingredients in, and use a frother to whip it all into shape. Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream, and you’ve got magic!

Other variations

Add a tablespoon of Coconut oil if you want a slightly creamier liquid.

Want a Golden version? Bon Apetit recommends Turmeric and Coconut oil, with a pinch of ginger.

How about an extra immunity boost to top it all off? Mountain Rose Herbs mentions chaga powder and star anise.

Here’s why it’s so great for a nightcap

Each ingredient adds a bit of spice – pun intended - and healthy benefits beyond just the yummy taste. Ashwaganda (withania somnifera) has long been recognized as the grand dame of sleep aids, and is recognized more and more for its efficacy with alleviating chronic stress as well (1). Cardamom is great for clearing the mind, reducing our habit of overthinking, especially at night, and all those heavy thoughts that weigh on you as you try to fall asleep. Nutmeg is a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial with anti-inflammatory properties (2). It has also been found to have a calming effect on the mind, and aids in the release of serotonin, which can help induce sleep. Cinnamon, like nutmeg, is loaded with polyphenols that work to protect the body from free radicals. It can also help regulate blood sugar, as well as lowering bad cholesterol in the blood.  Black Pepper is also antioxidant and antimicrobial, and holds rich phytochemistry that assists in boosting nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal functionality(3).

That’s all to say, this is one magical cup!

 References

1.       Baker C, Kirby JB, O'Connor J, Lindsay KG, Hutchins A, Harris M. The Perceived Impact of Ashwagandha on Stress, Sleep Quality, Energy, and Mental Clarity for College Students: Qualitative Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. J Med Food. 2022 Dec;25(12):1095-1101. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2022.0042. Epub 2022 Aug 18. PMID: 35984870.

2.       Kubala, Jillian, MS, RD.  8 Science-Backed Benefits of Nutmeg. 2019, June 12. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutmeg-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1

3.       Butt MS, Pasha I, Sultan MT, Randhawa MA, Saeed F, Ahmed W. Black pepper and health claims: a comprehensive treatise. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(9):875-86. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.571799. PMID: 23768180.