One of 2018's biggest trends in wellness and self care in the western world this year is MOON MILK. Dr Sonam Yadav explains: 

The world may just be discovering this exotic magical drink called Moon Milk, but Indians have long known the secret. Packed with Ayurveda approved active natural ingredients (adaptogens), moon milk is a yummy spiced chai latte; one that your mum likely made for you.

What it allegedly does: 

MOON MILK is being celebrated for having a soothing, relaxing, sleep inducing effect.

Our Verdict:

Thumbs up. This one's a useful trend.

Milk contains melatonin and tryptophan which help you sleep better, as do nutmeg and ashwagandha. All the ingredients are easily available to us in India and have natural anti inflammatory properties.

Buy the purest spices and herbs you can get and make yourself a cuppa at bedtime.  If you are on a dairy free diet, substitute with nut milk.  Sweet Dreams!

Moon Milk Recipe (Credit: Bonappetit.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened nut milk (such as hemp, almond, or cashew)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (dalcheeni in hindi)
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (haldi in hindi)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ashwagandha (or another adaptogen, like shatavari or astralagus)
• 2 pinches of ground cardamom (elaichi)
• Pinch of ground ginger (adrak) (optional)
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (jaiphal)
• Freshly ground black pepper (kali mirch)

• 1 teaspoon ghee/virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon honey, preferably raw

Preparation

1. Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, cardamom, ginger, if using, and nutmeg; season with pepper. Whisk vigorously to incorporate any clumps. Add coconut oil, reduce heat to low, and continue to cook until warmed through, 5–10 minutes (the longer you go, the stronger the medicine). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in honey (you want to avoid cooking honey or you'll destroy its healing goodness). Pour into a mug, drink warm, and climb right into bed.