It\u2019s probably no secret by now that I\u2019m a huge proponent of a good night\u2019s sleep<\/a>. Easier said than done if you\u2019re a mama with little ones. Over the years I\u2019ve fine-tuned my nightly routine to what works for me. This includes things like avoiding blue light at night and sipping on relaxing drinks.<\/p>\n This delicious cherry rose moon milk recipe is a great way to unwind at night!<\/p>\n Some of us can remember being given a glass of warm milk as a kid for sleeplessness. Turns out there\u2019s actually some solid science behind the age-old practice of warm milk before bed. A 2018 study had cardiac patients drink warm milk and honey twice a day. After just three days their sleep had significantly improved.<\/p>\n In 2020 scientists did a meta-analysis of studies looking at dairy products and sleep. They found that dairy does improve sleep quality. Interestingly, when cows are milked at night their milk has more tryptophan and melatonin. These natural hormones are known to promote restful sleep.<\/p>\n Moon milk combines warm milk with adaptogenic herbs for less stress and more rest.<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re dairy-free, you can still enjoy a calming cup of moon milk without cow\u2019s milk. Certain plant-based or nut milks, like almond milk, coconut milk,<\/a> and oat milk are also beneficial. Both oat and almond milk have tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium (all great for sleep). Coconut milk also has magnesium. Feel free to use your milk of choice in this recipe.<\/p>\n Part of what makes moon milk moon milk are the adaptogenic herbs<\/a>. These herbal remedies are nourishing to the nervous system and help the body recover from stress. They\u2019ve been used in Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years and more recently have come under scientific scrutiny. Decades of modern research confirm just how effective these ancient herbs are.<\/p>\n Adaptogens are used to increase physical performance, calm down, and overall restore vitality to the body\u2019s systems. Different ones do different things and some are safer than others. They\u2019re not a one size fits all. That said there are some that work well for most.<\/p>\n Unlike most adaptogens which are stimulating, ashwagandha is a calming adaptogen. It\u2019s also the most popular in moon milk recipes. Ashwagandha helps with anxiety, fatigue, stress-induced insomnia, anemia, and foggy brain. Plus a whole lot more.<\/p>\n Pregnant women<\/a>, those with very high iron or hyperthyroid should not use ashwagandha. I\u2019ve included ashwagandha powder in this recipe because it\u2019s very helpful and safe for many. Simply omit from the recipe though if you\u2019re in any of the above categories.<\/p>\n In addition to tryptophan rich milk, you\u2019ll find some other soothing herbs in this moon milk. Chamomile may be gentle enough for babies, but it\u2019s also strong enough for adults. I\u2019ve used it for fussy little ones, for pink eye, and a better night\u2019s sleep. You can read more about chamomile here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Another herb we\u2019re using are rose petals. They add a gentle floral flavor and smell wonderful. Roses also support the nervous system, protect the liver, and strengthen the heart. They can help ease both emotional and physical pain.<\/p>\n Lastly, the star of the show is tart cherry juice. This tangy juice has melatonin that helps increase sleep time.<\/p>\n Important Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n The acid in the cherry juice will cause raw milk and certain brands of store-bought plant milk to separate. To test if your milk will separate, add a little cherry juice and milk to a cup before combining all of your moon milk ingredients together. If it does curdle and separate, then omit the cherry juice, increase the rose petals to 1 TBSP, and decrease the honey to 1 TBSP or sweeten to taste. <\/p>\n \tWhat is Moon Milk?<\/h2>\n
Moon Milk Options<\/h3>\n
Calming Herbs and Adaptogens<\/h2>\n
Ashwagandha<\/h3>\n
Calming Herbs in Moon Milk<\/h3>\n
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Calming Cherry Moon Milk Recipe<\/h2>\n