Get Your Adaptogen Fix with Ashwagandha-Infused Moon Milk

Feb 24, 2017
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of natural healing in the world, and warm milk is nice when you're winding down to a good night sleep. This recipe features nutmeg (a natural way to support sleep) and ashwagandha (an adaptogen that helps your body deal with stress) to help shuttle you to dreamland. If you're trying to assist the immune system, support skin health, or remedy occasional stomach distress, Manuka Honey makes a good, nutritious substitute for the raw honey.

My favorite tea of late is Turmeric Tea, but now this newly discovered Moon Milk is in my top 3.

I N G R E D I E N T S

1 serving

1 cup whole milk or unsweetened nut milk (such as hemp, almond, or cashew)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

¼ teaspoon ground ashwagandha

2 pinches of ground cardamom

Pinch of ground ginger

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil or ghee

1 teaspoon honey, preferably raw

D I R E C T I O N S

Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, cardamom, ginger 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.

TIP:

*Black pepper increases the absorption of the curcumins in turmeric.

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetite