Learn all about golden moon milk, how to make it, and why it may help you relax into a better night sleep!
With the cold season kicking in, there’s nothing better than sipping on a nourishing hot cup of golden milk to help me feel better, and it seems to help me sleep better too.
I’ve always struggled a bit with insomnia, but since becoming a mum last year, it has been pretty tough to get a good night rest.
So, I’ve started incorporating a comforting cup of moon milk into my night-time routine, and it has been working like a charm to relax and send me off to sleep.
Just before prepping my cup, I switch off from everything, turn off my phone, tv, and laptop, and I can barely keep my eyes open within minutes after drinking it!
If you have never tried this delicious drink, you have been missing out a LOT.
Despite gaining huge popularity on Instagram over the past year, golden milk has been around for centuries.
What is golden milk?
Also called moon milk or haldi ka doodh (which means Turmeric milk in Indian), is an ancient drink that comes from a branch of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic medicine believes golden milk is a relaxing drink due to the combination of its spices, herbs and other ingredients.
Why this drink may help you sleep better
Other than its delicious taste, according to Ayurvedic medicine, the golden moon milk ingredients may play an important role in relaxation.
Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha is a root that is reported to encourage relaxation in some research studies.
Add in the delicious addition of honey, nutmeg, pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and milk, and you get a comforting, yet spicy combination.
Ingredients and preparation
You don’t need any special equipment or hard to find ingredients (they’re mostly available in ethnic supermarkets and/or organic products stores) to make this concoction at home.
Ready in just 10 minutes, all it takes to make it at home is a milk pot and less than 10 ingredients:
- whole fresh milk
- turmeric
- coconut oil (or ghee)
- honey
- ashwagandha
- nutmeg
- pepper
- ginger
- cinnamon
I like to warm the coconut oil in a milk pot first, then add all the spices to help bring out all their amazing aroma.
Then finally pour in milk and honey, and slowly warm the concoction for 5 minutes.
To help the absorption of all the nutrients, I recommend you don’t skip on the coconut oil and fresh whole milk.
How to customize your turmeric milk
There are plenty of ways to customize this easy moon milk recipe:
Make it super special and stir in your favourite honey (I often like to add an organic black peppered honey).
You may also infuse a vanilla pod in, top with dried hibiscus flowers, swap cinnamon with cardamom, or add both!
If you’re having a hard time switching off your brain after a long day, give this hot drink a try! You won’t be disappointed.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures makes me always happy *and super hungry*!
Golden Moon Milk
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ashwagandha
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 300 ml fresh whole milk
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add in coconut oil, followed by cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, nutmeg and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to combine all the ingredients, and allow to warm up for one minute.
- Pour the milk into the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Cook, gently whisking to avoid lumps, until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Add honey (if using), divide among two mugs and serve straight away.