Golden Mylk Nightcap
We all know the importance of a good night's sleep and any parent can tell you the value of learning good sleep habits. But as we age we not only get "too busy" for a bedtime routine, we are often doing everything we can to stay awake, to get one more thing done, and our habits lead to years of exhaustion and depreciation.
In my own experience I learned the value of sleep with my first child. It seemed overnight that my priorities changed and I found myself doing the craziest things to "not wake the baby". It was then I learned that it was more than the pajamas that sent signals to doze off to dreamland and was a series of expected habits that helped develop a full nights sleep - that not only made for a happy baby but also happy parents.
Later when studying the science of Ayurveda, the topic of sleep importance and habit returned to my awareness. Now a mother of three well taught sleeping children, I looked at my own habits and analyzed the difference. If when we sleep, we heal our bodies (and our minds) according to Ayurveda, why wasn't I also following a good routine?
Fast forward a decade or so...and I still have not developed a good routine. I KNOW I need sleep and do get the hours, but unfortunately they are not well rested. I can fall asleep with my head on my keyboard, or sideways in a chair watching Netflix, and usually after a few glasses of wine and dinner.
I know from working with clients in coaching, as well as any changes I've made for myself, that it takes us to be pretty fed up to want to make any significant health changes to our lifestyle. As we neared the end of the crazy last year, I looked at not only my sleep habit, but the "routine" established each evening and knew it was time to make a serious reset this New Year.
And now to the recipe!
Golden Milk is an ancient Indian drink made from combining Turmeric and other digestive spices to warm and drink in the evening as part of a healthy bedtime routine.
The benefits of Turmeric are vast and include properties of anti inflammation - which really is the source for much of our disease. Turmeric has also been known to aid digestion, improve brain function and reduce anxiety. This sounds like the perfect end to the day!
Not only is drinking Golden Milk beneficial to your sleep, but helps us adults establish a bit more routine. The process of making the warm beverage takes only 10 min once you have some of the ingredients ready...but the warming, stirring, and aroma while sipping help to turn your awareness towards winding down the day...and eventually an evening of zzzzzz's.
Just so you know, I love to juice. We have been juicing veggies, fruits, and interesting roots for years! So as part of my version of this recipe I have juiced a good portion of the roots for several nights use. Feel free to make fresh daily or even find dried herb versions available. If you join us for the January 21 Day Liver Reset, this organic root juice will be shipped to you as part of the program.
Golden Milk "Nightcap"
Whole Fresh Turmeric Root ( about 10 pieces)
Whole Fresh Ginger Root ( about 1 large piece)
Juice the roots and save in an airtight container for later or add to pot
1 Cup Milk - Plant based or Other
1 Cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp ground Cinnamon
Pinch of Black Pepper
Honey to sweeten
Warm (don't boil) in a saucepan the milk, 2-3 TBS of your Root Juice (to taste), honey, and spices. Slow simmer until the spices and honey are now combined and stir for about 5 min.
For additional benefits scoop a small amount of ghee or coconut oil into your mug...pour warm tea in mug and stir all together.
I can honestly say that since adding this delicious nightcap to my evening that I actually look forward to my bedtime routine! I am no longer falling asleep sideways on the living room chair. But warming my tea to take to bed and sip has now allowed me to drift off peacefully into the night.
Sweet Dreams!
